Chapter 81: Final Drama
"Three goals, and they think they can come back," Alonso said, shaking his head in disbelief.
The Spanish midfielder wiped sweat from his forehead as AEK’s players rearranged themselves for another desperate assault. Their body language had transformed completely—backs straight, voices sharp, movements urgent, replacing the resignation that had lingered just minutes before.
Plašil jogged past, his breath coming in controlled bursts despite the intensity of the match. "They’re playing like men possessed now," he observed in accented English, nodding toward the Greek players gesturing frantically at each other.
The tactical shift was immediate and striking. AEK abandoned its defensive structure entirely, pushing seven players into Monaco’s half while leaving only three behind. It was a reckless gamble—the kind of strategy that could either spark a miraculous comeback or lead to an embarrassing rout.
Monaco’s next possession began with Roma’s distribution. The Italian goalkeeper launched a precise throw toward Bernardi, who was drifting deep to collect the ball. But Liberopoulos had anticipated the movement, sprinting forward with predatory intent.
The Greek striker’s challenge was clean yet fierce, shoulder-to-shoulder contact sending Bernardi stumbling sideways. The ball broke loose, rolling toward Rusev, who gathered it smoothly before advancing toward goal.
Twenty-eight yards out, the Bulgarian prepared for another thunderous effort. His right foot drew back methodically, body positioning suggesting another attempt at the top corner, where Roma had made a magnificent save earlier.
This time, the execution was different. Rusev’s boot connected lower on the ball, skimming across the turf toward the bottom right corner. The trajectory was wicked, the ball bouncing twice before reaching Roma’s diving area.
The Italian goalkeeper reacted sharply, positioning himself to smother the effort on the second attempt. However, his handling was uncertain—the ball squirming in his grasp before he clutched it securely against his chest.
"Hold it!" Rodriguez barked from behind, aware that spilled balls could create chaos in crowded penalty areas. Roma’s composure returned immediately, his distribution finding Evra on the left touchline with a precise overarm throw.
AEK’s pressing trigger activated instantly. Petkov and Katsouranis converged on the French fullback like hunting hounds, their coordination forcing him into a hurried clearance that lacked tactical purpose.