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Here's a light joke: I threw a boomerang couple years ago.
Now I live in constant fear .
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***
After the ceremony, Adriano and the others flew back to Manchester the next day to prepare for their next upcoming Premier League clash.
That "next one" was a tricky away game against Southampton, one of the most organized teams in the league that season. They weren't flashy, but they were compact, drilled, and hard to break down.
At the team meeting later that morning, the analysts presented clips of Southampton's recent games. They focused on how the Saints defended in a 4–4–2 block and relied on quick transitions through their fullbacks and central midfielders. Adriano, sitting between Silva and Salah, took notes without saying much.
"We have to be patient," Pellegrini told the group. "Control the game, not rush it. Play in their half. Don't give them easy turnovers."
He looked to the attacking core—Hazard, De Bruyne, Salah, Adriano and Aguero.
"They're organized. They don't give you space. So make it. Move. Rotate. Trust each other."
The message was clear. While the CSKA win had been a statement in Europe, the Premier League demanded consistency. No off days. No time to soak in the applause.
As the squad moved out onto the pitch later that afternoon for a light session, some of the younger players approached Adriano during warmups. One of the academy midfielders, just promoted to first-team training, asked him about the free kick.
"You aim for the corner or the space?"
Adriano didn't hesitate. "Space behind the wall. If the wall jumps, top corner. If they don't, inside post. Keeper's blind either way."
The youngster nodded. Adriano added, "Doesn't matter if it's a training ground or full stadium. Technique's the same."
The small interaction reflected something else: despite the noise, despite everything off the pitch, Adriano remained a steady figure. To the younger players, he was a standard. To the veterans, he was dependable. Inside City's walls, that hadn't changed.
Outside, though, the media still found ways to stir.
Some pundits wondered aloud on morning shows if Adriano would get "distracted again" once international duty came up. Others speculated whether Pellegrini would need to rotate him to protect his focus.
But in Manchester, the mood was clear. The fans had already moved on from the gossip. What mattered was form. And right now, Adriano was in it.
Ticket sales for the next home match surged. Club shop staff said his shirts were being requested again—especially with his name printed in gold. One employee even joked that "Adriano 10" sales spiked every time he went quiet in the press and loud on the pitch.
Online, fans were dissecting the CSKA match in slow-motion clips. One post highlighting Adriano's first touch before his second goal had over a hundred thousand views. Another broke down his movement in the lead-up to Silva's opener.
It wasn't just goals—they were watching how he influenced the game.
That recognition, subtle as it was, meant something to Adriano.
In the evening, he stayed late after training, doing finishing drills with the assistant coach. Kane stayed behind too. No cameras. No interviews. Just repetition.
Side foot, near post. Laces, top corner. One-touch volleys. Turn-and-shoot drills. Same patterns, over and over again.
"You think they'll double up on us Sunday?" Kane asked as they walked back in.
"They'll try," Adriano said. "We just have to play quicker."
Kane nodded. "We'll be ready."
They were. But it was still early in the week. Matchday was a few days away. The buzz from CSKA would fade by then. The headlines would quiet down. But inside the club, the expectation wouldn't.
And Adriano knew it. The only way forward was the same way he'd always approached things—quietly, with control, and through football.
***
As Adriano walked into the gym, he was greeted immediately.
"Morning, Beckham Jr.," said Joe Hart, smirking. "Front page of The Sun again, mate. Two goals and a free-kick, then Ballon D'or nomination—can't even give the rest of us a chance."
Fernandinho grinned. "Is it true Pellegrini's giving you your own wing in the building now?"
Silva walked past and gave him a light tap on the back. "You okay, hermano? Not tired ?"
Adriano nodded. "I'm good bro."
"Let me know if you feel something off," Silva replied, not asking more.
The staff kept things light. Stretching, massage, video review. Pellegrini said very little about the media noise. He didn't need to. The way Adriano had handled the CSKA match spoke for itself.
But the press hadn't stopped. Every paper had their version of the match. The Manchester Evening News ran a clean headline—"Adriano Silences the Noise"—but others were less subtle.
"Hollywood Ending for City's Star"
" Adriano comes close to lifting the Ballon at just 18!"
"Love Life or Legacy? Adriano Walks the Tightrope"
" Next year Ballon D'or winner ?"
Adriano didn't bother reading most of them. He skimmed the headlines during breakfast and left it at that. It was background noise now. He was used to that. All he cared about was keeping the momentum.
As the week progressed, training shifted toward the next challenge—an away trip to Southampton. The Saints had been tough at home that season, physically intense and well-organized under their new manager. It wouldn't be a simple match.
During tactical meetings, Pellegrini stressed two things—transition defense and width.
"They'll press early," he said in the film room. "So we have to be calm under pressure. Use the full width. Stretch their midfield."
The likely eleven was mostly the same, though there were considerations for rotation. Kane might sit this one out for Aguero. Yaya Touré was back in training and pushing for minutes. Kolarov had taken a knock and might be rested.
Adriano, though, was starting.
