Real Madrid equalized the score, which allowed them to stabilize their mindset. After more than an hour of play, the players gradually acclimated to the rhythm on the pitch. Particularly when they chose to cede control in favor of counter-attacks along the flanks, the Italian-style defensive foundation laid down by Capello last season began to show its effects on Real Madrid.
PHWEEEE~
In the final minutes of the match, Real Madrid made a substitution, replacing Davor Ć uker with the tall forward Morientes.
The camera caught Ć uker scowling angrily at Jupp Heynckes, clearly frustrated by the change, but the coach didnât acknowledge his reaction. Ć ukerâs temper flared as he walked off the pitch, muttering under his breath, while Morientes prepared to step into the intense closing moments of the game.
After the re-kick following a conceded goal, Manchester City completed 11 successful passes before the ball returned to Pirloâs feet.
Real Madrid was pressing hard, and suddenly, the ball reached their most dangerous pointâPirlo. His long through pass unnerved the Madrid defense, who rushed in to apply frantic pressure.
Thankfully, Pirlo returned the ball to Thuram, who passed it back toward Pirlo after losing his marker and sent a through ball without taking a touch. Larsson made a run, but the ball didnât come his way.
All of Madridâs defenders expected Larsson to finish, but unexpectedly, Pirloâs through pass found Pires on the opposite side.
Pires sped past Roberto Carlos and broke into the penalty area. Cañizares, realizing the threat, rushed outâbut Pires was faster by a fraction of a second. He poked the ball past, and Cañizaresâs heart sank as he saw it rolling straight toward the goal!
The goal was wide open.
Pires aimed for the other side, knowing Ilgner wouldnât have time to react.
CLANG!
The ball struck the post and bounced out.
After the shot, Pires knelt on the ground, filled with self-reproach, lamenting the missed golden opportunity. Unknown to him, the rebound fell perfectly to Roberto Carlos, who quickly controlled it.
Real Madrid cleared the danger, and Roberto Carlos immediately passed the ball forward without hesitation.
This counter-attack was quick, precise, and ruthless. Once Roberto Carlos crossed the midfield line, he executed a diagonal long pass. The towering Morientes was double-teamed by Cannavaro and Thuram, but he managed to wrestle the ball away despite being surrounded. Rather than stopping for the high ball, Morientes redirected it with a header to the left!
Then, RaĂșl surged forward, initiating the final phase of Real Madridâs counter-attack.
RaĂșl followed up and passed the ball straight to Seedorf, who timed his movement perfectly inside the box. This combination completely disoriented Cityâs defense. RaĂșlâs lofted pass allowed Seedorf to turn away from Cannavaro and, despite Thuramâs continued interference, he powered a powerful header toward goal.
KABOOM!
The ball hit the far post but ricocheted into the net. Real Madrid had turned the game around with a simple, brutal counter-attack!
All the Real Madrid fans at the Amsterdam Arena rose to their feet, cheering, while the Bluesâ fans stood frozen in shock.
What just happened?!
Manchester Cityâs fluid attacking play had been a sight to behold, yet it was Real Madrid who had inexplicably surged ahead. Only four players were involved in this lightning-quick attackâthe two forwards combined to execute it all in less than five seconds.
Of course, there was a reason why Heynckes suddenly made the change from Ć uker to Morientes. In the final minutes, as concentration waned, he preferred tall forwards. Especially against Cityâs defensive unit, which had a clear height disadvantage, Morientesâs natural ability was maximized.
"Real Madrid turned the game around in the 89th minute and now leads Manchester City 3-2. City is done! City was in control of the match, demonstrating outstanding attacking football. However, football isnât determined solely by who attacks more fiercely or executes better combinations. Real Madrid seized their opportunities, while City squandered several chances in front of goal. If they had converted even two of the many shots that hit the crossbar or post, Real Madrid might never have stood a chance. Martin OâNeill will need to reflect on why his team didnât tighten up defensively, leading to this goal."
Richard slumped in his chair instantly. Had Real Madrid just taught him a lesson? If they could hold on for another fifteen minutes, they would lift the European Cup again â after 32 long years.
