Chapter 215: The Ability of a Superstar

Chapter 215: The Ability of a Superstar

At halftime, the Udinese players returned to the locker room with excited smiles on their faces, clearly pleased with the first-half result. Guidolin's tactics had completely disrupted Barcelona's strategy.

Upon entering the locker room with his coaching staff, Guidolin first addressed the issues that had arisen in the first half, focusing on minor details and small mistakes, but notably, he did not mention Maguire's error, clearly considering his feelings.

Guidolin then shared his thoughts on Barcelona's potential second-half tactics: "Typically, if a team is in control of the match, they won't easily make adjustments at halftime. Changing the strategy could lead to losing control of the game, so they won't take such risks lightly."

"Even though the score is 1-1, Barcelona controlled the game for the most part. It was only in the last few minutes of the first half that they faltered, allowing us to score on the counterattack. Therefore, I suspect Enrique won't make significant changes, especially not substitutions."

"We can't predict the small adjustments they might make, but we need to focus on two things."

"First, we need to apply even more pressure and faster, more aggressive pressing on Barcelona's central defenders. Mascherano and Piqué didn't feel much pressure in the first half; we must change that in the second half."

"Second, when counterattacking, we need to be quicker while ensuring our entire attacking and defensive structure remains compact. The latter is crucial; it is the foundation of preventing further goals. Our goal in the first half was a result of our speed."

Having said all this, Guidolin had conveyed his main points.

Finally, with a serious expression, he warned the players, "Everyone, although the 1-1 halftime score is satisfactory, we cannot afford to be complacent. Remember, this is Camp Nou, Barcelona's home ground. We are facing one of the strongest teams in the Champions League tonight. Neither a draw nor a one-goal lead is enough to secure our advancement, so we must stay focused and play every minute with full concentration."

Di Natale immediately stood up and nodded firmly. The other players followed suit, standing and responding positively.

The second half began.

As Guidolin predicted, Barcelona didn't make significant changes in their tactics or personnel. Their strategy remained consistent with the first half. However, Udinese's approach was noticeably different.

If Udinese's first-half strategy was to stabilize the defense and get accustomed to Barcelona's rhythm, then their second-half strategy was to seize the right moment to strike decisively.

From the start of the second half, Udinese pressed high. Just 30 seconds in, Alves fouled Di Natale, giving Udinese a free-kick in a promising position. Bruno took the shot directly, but Ter Stegen saved it, defusing the threat.

But Udinese's pressing continued, quickly forcing the game into their rhythm. Barcelona's attacks were stifled, and they struggled to create clear opportunities.

Neymar and Messi, who had been contained in the first half by Piris and Cancelo, found their wings clipped. Their midfield attacks were blocked by Bruno and Kanté, while Alves and Alba were busy with defensive duties against Bruno and Salah.

Barcelona's entire offense was effectively neutralized. Unable to break through in the first half, they found it even harder in the second half.

Enrique, clearly frustrated by his team's inability to score, paced nervously in the coaching area throughout the second half.

After ten minutes, he couldn't wait any longer and made the first substitution of the match, bringing on Xavi for Rakitic. This meant Barcelona's midfield now consisted of Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets.

Bruno felt that while Barcelona maintained possession, the game was in Udinese's control. Possession alone wasn't enough; without creating threats, excessive possession could become a liability, affecting the team's mindset.

From the start of the second half, the game was a stalemate, with neither side creating clear chances, but the tension was palpable. Bruno knew this was a test of endurance for both sides; the first to falter or make a mistake would lose.

Udinese stuck to their game plan, knowing it was effective.

In the 65th minute, Barcelona made their second substitution. From his position on the field, Bruno saw the fourth official raise the substitution board and knew without looking that Enrique was getting desperate and had lost his composure.

In such a tightly contested match, substitutions were a clear sign of trying to change the game. Enrique's consecutive changes, without any counter-moves from Udinese, indicated that Udinese had the upper hand tactically and psychologically.

Bruno's goal at the end of the first half was crucial. Without it, Barcelona wouldn't be this desperate.

Enrique replaced Iniesta with Rafinha, a talented left-footed player from La Masia, seen as Xavi's successor and capable of controlling the team's tempo.

Faced with Barcelona's increased attacking strength, Guidolin had to adjust as well, pulling Guilherme and Widmer back to better protect the defense. Still, Udinese made no substitutions.

As Udinese grew more robust and Barcelona's precise machine started to stutter, the game tilted towards Udinese. However, Messi stepped up again.

Xavi drew at least two Udinese defenders before feinting a long shot and then suddenly chipped the ball forward. Messi emerged from the crowd, chesting the ball down and weaving through the box with his exceptional footwork, outmaneuvering Maguire, who could only watch helplessly as Messi slipped past him.

"Messi! He's passed Maguire, the ball is still at his feet!"

Danilo hesitated to challenge, fearing a foul. Cancelo lunged in with a sliding tackle but missed as Messi quickly flicked the ball past him and shot.

The ball rolled low towards the goal, with Karnezis unable to reach it. It nestled into the net.

2-1, Barcelona retook the lead!

This was Messi's second goal of the match, his 10th in the Champions League this season, and his 77th career goal in the competition, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's record.

Camp Nou erupted into euphoria!

"Messi—GOOOOOOOAL!" The Barcelona commentator screamed.

Across Barcelona, in bars, squares, and every place showing the match, fans roared Messi's name in unison.

Seeing Messi score, Enrique clenched his fists and pumped them towards Guidolin.

This goal was a significant relief for Enrique, who had been tactically outmaneuvered by Guidolin. Despite nearly 70% possession, Barcelona had struggled to threaten Udinese's goal, and Enrique had feared losing at home.

But Messi's brilliant goal saved Barcelona and Enrique.

Enrique felt triumphant: "Your tactics may be successful, but I have Messi!"

"F**K!" Guidolin cursed. Dealing with Messi's sheer brilliance was beyond his control. Despite Cancelo's effective marking for most of the match, Messi still scored twice. This is the ability of a superstar.

Guidolin now understood how other Serie A teams felt facing Udinese, often dominating but still falling to goals from Bruno or Di Natale.

Team captain Di Natale looked at Guidolin, silently asking what to do next.

Guidolin gestured to stick to the plan.

Continue counter-attacking Barcelona!

Though they trailed by one goal, this was entirely within Guidolin's expectations.

(End of chapter)