"He's earned the right," Pellegrini told the staff privately. "He's carrying pressure and still delivering. That's what leaders do."
By Friday, the squad flew out to the south coast. The mood was quiet but focused. On the bus from the hotel to the stadium, Adriano had his headphones in, eyes closed, reviewing set pieces in his head.
Kate had sent another message that morning—"Hope it's a quiet crowd. Don't need more noise unless it's applause."
He replied simply: "Won't give them a choice."
***
Matchday: Southampton vs Manchester City
Venue: St. Mary's Stadium
Competition: Premier League
The weather was overcast. A bit of wind, typical for the south coast. St Mary's was nearly full, the home fans ready to test a title-chasing side.
City came out for warm-ups to a mix of cheers and light boos. Adriano was clearly the center of attention, coming off the Ballon D'or ceremony. Every time he touched the ball during warm-ups, cameras flashed.
Back in the tunnel, Kompany pulled him aside.
"You're good and focused , yeah?"
Adriano chuckled, " I guess."
"No crowd, no papers, no cameras. Just us and the game buddy." He gave a light smack on his shoulder .
Adriano smiled and gave a quiet nod. Then the whistle blew—and the game began.
The pitch was slick from a light drizzle earlier in the day. Cool air swept across the South Coast, but inside St. Mary's Stadium, the mood was anything but quiet. Southampton fans filled the stands with noise and optimism—City were visiting, and the home crowd wanted to make their presence felt.
Manchester City had arrived in form. After a convincing win over CSKA Moskva, confidence flowed.
Pellegrini went with his trusted 4-2-3-1 formation. Hart started in goal, protected by a back four of Zabaleta, Kompany, Hummels, and Kolarov. Casemiro anchored midfield alongside De Bruyne, with Adriano as the central attacking midfielder. Hazard and Salah worked the wings, while Aguero, fit again after a brief injury layoff, led the line.
Southampton shaped up in a 4-4-2, with Ward-Prowse and Romeu in the center, tasked with closing down space. Long and Redmond operated up top, aiming to stretch City's defense with pace. Their tactical plan was clear—block central spaces, hit wide channels, and double up on Adriano whenever he drifted into dangerous areas.
***
From the opening whistle, it was clear Southampton weren't sitting back. They pressed high, forcing City to work through their defensive third. Early on, Aguero dropped deeper to help circulate possession, while Adriano stayed central—closely tracked by Romeu.
In the 7th minute, City had their first real chance. De Bruyne won the ball in midfield and slipped a pass between two defenders toward Hazard, who raced down the left and cut it back across the box. Adriano arrived late and struck it first time—but his shot clipped a defender and went over the bar.
Martin Tyler, on commentary, observed, "That timing from Adriano—so sharp. Southampton will need to stay alert, because he only needs one."
The corner that followed led to nothing, but City were growing into the match. De Bruyne dictated tempo, while Casemiro found pockets of space just behind the Southampton midfield.
City had been probing with intent, stretching Southampton side to side, trying to open pockets through the middle. In the 18th minute, the breakthrough came—sharp, well-timed, and unmistakably deliberate.
It started with Casemiro winning a loose ball near the halfway line. Without hesitation, he threaded a low pass through midfield into Adriano's feet. Adriano didn't dwell. Under pressure, he immediately laid it off to Salah, who had peeled wide into space down the right.
Salah took one glance up and whipped in a low cross across the face of goal. It was firm, skipping just above the turf, aimed into the danger zone. Aguero made a purposeful near-post run, dragging both Vestergaard and Bednarek with him—exactly as rehearsed. That movement opened a massive channel in the middle.
Adriano read it instantly. He didn't charge toward the ball. He held his position at the penalty spot, staying just behind the play, undetected. As the cross zipped past Aguero, Adriano stepped into it and met the ball with his side foot—clean, controlled, and placed with precision.
The strike was low, skimming the grass and tucking just inside the far post. McCarthy stretched fully, fingertips brushing air—but he was never getting there.
GOAL ANNOUNCER: "GOOOOOAAAALLL! ADRIANO! CLINICAL FROM MANCHESTER CITY! 1–0 AT ST MARY'S!"
The away fans erupted in noise, arms thrown up, chants already starting. Adriano didn't sprint away in wild celebration. He turned calmly, raised one arm to the crowd, then tapped the City badge on his chest. His teammates swarmed him seconds later—De Bruyne was first to reach him, wrapping an arm around his shoulder and pointing back at Salah.
Aguero followed, patting Adriano on the back with a knowing grin, as if to say, "You finish, I pull defenders—job done." Even Kompany came jogging up from the back, clapping and nodding, mouthing, "That's the one."
Pellegrini applauded on the touchline, his face barely changing—but his eyes tracked Adriano the whole way back to the center circle.
Alan Smith (commentary): "That's intelligent football. Salah's delivery was excellent, but the real credit goes to Aguero for the decoy run and Adriano for the composure. He waits. He picks his moment. And then—bang—no fuss. One nil."
Martin Tyler: "That's why he scores so many. It's not just about power. It's the patience, the timing, the understanding of space. He doesn't need five chances. Sometimes, just one."