La DĂ©cima!
Could he change what was supposed to happen? Supposedly, no. But what about the Premier League? City had made history by winning it.
"Two minutes left before stoppage time..." Richard sighed as he turned toward Marina, who was busy preparing a contract for Zanetti.
Catching his gaze, she paused for a moment before looking at him directly.
"What?"
"Are you done?"
She nodded.
Richard nodded in return before asking, "What about the new badge progress? Is it done?"
She raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her voice. "...Have you stopped paying attention to the match already?"
Richard shook his head without answering, his focus unwavering. "Tell me about the new badge progress."
Marina studied him for a moment, realizing his mind was half on the pitch and half on the project. "Fine," she said, closing the contract file.
What is a badge in any case? Itâs a complicated question to answer.
Perhaps your football clubâs most ubiquitous symbol is a storied, heraldic design harking back to the local coat of arms or a sleek, modern design dreamt up to look effortlessly slick emblazoned on modern sportswear.
But why is there a tree? Or a bee? Or a devil? Is that an elephant? SQUIRRELS!
Manchester Cityâs club badge has undergone several transformations since its inception. From the clubâs first badge, which featured a white cross on a black background symbolizing its origins as St. Markâs Football Club (1880â1887), to the Ardwick AFC badge (1887â1894), and then to designs reflecting the Manchester Ship Canal and the cityâs three rivers (1894â1960s), the badge evolved over time.
It later incorporated the red rose of Lancashire to represent the clubâs regional identity (1969â1970), followed by a heraldic design granted by the College of Arms (1970â1972), then a more modern interpretation of the ship and rose in a circular format (1972â1976), and finally a more stylized ship and rose reflecting a contemporary aesthetic (1981â1997).
For every change, the badge has basically remained the same, retaining a round design with an image of a shipâan element featured on every badge since the club changed its name from Ardwick AFC to Manchester City in 1894. The ship represents the Manchester Ship Canal, a key artery of the Industrial Revolution that transformed the city.
So basically, even though the club has had more than three official badge designs, most people agree that Manchester Cityâs emblem has hardly changed over the years. Only three are widely recognized, as the changes were truly significant.
And Richard wants to change it. This would be the fourth badge in Cityâs history.
Marina said, "The three stripes represent the three rivers that run through Manchester. But are you sure you want to change the entire crest like this?" She hesitated, unsure if she should push further.
Richard was amused. What was there to worry about?
Basically, he hadnât changed much at all. He was keeping the design pretty unique, featuring an eagleâa symbol that had briefly appeared on Manchesterâs coat of arms to represent the cityâs booming aerospace industry. No, he was only following the trajectory it was meant to take.
The new badge also retained some traditional elements. it had included "F.C." to signify Football Club, and the clubâs motto, "Superbia in Proelio," meaning "Pride in Battle," remained proudly displayed. These touches connected the modern design to Manchester Cityâs rich history, blending tradition with a fresh, distinctive identity.
Of course, he also had to prepare for receiving a lot of criticism and protests from the teamâs fans. This was only natural, as the badge had changed very drastically. However, in the end, the new badge would stay with Manchester City for almost twenty yearsâif he remembered correctlyâand would become one of the clubâs most well-known logos.
Richard nodded, satisfied with the decision. "Alright, we will introduce the badge at the FA Charity Shield. Make sure preparations are complete and coordinate with the relevant departments and the FA."
Maina was about to respond, "Iâ"
Suddenly, the roar of the stadium drowned out her words. Both she and Richard turned sharply toward the pitch, eyes widening.
The crowd erupted. Fans leapt to their feet, waving scarves and screaming. Some were hugging strangers, others were pounding seats in disbelief. On the field, Ronaldo sprinted across the pitch, his shirt torn in two, a wide grin breaking across his face. He spun in a wild, almost celebratory twirl, arms outstretched, as if trying to soak in every cheer from the stands.
"Whatâs happening?"
On the scoreboard, the timer blinked 91+, and Manchester City had just scored to equalize against Real Madrid: 3â3!
The game was still on!