"Milan's aggressive pressing up front has finally paid off. It was created largely thanks to Suker's constant movement off the ball. Of course, Kaká and Pirlo's shots were brilliant as well."
"For Milan, this kind of proactive attempt and disruption is exactly what they need."
Aldo Serena applauded.
He believed Milan's attack was excellent—chances created through continuous active runs.
They didn't sit back waiting for opportunities; they made their own.
Eventually, they got the first goal at home.
After that goal, the game situation changed.
At the very least, Manchester United playing away now carried heavy pressure.
Modrić's expression was very heavy.
He bore undeniable responsibility for the conceded goal from losing the ball in the back.
But at the time, no one was dropping back to support him in midfield.
The key player who didn't track back was Giggs, and Modrić was somewhat frustrated but couldn't complain much.
In the national team, whether it was Suker, Mandžukić, or Rakitić, they all would track back.
Of course, Modrić didn't blame others much; if he were stronger, he wouldn't have lost the ball.
Since it happened, he just needed to find chances to make up for it.
"Don't worry, we still have chances!"
Cristiano Ronaldo immediately came over to comfort Modrić.
Modrić nodded slightly and looked back at the Milan players who had ended their celebration and returned to the halfway line.
"They're pressing very actively up front."
Modrić said, looking at Suker, "I find it hard to shake off Suker!"
Honestly, Suker's interception and pressing ability was impressive, plus he seemed to anticipate Modrić's passing routes — that was the key problem.
"Next time, I'll get the ball out faster, and you watch for the support."
Modrić said this to Ronaldo.
He felt saying it to Giggs was useless.
In fact, he had told Giggs many times to track back and support, but Giggs never took it seriously.
Rooney wasn't the type to drop back either.
Although Ronaldo didn't like to track back either, he wanted to score and had a good relationship with Modrić, so he would help to some extent.
"I got it!"
Ronaldo nodded, then pointed to his head, "You can try more high balls; my heading is very good."
Modrić nodded.
Ronaldo's heading ability was indeed excellent, even better than Suker or Mandžukić.
Recently, the two had practiced this tacit understanding, so it should work.
Manchester United conceding first made the few United fans at San Siro nervous.
Together with the slippery pitch, they feared their players might falter.
Meanwhile, AC Milan's desire to attack was strong, constantly pressing United's defense.
They kept eyes on Suker and couldn't ignore Kaká.
They desperately guarded Kaká, but then there was Pirlo too.
And Seedorf was also lurking.
United's defense was under enormous pressure.
But Milan's defense was also very cautious.
After the game restarted, United's attack became more urgent.
Especially with Modrić and Scholes frequently pushing forward, Rooney and Ronaldo's front pressure was fully unleashed.
United were no longer probing.
They were already behind — no time for probing.
They pressed hard, constantly squeezing Milan's defense.
Ronaldo became more active on the wing.
Although Cafu was experienced, he was getting older and physically slower.
Ronaldo's feints had little technical skill but relied on sheer physicality.
It was very difficult for Cafu to contain him.
Ronaldo frequently charged the defense, turning the right wing into United's main attacking channel.
In midfield, Rooney's impact was no joke.
Though not tall, he was stocky and strong.
He fought hard every time, putting huge pressure on Nesta and Kaladze.
In several aerial duels, they failed to mark Rooney well.
Suker still hunted Modrić, trying to repeat his earlier pressing.
But Modrić had learned his lesson.
He kept his touches simple and quick in defense, taking one touch and moving on, connecting play smoothly and giving Suker no chance to press.
Many midfielders like to show off their skills occasionally.
Pirlo loved the "dog frisbee" tactic because he could show off his technique.
Modrić felt somewhat mature beyond his years, with a plain style.
He kept passing, passing, passing — not flashy but always keeping the rhythm moving forward.
When he reached midfield or the opponent's half, he could also deliver deadly passes.
At 23 minutes, during a passing sequence, United pushed forward.
Rooney sprinted ahead, raising his hand calling for a pass.
Modrić received the ball near the left flank, looked up at Milan's penalty box.
Rooney and Giggs were tightly marked.
But a gap opened at the far post.
Modrić flicked the ball sideways, dodging Pirlo's pressure, and struck it with the outside of his right foot.
The move was just like his signature outside-foot shot.
The ball flew over Milan's dense defense toward the far post.
"Far post!"
Dida quickly judged and twisted to look.
Just as he moved, he saw Ronaldo already airborne.
Ronaldo jumped well, his body slightly tilted, using core strength to keep balance, and fiercely headed the ball.
Bang!The ball bounced on the ground, brushed the right post, and quickly slid into the net.
At 23 minutes, just eleven minutes after Milan's goal, United equalized.
Modrić assisted Ronaldo, and they tied the score.
"Goal!!! Little Ronaldo's header! Manchester United equalizes!"
"Modrić's outside-foot pass was superb — the ball precisely found space at the far post. Yankulovski couldn't mark Ronaldo immediately, and Dida had no chance to save after making his decision!"
"Modrić lost the ball in defense but redeemed himself by orchestrating this brilliant counterattack!"
"This is Manchester United! This is the Red Devils!"
The British commentator shouted joyfully, "Manchester United have leveled the score!"
After scoring, Ronaldo excitedly ran to the corner flag and posed with his signature celebration.
Meanwhile, Milan players including Suker sighed.
This was like a curse!
They just scored, but these guys immediately took back control.
Modrić's pass and Ronaldo's header helped United equalize.
On the sidelines, Ferguson breathed a sigh of relief.
He clapped continuously, proud of his players.
"Not easy at all!"
Suker shook his head.
They hadn't relaxed long after scoring; United had already caught up.
Now the score was even again.
Indeed, United was tough to play against!
Especially after Modrić joined, this United was even stronger.
But Suker didn't lose heart.
He still had Kaká.
There would be chances.
Moreover, Kaká was gradually settling into the game, and would soon be a big help.
"Sleepy!"
Suker turned and called out, "Forward! Pass forward! No more back passes — too risky!"
Pirlo nodded.
Their defense wasn't that solid, but out of habit they often tried building from the back.
Now, the situation called for more forward passes.
"Come on! Come on!"
"Cheer up!"
"Forwards! Score another one!"
"Go, Kaká!!"
"We're counting on you, Suker!"
Milan fans kept cheering loudly.
Though the score was tied, the match was far from over.
Their attack was still effective.
They just needed more chances.