As the game restarted, Adriano gave a quick thumbs up to Salah and said something short—possibly "perfect ball"—before turning his focus forward again. It wasn't just a goal. It was a moment of execution at the highest level, a sequence that showed why City were so dangerous, and why Adriano remained their most reliable weapon in front of goal.
Southampton, to their credit, responded. They held possession for a short spell and, in the 23rd minute, won a free kick after Kompany fouled Redmond just outside the area. Ward-Prowse stepped up and curled a right-footed effort that skimmed inches wide of Hart's right post.
City adjusted, slightly more compact between the lines. Zabaleta tucked infield more frequently to cover Redmond's drifts. Kolarov pushed high to pin back Southampton's wide players. On the ball, City slowed the tempo, cycling possession, drawing Southampton's midfield out of shape.
In the 30th minute, a Southampton corner caused a scare. Ward-Prowse's delivery found Vestergaard at the back post. His header was powerful but wide. Moments later, Long was caught offside after a flick from Redmond released him behind City's high line.
City's second goal in the 34th minute was a product of calm pressure, intelligent movement, and two players operating on the same wavelength. It began as a slow build-up from the back, with Hummels playing into Casemiro, who found De Bruyne between the lines. Southampton were compact, but De Bruyne didn't force anything—he waited, took two controlled touches, then suddenly burst past Ward-Prowse with a sharp turn of pace.
That run forced Southampton's shape to buckle. Romeu stepped forward to close him down. Targett hesitated. That hesitation was enough. De Bruyne saw the moment and executed—he disguised the pass beautifully, shaping like he would go wide but instead slotting a perfectly weighted ball into Adriano's path just at the top of the D.
Adriano was already peeling off his marker. He didn't take an extra touch to think about it. Just one to control the ball, drag it left with the inside of his right foot. Romeu lunged to recover, but Adriano sold him with a subtle shoulder drop—Romeu bit, leaned the wrong way, and in that fraction of space, Adriano opened up his body and let fly with a curling left-footed strike.
The shot was clean. Not powerful, but shaped to perfection—arcing away from McCarthy's reach, tucking into the far side netting with a glide that made it look like it had been passed in. McCarthy dove full stretch. He didn't get close.
GOAL ANNOUNCER: "IT'S ADRIANO AGAIN! A BRILLIANT FINISH TO MAKE IT 2–0 TO MANCHESTER CITY!"
The away end exploded. Scarves were lifted, a wall of blue and white behind the goal. Some fans jumped in place, others simply stood still, clapping and chanting his name.
Adriano didn't sprint to the corner flag. No knee slide. No leap. Instead, he pointed straight at De Bruyne—expression flat but appreciative—and gave a short, respectful bow.
De Bruyne laughed and mouthed something like, "Oh, come on," clearly trying to deflect the praise. But the rest of the squad wasn't having it. Zabaleta and Casemiro came jogging in from midfield. Aguero was already there, giving Adriano a little punch to the arm before pulling him into a brief hug.
Even Kompany from center-back raised both fists toward the dugout, nodding in approval.
On the touchline, Pellegrini offered a single clap—then turned to his assistant and said something while gesturing toward the midfield line. Always thinking ahead.
Martin Tyler (commentary): "That's just composure of the highest level. He's in traffic, one man pressing, another closing, and yet he finds the corner like it's a training ground finish."
Alan Smith: "You give him that window, even a tight one—and he'll find it. De Bruyne's pass was lovely, but the real brilliance was how Adriano froze Romeu. No wasted motion, no panic. Just clean, clinical execution."
The mood inside St. Mary's shifted. The home fans sat in silence, some already muttering, shaking heads. On the City bench, even the substitutes were up clapping. The goal felt heavier than just a second. It underlined who was in control.
As play restarted, Adriano jogged back into position, sharing a quick hug with De Bruyne. Just a quiet exchange of recognition between two players who knew exactly what they'd done.
Martin Tyler said, "He's locked in. He's not just scoring—he's controlling the match. Are we gonna get a third? "
Southampton looked rattled. They tried to hit back before halftime. In the 41st minute, a quick counter led to a chance for Redmond, but his low shot was saved comfortably by Hart.
The half ended 2–0. City had been efficient, composed, and ruthless. Pellegrini didn't change anything at the break. After the short break, the players took the field for second half.
City resumed control straight away. Southampton tried to push higher, leaving space in behind. That proved costly.
In the 51st minute, City were in complete rhythm, dictating the pace with minimal urgency but total control. The move began with a simple throw-in on the left side, just past midfield. Kolarov jogged over, wiped the ball quickly on his shirt, and tossed it short into De Bruyne's feet.
Southampton had pushed slightly higher, trying to claw back some momentum, which left them vulnerable between the lines. De Bruyne, with his usual calm, let the ball roll across his body and took one sharp touch to open up the pitch. Then, with barely a glance, he delivered a perfectly weighted diagonal ball—angled and curling slightly—threading it between the center-backs into the green space behind them.
