Suker kept dropping back to press, but no matter how frequently he did, he couldn't win the ball from Modrić.
The main reason was Manchester United was hiding Modrić, their key playmaker.
Or rather, they pushed Modrić's position deeper.
In the Champions League, tactics are never static. Within the broad tactical system, teams constantly tweak details, try new things, and adapt to different rhythms.
For example, after AC Milan faced Real Madrid, they began trying out Madrid's quick passing "dog frisbee" tactics, with very good results.
Now, Manchester United was also learning from Milan.
Specifically, the Italian style of pulling the playmaker deeper.
Modrić's deeper positioning reduced the pressure on him, allowing him more space to launch counterattacks, distribute passes, and organize play.
Thanks to Ferguson's adjustment, United's midfield had become more stable.
The drizzle continued.
Rain dripped cold on their bodies. Suker had to watch his footing carefully. Even with long studs, slipping was a real risk.
One slip could cost a chance.
Rainy conditions posed even bigger challenges for defenders.
Both teams' defenders were extremely cautious, rarely engaging in close challenges for fear of being beaten.
Manchester United and AC Milan defenders alike showed such wariness.
The sneaky Modrić was key.
Though he appeared to organize with short passes, his attacking moves mostly came through long balls.
In wet conditions, if the first bounce couldn't be controlled, the second bounce would go further and become harder to judge.
Fortunately, Milan's defenders were experienced and knew how to handle it.
However, United kept pressing relentlessly.
If Ronaldo or Rooney pressed too hard, United's defense risked mistakes.
"Time's running out!" Suker reminded himself silently.
Kaká frequently looked at Suker and their positioning.
When Suker dropped back, Kaká tucked inside.
Pirlo also frequently glanced at Suker.
But no good passing opportunity appeared.
"We have to disrupt them!" Kaká thought.
He drifted toward the flank, then dropped back a few steps.
Seeing Kaká's movement, Suker pushed forward to lead the line.
When no openings appeared through the middle, they had to use the wings.
The midfield battle and probing were constant.
Modrić and Pirlo kept engaging in a subtle mind game.
Compared to attackers and defenders, midfielders had to think more.
Every pass mattered; every movement had consequences.
They had to think through and execute all in the match.
Advancing wasn't easy; breaking through the defense was even harder.
So Pirlo and Modrić patiently waited for chances.
"The midfield battle is fierce, both sides fighting hard for control and rhythm!"
"For AC Milan especially, controlling possession was key to keeping attacking threats alive."
At that moment, Pirlo and Gattuso closed in on Ronaldo.
Ronaldo was about to pass when Gattuso lunged hard.
Taking advantage of Ronaldo's momentary imbalance, Pirlo snatched the ball.
"Kaká!"
Pirlo quickly pushed the ball to Kaká on the wing.
Kaká received and carried it forward, scanning for Suker in the middle.
If possible, he would deliver a diagonal through ball for Suker to chase.
But United's defense reacted swiftly, marking Suker tightly.
No clear passing lanes appeared.
Kaká could only play a sideways pass and then dart inward.
Seeing Kaká's run, Suker drifted wide.
Their overlapping runs disrupted United's defense somewhat.
Because of Suker's threat, United's defense focused more on the right side to prevent Kaká's diagonal passes.
But Kaká went the other way, sending a pass to the left, where Seedorf advanced.
With Suker tightly marked, Seedorf gained more space.
Seedorf controlled the ball and charged into the penalty area.
He needed to get closer to goal for a better chance.
United reacted quickly.
Seedorf tried to dribble past defenders and cut the ball inside, but Kaká couldn't reach it.
United center back Ferdinand held position and passed back to goalkeeper Van der Sar.
Van der Sar punted forward.
Rooney battled hard to win the aerial ball and passed back to Modrić.
As Modrić just received it, Suker closed in sharply.
"Got you now!" Suker sneered.
Feeling pressure, Modrić tried to flick the ball sideways to create space.
But Suker kept up the chase.
"Don't think you can run!"
Suker herded Modrić toward the sideline.
Left back Evra rushed up to support.
When Modrić turned, Suker immediately blocked sideways.
Looking into Suker's piercing eyes, Modrić hesitated to pass.
He tried to accelerate down the flank, shrugging off Suker.
But Suker's explosive speed caught him instantly.
"Annoying as hell!"
Modrić was frustrated.
He feinted with his left foot above the ball.
Suker instinctively spread his legs.
Modrić immediately attempted a nutmeg, pushing the ball between Suker's legs.
Just when he thought he had it, Suker snapped his legs shut.
The ball was trapped between his legs.
"Still wanna nutmeg me?"
Suker stepped on the ball, turned his body backward, and sat down to shield it, preventing immediate pressure.
He then passed sideways to Kaká.
"Charge!"
Suker shouted.
Milan's half-court steal caught United off guard.
Kaká took possession and burst toward United's penalty box.
Rain pounded his face, soaking his hair.
Running, Kaká squinted.
Near Vidic, Kaká did a quick step-over, dodging him.
Vidic tried to grab Kaká, but Kaká was already in shooting stance.
"Kaká!! Shoot!!"
Bang!The shot was powerful, flying toward the right side of the goal.
Goalkeeper Van der Sar dived and blocked with both hands but couldn't hold it.
The ball bounced out of the box.
"Van der Sar's great save kept United in the game, but Milan's attack continues. Pirlo has the ball — where will he pass? Oh~~~ shoots directly!"
Pirlo stopped, adjusted his feet, and fiercely struck toward the left side of the goal.
The ball flew low and fast.
Van der Sar had just gotten up when the ball hit the net.
At 12 minutes, Pirlo's long-range shot opened the scoring.
"Goal!!! Pirlo!!!"
"Milan's intense front-court pressing led to a turnover in United's half, immediately launching a counterattack. Kaká's initial shot forced a great save from Van der Sar, but Pirlo quickly followed up with a second strike!"
"Both shots were top quality. Milan is in great form tonight!"
"Most importantly, Pirlo gave Milan the crucial first goal!"
Roar!!!!!!!!!!
In San Siro, Milan fans disregarded the rain.
They lowered their umbrellas, raised hands high, and cheered wildly.
Passion had driven away the chill of the rain, heating the entire stadium.
After scoring, Pirlo ran to the corner flag to celebrate.
Soon, teammates swarmed him.
"Awesome long shot!"
"Hahaha!! We're ahead!!"
"Well done, Pirlo!"
Suker jumped on Pirlo's back, wildly waving his arms, ecstatic.
On the bench, Ancelotti clapped continuously.
This goal was crucial — it could shift momentum heavily in their favor.