Back on the pitch, the second half began with both teams determined to win. City, of course, tried to impose their pace, but Brighton held firm, with Felix and Denis controlling the midfield well and Loki still showing great security in defense against Sancho.
It was at the 10-minute mark that the rehearsed move took shape. Denis, faithful to his plan, attracted City's players. He carried the ball expertly through the middle, forcing Foden and Doyle to come forward to steal it. A quick touch to Felix continued the maneuver. Felix played it back to Denis, who retreated a little, making it look as if the play would take place there, in midfield.
"Press! Press!" shouted the City coach, pushing his team forward and closing down spaces. And then the moment came.
Denis, with the precise vision of a maestro, spotted the gap he had been waiting for. With a quick, low pass, he slipped the ball between City's defenders, creating a corridor.