The timing was everything. Adriano had been hovering in an offside-looking position, toeing the line. The moment the ball left De Bruyne's boot, Adriano darted into the gap—onside by inches. His acceleration was immediate, his stride confident, and as he broke through the back line, there was no hesitation.
Martin Tyler (commentary): "This could be it... Adriano's in again... Look at that timing!"
The ball bounced once, and Adriano let it run across his body as he approached the box. With his first touch, he cushioned it delicately forward with his right foot, killing its momentum while keeping full speed. McCarthy rushed off his line, narrowing the angle. The defenders were scrambling behind but too far to intervene.
Adriano never broke stride. His body leaned slightly to the right as if he might open up for a lofted shot. Instead, he dragged the ball back across his body and struck it with his left foot, firm and precise. The shot zipped low and fast, skimming the turf, and tucked into the bottom left corner just beyond the keeper's outstretched gloves.
GOAL ANNOUNCER: "HAT TRICK HERO—ADRIANO! THREE–NIL FOR MANCHESTER CITY!"
The net rippled, and before the ball even bounced back out, the away fans behind the goal erupted. Arms flew into the air. Scarves were waved. Flares lit in the corner of the stands. A deep chorus of "Adriano! Adriano!" filled the stadium.
Adriano slowed his run, raised both arms, and pointed directly at the traveling supporters. He turned and tapped the City crest on his shirt, then formed three fingers with one hand while clenching the other in a fist—subtle, not showy, but unmistakably proud.
Kane, who was warming up, applauded on the sideline. Aguero, already subbed off and seated on the bench, stood and clapped hard, exchanging looks with Pellegrini.
Zabaleta was the first to reach Adriano, throwing both arms around him and ruffling his hair. Casemiro followed, grinning wide and yelling something in Portuguese. De Bruyne arrived last, nodding once as Adriano grabbed the back of his head and said something into his ear—likely a quiet thank you for the pass.
Alan Smith (commentary): "Three finishes. Three different styles. That's what separates him. One from close range, one from the edge of the box, and now this—timing the run, composure under pressure, and a finish you'd expect from a veteran striker. That's not just talent. That's instinct combined with intelligence."
Martin Tyler: "And the awareness. He doesn't rush. Doesn't panic. He knew exactly where that shot needed to go the second he received the pass."
Pellegrini gestured for calm. The match was still somewhat alive. Southampton nearly pulled one back in the 58th minute when Long rose for a header, but Hart was equal to it.
City continued to rotate possession. Substitutions began— Sinclair for Salah. Adriano stayed on the pitch, playing deeper after Aguero was subbed off for Kane after a quiet night, shifting the team into more of a 4-3-3.
In the 70th minute, Adriano nearly got a fourth. Hazard darted inside, slipped him the ball at the edge of the box. Adriano chopped inside, evading two defenders, then curled a shot that rattled the post. He gave a thumbs up to Hazard for the pass.
Martin Tyler: "That would've been the perfect ending to a perfect night."
City played out the final stages with control. Southampton looked tired, chasing shadows. The traveling fans chanted through the last minutes, some holding banners praising Adriano's loyalty and leadership.
When the final whistle came, the scoreboard read:
FULL-TIME: Southampton 0 – 3 Manchester City
Adriano was named Man of the Match. Three goals, dozens of touches, two key passes, and more than a few stunned defenders in his wake.
***
Under cold skies in the north of England, Manchester City arrived at the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland in a Premier League fixture that had all the signs of a potential slip-up. The timing wasn't ideal—just three days ahead of their Champions League clash away to AS Roma, Pellegrini made the decision to rotate heavily. Adriano, Aguero, De Bruyne, Kompany, Hazard, and others were rested.
City's starting lineup reflected the upcoming challenge in Rome. Hart remained in goal, protected by a makeshift back four of Sagna, Mangala, Demichelis, and Clichy. In midfield, Fernandinho partnered Toure, while Navas and Iheanacho took the wide roles. Nasri operated behind Kane, who led the line.
Sunderland, on the other hand, lined up with intent. They played a compact 4-1-4-1 system, with experienced players like Lee Cattermole and Sebastian Larsson anchoring the midfield, while Jermain Defoe was deployed as the lone forward. The Black Cats were fighting to stay above the relegation line, and a home result against a weakened City side was very much in their sights.
***
From kickoff, it was clear what kind of match this would be. Sunderland sat deep and waited for City to make mistakes. The hosts showed more urgency, snapping into early tackles. Cattermole's crunching challenge on Fernandinho in the opening minutes set the tone. The referee warned him, but no card was shown.
City struggled to establish rhythm early on. Without the fluency brought by their usual midfield trio, they moved the ball slowly, and Sunderland's lines held firm. In the 14th minute, Salah tried to thread a ball through to Kane, but Wes Brown read it well and intercepted.
Martin Tyler commented, "City are missing the sharpness. You can see the lack of familiarity between these players."
In the 19th minute, Sunderland broke forward. Van Aanholt pushed up the left flank, got past Zabaleta, and squared the ball into the area. It took a deflection off Mangala and rolled kindly for Defoe, who shot low—just wide.
