Chapter 231: Stalemate

Chapter 231: Stalemate

After taking the lead, Udinese pushed forward aggressively, but their two defensive midfielders, Badu and Kanté, held the center firmly. Fullbacks Cancelo and Piris didn't push too high, staying level with the defensive midfielders at most.

In the front, Bruno occupied Marchisio and Pogba, while Widmer attacked Juventus's left flank, pressing Evra and creating frequent threats on the field.

This put Juventus in a very awkward position, almost embarrassing. Their front three, relied upon heavily, couldn't get a shot on target. Tevez didn't have a single shot, Vidal had one long-range effort, and Morata was invisible for the entire first half.

Udinese's tactics were incredibly successful in the first half, making Juventus only capable of defending and not counterattacking. Their attacks rarely passed the midfield, while Udinese frequently posed threats.

Aside from his early goal, Bruno continued to create opportunities. He cut inside from the left and sent a long diagonal pass behind the defense, allowing Widmer to get behind Evra and cross into the box, but Guilherme's shot went wide.

Bruno later made a brilliant through ball to the back post, where Widmer's shot was off target again.

The most threatening attack came in the 13th minute when Widmer crossed accurately from the right to the back post. Bruno headed the ball back across goal, and Salah's close-range shot was miraculously saved by Buffon. Bruno's follow-up shot was also cleared by Lichtsteiner.

In the 39th minute, Bruno set up Guilherme for a long-range shot that struck the crossbar. In the 41st minute, Widmer created another chance from the right, sending the ball into the right side of the box. Bruno received it and passed it across the goal, but Salah's shot, under pressure from Barzagli, lacked power and was cleared off the line by Bonucci.

Juventus committed 15 fouls in the first half, setting a Champions League record for the most fouls in the first half of the season. Vidal committed five fouls, with zero successful dribbles, chances created, duels won, tackles, or aerial duels. Bruno completed 38 out of 40 passes, more than any Juventus player.

Udinese dominated the first half, leading in every offensive statistic except possession. They had significantly more shots than Juventus. Yet, despite their dominance and numerous chances, Juventus managed to equalize.

In the 45th minute, Juventus launched a quick counterattack. Marchisio, under pressure from two defenders, made a brilliant backheel pass. Lichtsteiner broke into the right side of the box and sent a low cross. Tevez's shot from 11 meters was saved by Karnezis, but Morata, who had been invisible for 44 minutes, tapped in the rebound from 5 meters to make it 1-1.

Morata had now scored in three consecutive Champions League games, netting five goals in his last seven appearances.

The home team's locker room was silent except for the players' footsteps.

Despite their dominance, Udinese had been pegged back to 1-1, a frustrating reality. What could be said except that Juventus had some lucky breaks?

Bruno sat in the locker room, drenched in sweat, having removed his shirt and shorts. The heat in Berlin had been scorching, with daytime temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius. Even at night, it remained unbearably hot, leading to greater physical exertion, which was disadvantageous for Udinese, who relied on high-pressing tactics.

Udinese's coaching staff had prepared for this by placing ice packs in the players' training vests, ensuring they could cool down quickly. Bruno was among the first to wear them, now sitting while his teammates walked around the locker room, wearing the ice vests.

Bruno believed the team needed reassurance, not motivation. They had played excellently in the first half and just needed to maintain the pressure in the second half. Patience was crucial; they would eventually score again. Hastiness could be dangerous, as Pogba's pace was a constant threat, and Kanté's earlier foul was almost inevitable, as stopping Pogba once he started running was nearly impossible.

Udinese had executed their pressing and interception game plan perfectly, only lacking some luck.

"Everyone, take a seat. We have important matters to discuss," said Guidolin as he and Portoluchi entered the locker room, motioning for the players to sit down. The room fell silent as everyone looked at Guidolin.

"The first-half strategy worked very well. We completely suppressed Juventus. In the second half, we need to continue using the space behind their defenders and leverage our quick counterattacks," he said.

The players nodded in agreement.

"We were unlucky in the first half, but that's behind us. A 1-1 scoreline is not a problem; we have the capability to score again. You all did an excellent job, so keep creating opportunities, and we will find the net."

Guidolin believed the team had executed their tactics perfectly in the first half, achieving their objectives. There was no need for significant changes. However, he planned to make substitutions around the 60th to 75th minutes.

Everyone knew that Di Natale would be the first substitute. His role was crucial, especially against a defensive team like Juventus. His movement and finishing could make a significant difference.

Guidolin had planned to use Di Natale as a secret weapon. If the second half didn't open up, Di Natale would come on.

The 15-minute halftime break ended quickly, and both teams returned to the field. Neither side made any changes, indicating that both were satisfied with the first-half performance.

Udinese had dominated, and Juventus had defended well. Neither team wanted to change what was working. The intense heat and contrasting tactics meant Udinese exerted more energy, giving Juventus a slight advantage.

Juventus began the second half attempting counterattacks. Tevez was caught offside once, and Vidal's long run was thwarted by a precise and decisive tackle from Kanté.

Udinese struggled to break down Juventus's defense. Bruno was closely marked, with Allegri seemingly willing to sacrifice two players to neutralize him. With Salah, Widmer, and Guilherme missing several chances, Juventus felt their strategy of trading fouls for control was worthwhile.

In a vast football pitch, core stars can only do so much for most of the game. Bruno wished he could single-handedly dominate like an NBA star, but football, especially at this high level, required teamwork.

Udinese's high pressing caused Tevez to be caught offside for the third time. The Argentine striker's main contribution was his offsides, but Udinese's offside traps were effective.

The match dynamic gradually shifted. Juventus had older players, but Udinese's tactics were more draining. This created a balance, leading to a stalemate on the pitch.

In the 63rd minute, Guidolin finally made a substitution, bringing on Crouch for Badu.

"He couldn't hold back any longer," Allegri said with a smile, immediately signaling for Coman to prepare. Evra, who had been booked and was aging, was the one to be substituted.

As Guidolin expected, Allegri had a plan ready for Di Natale. Evra's starting role was to gain offensive opportunities, but he didn't anticipate Udinese's dominance and early goal, which put Juventus at a disadvantage. Fortunately for Juventus, Morata's equalizer in a passive situation brought them level.

Both teams were back on even terms, and Allegri believed that as the stalemate continued, the match would favor Juventus, especially in the heat. Udinese's tactics would become increasingly unsustainable.

"Write a note for Coman to take to Pirlo. Tell Vidal to drop back and leave the front to Tevez. He needs to help cover our left side and prevent Udinese from crossing."

Without Crouch, Allegri was confident in his central defenders. But with Di Natale on, Juventus couldn't afford to allow crosses. Despite his height, Di Natale's heading ability was formidable. His movement and precise finishing made him a constant threat.

(End of Chapter)

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