Alan Smith added, "City are inviting pressure. They need more control in midfield."
City gradually began to settle. In the 24th minute, Navas found space on the right and swung in a cross. Kane peeled away from his marker and met it with a header, forcing a save from Pantilimon. The former City goalkeeper tipped it over the bar.
The resulting corner came to nothing, but it was City's first real moment of danger.
Ten minutes later, Manchester City finally broke the deadlock. The move started with Yaya Touré, who had begun asserting control over the midfield like a general surveying the battlefield. Picking up the ball just inside Sunderland's half, he took a few purposeful strides forward, shrugging off pressure from Jack Rodwell. With his head up, he spotted Harry Kane making a clever diagonal run to the top of the penalty area.
Touré threaded a crisp, low pass into Kane's feet, the ball skimming over the damp grass with precision. Kane, positioned just outside the D, received it on the half-turn. John O'Shea stepped in to challenge, but Kane held him off with a strong left shoulder, spun into space with a sharp pivot, and in one fluid motion unleashed a right-footed shot.
The ball skidded across the turf, arrowing just inside the far post—past a diving Costel Pantilimon, who was left grasping at air.
COMMENTATOR:"And there's the breakthrough! Harry Kane—clinical, composed, and ruthless! He shrugs off O'Shea like he isn't there and drives it low beyond Pantilimon! That is a striker's finish, through and through!"
As the ball nestled in the bottom corner, Kane didn't erupt in celebration. He glanced toward the away end where the travelling City supporters exploded in noise, scarves and fists rising into the air. Then he turned immediately and pointed firmly at Yaya Touré, acknowledging the assist with a nod of respect.
Touré raised both arms in reply, a calm smile on his face, before Kane jogged over to him. The two shared a brief handshake and a shoulder bump before being joined by Fernandinho, who ruffled Kane's hair playfully, and James Milner, who clapped him on the back.
ANNOUNCER (OVER CROWD NOISE):"GOAL FOR MANCHESTER CITY! IT'S HARRY KANE WITH THE FINISH—AND YAYA TOURÉ THE ARCHITECT!"
The bench stood in applause. Pellegrini offered a small nod from the technical area, satisfied but not surprised. The scoreboard flashed: SUNDERLAND 0 – 1 MANCHESTER CITY. The away fans behind the goal continued to sing, voices carrying into the Wearside air.
Kane didn't linger. With a focused expression, he turned and jogged back to the centre circle, gesturing for calm. There were still sixty minutes left to play—but Manchester City had struck first.
But the lead didn't last long.
In the 38th minute, Sunderland responded with a simple but effective move. A deep cross from Larsson on the right found Defoe inside the box. Demichelis misjudged the flight, and Defoe controlled it on his chest before volleying past Hart.
GOAL ANNOUNCER: "SUNDERLAND LEVEL THROUGH JERMAIN DEFOE!"
The home crowd erupted. City's defence looked frustrated—Mangala shouted at Sagna for not closing the cross down.
Alan Smith remarked, "That's poor defending from City. But Defoe—he's been doing that for years."
The half ended with both teams even. In the tunnel, Pellegrini kept quiet but gestured for more urgency. The first half had shown the risks of rotation, even against lesser opposition.
The second half started cagier. Sunderland sat deeper, protecting the draw. City had more of the ball but lacked the creativity to break through. Iheanacho worked hard down the left but was isolated.
In the 56th minute, Salah picked up a loose ball and curled a shot from distance, but it went just over the bar.
Two minutes later, City had another chance. Fernandinho intercepted a pass in midfield and played in Kane. The striker tried to beat Pantilimon at the near post, but the keeper was equal to it.
Sunderland made a change around the hour mark, bringing on Jack Rodwell to tighten midfield. City responded with Milner coming on for Navas to bring more directness.
By the 70th minute, the pace had slowed. The visitors continued to push, but Sunderland defended deep and in numbers.
In the 77th minute, Kane had another half-chance. Kolarov floated in a cross from the left. Kane rose between two defenders but headed over.
Martin Tyler noted, "It's a tired performance, but Kane's worked hard. Just missing the final touch."
City made another switch—Boyata came on for Hummels, who looked fatigued.
The closing stages saw more frustration. Toure picked up a yellow card for a late foul on Rodwell. Kane nearly got through again after a quick one-two with Hazard, but the flag went up—marginally offside.
The final minutes ticked by with no breakthrough. Sunderland barely ventured forward, content with a draw. And when the final whistle blew, it was met with cheers from the home fans.
FULL TIME: SUNDERLAND 1, MANCHESTER CITY 1
Alan Smith summed it up: "City will see this as two points dropped. But given the players rested and the bigger match coming midweek, Pellegrini may live with it."
Martin Tyler added, "Not a sparkling performance, but Kane's goal gives them something. Now all eyes on Rome."
In the tunnel, Pellegrini was calm in his post-match remarks. "We controlled the game for long periods. One moment of lapse cost us the win. But now we recover and prepare for Roma."
Kane was asked about his goal: "Always nice to score, but we wanted the win. Still, we're in a good position."
The focus now shifted. Roma was next. And for that, the stars would return.
***
UEFA Champions League Group Stage: AS Roma vs Manchester City
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
The night in Rome was cool and dry, with the historic Stadio Olimpico packed with expectant home fans, flares lighting up the curve ends, banners waving high. AS Roma knew the stakes—anything less than a win against the Premier League giants would put their Champions League hopes in jeopardy.
Manchester City came into the match knowing a win would secure group champion to the knockout stages with a game to spare. Pellegrini named his strongest possible lineup. Joe Hart in goal; Kompany and Hummels in central defence; Zabaleta and Kolarov as fullbacks. with De Bruyne and David Silva just ahead in midfield. Hazard and Salah provided the width. Adriano was positioned just behind Aguero, returning to the starting eleven after being rested in the weekend draw at Sunderland.
Roma lined up in a 4-3-3. Szczesny in goal. Manolas and Castan in the middle. Digne and Florenzi on the flanks. Paredes, De Rossi, and Nainggolan in midfield. Salah's old teammate Gervinho started on the right, with Iturbe on the left and Dzeko leading the line against his former club.
Martin Tyler opened the broadcast from the commentary box:
"Manchester City have been dominant in this group stage, and tonight they're going full strength to secure group leader position . Adriano, De Bruyne, Aguero—all start. Roma have passion and history, but will that be enough against this kind of quality?"
Alan Smith followed:
"They'll need a near-perfect defensive performance, Martin. If you give these lads space—especially Adriano—you'll get punished."
***
Kickoff:
City began confidently, stroking the ball around with precision. Roma pressed high in the opening minutes, trying to disrupt City's rhythm, but the visitors remained composed.
Early on, Silva found Adriano in a tight pocket of space. He flicked it around the corner to De Bruyne, who quickly sprayed it wide to Hazard. The Belgian cut inside and curled one toward the top corner—Szczesny palmed it over. The intent was clear.
Roma responded with a fast break in the 9th minute. Gervinho surged past Kolarov and squared it for Dzeko, but Kompany's sliding block snuffed out the danger.
In the 13th minute, Manchester City struck first — with ruthless precision.
It began in the centre of the park, where David Silva, ever alert to danger, read Radja Nainggolan's heavy touch like a seasoned thief. Silva stepped in quickly, nicking the ball away just as the Belgian looked to advance.
Without hesitation, Silva poked the ball forward to Adriano, who had already peeled into a pocket of space between Roma's midfield and back line.
Adriano spun away from Miralem Pjanić with his first touch, accelerating into the open grass ahead. His eyes scanned the field once — and there it was: Sergio Agüero's trademark run, splitting between Kostas Manolas and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.
Adriano slid a perfectly weighted through ball into the gap, threading it just beyond the reach of a desperate Daniele De Rossi tracking back.
Agüero met it in full stride. One touch to steady himself just inside the box, and with the second, he rolled the ball coolly across Łukasz Skorupski and into the far corner with his right foot. The net rippled with the precision of the finish — low, clean, and utterly unstoppable.
COMMENTATOR (Martin Tyler):"GOOOOOAAAALLL! SERGIO AGÜERO STRIKES IN ROME! Deadly from City! A ruthless counter, and Agüero applies the final touch!"
The away end in the top tier of the Stadio Olimpico erupted in noise — a sea of light blue flags and outstretched arms. Flares ignited in the distance as City supporters roared in unison, some jumping over the barrier in celebration, stewards scrambling to contain the euphoric chaos.
Agüero turned sharply after scoring, pointing emphatically back toward Adriano with both hands. Adriano was already approaching with a grin, and the two shared a quick embrace. Adriano thumped his fist gently against his own chest in recognition, while Silva joined in, giving Agüero a congratulatory pat on the back.
Soon the rest of the team was there—Hummels grabbing Agüero around the shoulders, and Kompany jogging in from the back with a clenched fist raised high.
Aleksandar Kolarov, familiar with the surroundings in his old stadium, gave a respectful wave to the traveling support before pulling Agüero into a brief hug.
MARTIN TYLER (CO-COMMENTATOR):"City are just so clinical. Win the ball, two passes, and it's in the back of the net. That is devastating counter-attacking football. One-nil in Rome, and the home crowd is stunned."
As City regrouped at the halfway line, Roma players exchanged uneasy glances. Pellegrini clapped twice from the touchline, calm but clearly pleased. Adriano gave a nod to the bench as he trotted back into position.
Roma tried to respond with energy. Paredes tested Hart from distance in the 17th minute, but it was straight at the keeper. The Italian side looked vulnerable whenever City countered.
In the 24th minute, Manchester City doubled their lead—and though it was Eden Hazard who struck the ball, the goal owed just as much to off-ball movement as it did to technique.
It began with a crisp exchange between David Silva and Pablo Zabaleta on the right flank. Silva, drifting in from the half-space, played a simple give-and-go with Zabaleta, who surged into space. Southampton's defensive line was caught hesitating—unsure whether to step up or hold the shape. Zabaleta didn't need a second invitation.
He whipped in a cross, low and quick, aimed toward the heart of the box. Adriano, hovering near the penalty spot, sprang into motion—feinting toward the near post before suddenly checking his run. It was subtle, but effective.
Two Roma defenders reacted to his movement and were dragged out of position, expecting a flick-on or first-time strike.
Instead, the ball skipped untouched through the six-yard area and landed at Hazard's feet near the back post.
Martin Tyler (commentary): "Hazard… tight angle here—but he's set himself!"
Hazard took one quick touch to control it, glanced up, and spotted Szczesny narrowing the angle at his near post. Rather than going across goal, he struck it hard and low, snapping his right foot through the ball. It zipped under the keeper's arm and smashed into the side netting.
GOAL ANNOUNCER: "EDEN HAZARD MAKES IT TWO FOR MANCHESTER CITY!"
The away end burst into celebration. Fans in blue surged toward the front railings, fists pumping, scarves twirling. A chant of "Blue Moon" erupted almost immediately, echoing under the roof of the stadium.
Hazard wheeled away to his right, pointing first to Zabaleta on the sideline, who had both arms raised in celebration. Then he turned and faced the traveling supporters behind the goal, lifting both hands in acknowledgment, fingers spread wide. He grinned and gave a short, two-step jump before being swarmed by teammates.
Silva was the first to reach him, giving him a quick embrace. Adriano jogged over, clapped him on the back, and whispered something in his ear. Hazard responded with a nod and a grin, pointing back at him as if to say, "That dummy made it."
even Kompany jogged forward from the back line to offer a high five. The team formed a quick huddle before jogging back to their positions, businesslike, but buzzing.
Alan Smith (commentary): "It's the movement again, Martin. Adriano doesn't even touch the ball, but he changes everything with that run. He creates the gap. That's world-class center forward play—he's manipulating defenders without needing the ball."
Martin Tyler: "And full credit to Hazard. That's a difficult finish, from that angle. He didn't try to overhit it. Just knew where the gap was and picked it out."
Roma players looked around at each other, visibly frustrated. Skorupski clapped his gloves in anger, yelling instructions down the line. Romeu pointed at the space Hazard had found, shaking his head.
Roma were stunned, and their frustration grew. Digne picked up a yellow card for a late challenge on Salah. Nainggolan fired high and wide from a free kick, trying to force something.
But it was City who looked more likely to score again. In the 37th minute, De Bruyne intercepted another pass and laid it off to Silva. Silva turned quickly and fed Adriano, who was lurking just outside the box. He took a touch, skipped past Manolas, and curled it toward the top corner. It grazed the outside of the post to go out of play.
The home crowd groaned in relief. Pellegrini applauded from the touchline. His side were in control.
Halftime came with City two goals ahead and barely troubled. The City players walked off with a smile, joking and laughing. The Roma players were the opposite, filled with glo.
***
Roma made a change at halftime, bringing on club legend Francesco Totti for Gervinho. The hope was that the captain's presence and guile might spark a comeback, something for the fans to rally behind. But any optimism was short-lived.
Manchester City emerged from the tunnel with the same calm control and quiet intensity they'd shown throughout the first half. There was no panic, no drop in focus—just the relentless rhythm of a team that knew it was in command.
In the 52nd minute, that composure turned into another goal.
City had worked the ball patiently around Roma's half, probing without rushing. Eventually, it came to David Silva on the left flank, just outside the box. With a trademark glance over his shoulder, he spotted Sergio Agüero ghosting between fullback Ashley Cole and center-back Manolas.
Silva floated a delicate clipped pass into the area—one of those balls that begged to be attacked. Agüero rose to meet it, but Manolas just managed to get a toe in, deflecting the ball away before the Argentine could strike. The partial clearance dropped toward the edge of the box, bouncing awkwardly—but Adriano was first to react.
With poise beyond his years, he let the ball settle, took a touch to drag it away from a lunging Daniele De Rossi, and, just as a second defender closed in, slipped a short, intelligent pass sideways into the path of Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian didn't hesitate.
One touch to set himself. Head down. Right foot through the ball.
He struck it crisply, a low drive that skimmed just over the grass and whistled past Łukasz Skorupski's outstretched arm. The ball slammed into the inside netting near the far post, clean and lethal.
COMMENTATOR (Alan Smith):"KEVIN DE BRUYNE! CLINICAL! THAT'S THREE—AND MANCHESTER CITY ARE TEARING ROMA APART IN THEIR OWN BACKYARD!"
As the ball rippled the net, De Bruyne let out a roar and pumped his fist. He turned toward the City bench, arms wide, eyes blazing.
Adriano was already sprinting toward him, grinning ear to ear, and the two embraced—Adriano slapping De Bruyne's back in celebration, mouthing, "Yes, yes!"
Agüero joined them seconds later, tapping his chest with a smile of appreciation before pulling both players into a brief huddle.
Hazard clapped overhead as he jogged to the scene, while Silva raised both arms in quiet triumph and pointed to the away end.
MARTIN TYLER (CO-COMMENTATOR):"It's a rout now. Every touch has intent. Every movement is precise. Roma are chasing shadows, and City are carving through them like it's a training exercise."
The Roma players stood frozen, hands on hips. De Rossi shook his head in frustration, while Totti looked toward the sideline, arms out as if demanding answers that weren't coming.
The home crowd fell into a stunned silence, the once-vibrant Olimpico now reduced to low murmurs, a few isolated whistles, and pockets of fans sitting down in disbelief.
On the far side, the City fans sang louder than ever—"Blue Moon Galacticos" echoing through the Roman night. The scoreboard showed the brutal truth:
ROMA 0 – 3 MANCHESTER CITY.
In the 58th minute, Roma pulled one back. Kolarov gave away a foul near the right touchline. Paredes stepped up and delivered a whipped ball into the box. It evaded everyone and crept into the far corner.
GOAL ANNOUNCER: "LEANDRO PAREDES! A LIFELINE FOR ROMA! 3-1! "
City didn't panic. They dropped the tempo slightly, controlled the midfield, and let Roma tire themselves chasing shadows.
In the 67th minute, the final blow was delivered — and it was as elegant as it was inevitable.
Roma, already demoralized and chasing shadows, made another unforced error. Alessandro Florenzi, under minimal pressure near the halfway line, took a loose first touch that skidded slightly away from him.
Eden Hazard was on it in a flash. The Belgian darted in, stole possession, and accelerated into open space down the left flank.
With Manolas backpedaling and Yanga-Mbiwa scrambling to cover, Hazard didn't rush the moment. He slowed near the edge of the box, holding the ball up with his usual poise, eyes scanning the middle.
Then he saw it — Adriano, timing his run to perfection, arriving late into the final third like a shadow creeping into the box.
Hazard waited a beat longer… then slid a low, perfectly weighted square pass across the top of the area.
Adriano met it in stride.
There was no panic, no wild swing of the boot. Just one touch to open his body — and then, with the kind of balance and technique that makes elite players look effortless, he curled a right-footed shot toward the top right corner.
Łukasz Skorupski was rooted.
He could only watch as the ball sailed past him, kissing the underside of the crossbar on its way in.
COMMENTATOR (Martin Tyler):"Adriano… ohhh, that is majestic! Poetry, precision, perfection! FOUR–ONE to Manchester City in Rome!"
Adriano didn't leap or shout. He stood near the edge of the box, lifted both arms slowly to the sky, closed his eyes, and nodded once — calm and composed, almost serene, as if confirming to himself that yes, this moment belonged to him.
Hazard was the first to reach him, grabbing him in a tight hug from behind with a grin of pure satisfaction. Silva soon followed, clapping both hands on Adriano's shoulders as the trio exchanged quiet smiles. De Bruyne came in next, ruffling Adriano's hair before gesturing to the away fans, who were now in full voice once again.
Vincent Kompany clapped deliberately from the halfway line, yelling across the pitch, "Well done!" as Joe Hart applauded from his goal area.
ALAN SMITH (CO-COMMENTATOR):"That's the cherry on top. Two assists and now a goal for Adriano — that's a complete performance from the young man. He's been everywhere tonight. Hazard's patience was world-class too."
Roma's players were statues, shoulders sagging, expressions blank. Even Totti, the eternal captain, simply looked to the ground as he slowly walked back toward midfield.
In the corner of the Stadio Olimpico, the travelling City supporters bounced and sang, arms aloft.
The scoreboard was now a symbol of dominance:
ROMA 1 – 4 MANCHESTER CITY.
And in the midst of it all, Adriano stood surrounded by teammates — the quiet heartbeat of a City side that had just delivered a statement in Europe.
City made changes in the final 15 minutes. Fernandinho replaced Silva. Sinclair came on for Salah. Aguero got a rest with Milner entering.
Roma pushed in the final few minutes, but it was futile. A wild shot from Iturbe went into the stands. Hart made one more save from Totti, diving low to his right.
The whistle blew to confirm the result.
Final Score: Roma 1 – 4 Manchester City.
Martin Tyler closed the broadcast:
"This was a statement. Manchester City, with all eyes on them, have come to Rome and delivered a performance full of confidence, control, and quality."
Alan Smith nodded.
"They've qualified for the next round with style. And with Adriano pulling the strings, there's no telling how far they can go."
The players applauded the away fans. Pellegrini shook hands with Garcia. Adriano walked slowly toward the tunnel, greeted with cheers from both ends of the stadium.
City were through with 15 points from 5 games as group leaders. And they had done it emphatically. With December here, the most hectic schedule was coming next for them. How they deaal with it will determine their season.
****
Manchester City at top with 36 points from 14 games , 11 wins , 3 draws
Current Stats of Adriano
Premier League
Matches: 12
Goals: 15
Assists: 10
Current top scorer of Premier League and top Assists list.
Champions League
Matches: 5
Goals: 12
Assists: 5
Current top scorer, 2nd in Assists