The morning after Manchester City's 2–1 victory over Borussia Dortmund, the mood around the team was relaxed, even if a bit fatigued. The players had earned a rare day off in Germany before flying back to Manchester. Some chose to sleep in, others hit the hotel gym or explored the city in groups. But for Adriano, the first thing on his mind wasn't rest or recovery — it was Kate.
He knocked on the door of her suite just after ten, wearing a hoodie, cap, and sunglasses, already dressed in full disguise. Kate opened the door in a plain beige trench coat and a scarf loosely draped around her neck. She raised an eyebrow at him.
"You look like you're about to rob a café," she teased, grabbing her crossbody bag.
He grinned. "Good. We'll blend in perfectly."
"Blend in?" she echoed, stepping out. "You're six feet tall, Portuguese, and walk like you just scored a brace at Signal Iduna Park."
"I did score a brace," he said smugly.
"And now you're walking like the poster boy of a cologne ad," she added, locking the door behind her. "So no, we're definitely not blending in."
Adriano laughed and offered his arm. "Come on. Let's get lost."
They started their day with a walk through Dortmund's historic city center. The streets, still damp from the previous night's rain, shimmered beneath the soft sunlight. Shopkeepers opened shutters, street musicians were just setting up, and the air smelled faintly of bread and roasted coffee.
Despite their disguises, a few fans glanced in their direction. But Adriano kept his hood up and head low, and Kate stuck close, chatting quietly as they strolled.
"I googled 'things to do in Dortmund' last night," she said.
"Oh?" he replied, glancing sideways. "Did 'avoid loud footballers' make the list?"
"No, but 'visit Alter Markt' did. Apparently it's charming."
He nodded toward the main square up ahead. "Perfect. Let's go be charming."
The Alter Markt lived up to its reputation — cobbled streets, little boutique stores, flower stalls, and a vintage carousel in the center. They walked slowly, occasionally pausing to peek into windows or browse through antiques. Adriano bought Kate a small hand-painted ceramic trinket — a tiny blue dragon with gold accents.
"For luck," he said, handing it to her with a wink.
Kate examined it, amused. "What are we, Game of Thrones now?"
"Hey, you're my queen," he shot back.
"Then where's my castle?"
Adriano smirked. "Back in Manchester. Although it technically looks more like a luxury mansion than a castle."
"Close enough," she conceded, pocketing the dragon.
As midday approached, they found a small, family-run café tucked away in a side alley — far from tourist eyes. They slipped inside and settled into a corner booth, surrounded by wooden beams and shelves of old German books.
The waiter approached, offering menus in rapid German.
Kate gave Adriano a look. "Time to show off."
He smiled modestly and replied in near-fluent German, ordering coffee and two plates of schnitzel with spätzle. The waiter left, and Kate leaned in, eyebrows raised.
"Where'd that come from?"
"Three years at Bayern," he said with a shrug. "You learn fast when food's involved."
Over lunch, they talked about everything except football — films, her upcoming premiere, their families, their future holiday plans. Adriano listened attentively as Kate described her new script.
"They want me to play a sci-fi engineer," she said, chewing on a bite of spätzle. "Basically someone who saves the galaxy with duct tape and sarcasm."
"Sounds like someone I know," he said, grinning.
"Except you save matches, not spaceships."
"Same thing, really. High stakes. Lots of running."
They laughed together, clinking their coffee cups in a quiet toast.
Later, they walked through Westfalenpark, the tall Florianturm tower casting a soft shadow over the manicured gardens and lakes. A few locals strolled past, some walking dogs, others enjoying the clear afternoon. Kate looped her arm through his, resting her head briefly on his shoulder.
"Sometimes I forget how nice it is to just… be," she murmured.
He looked down at her. "No cameras, no matches. Just us."
She nodded. "And dragons."
Adriano chuckled. "Don't forget the dragons."
They sat by the lake for a while, watching ducks float lazily by. No talking — just the sound of water and distant chatter from children playing nearby.
As the sun began to dip low on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the park, Adriano checked his watch.
"Should we head back?"
Kate sighed. "I wish we didn't have to."
He reached out, taking her hand. "Hey. We'll have more days like this."
She looked up at him, eyes soft. "Promise?"
He held her gaze. "Every break, every offseason. I'll make sure we carve out time. No matter what."
"You say that now," she replied, squeezing his hand, "but I'll hold you to it."
Back in the city, dusk had settled. They caught a cab quietly from a less crowded street, still unnoticed. The ride back to the team hotel was quiet, peaceful.
When they stepped out, Adriano leaned close and whispered, "Danke for today."
Kate smiled. "Anytime. Same time next city?"
"Deal," he said, kissing her forehead.
And as they disappeared through the hotel doors, the day — simple, slow, quiet — lingered with them, a moment of stillness in the whirlwind of their world.
****
Matchday 34, Premier League 2014-15
Manchester City vs Aston Villa
Venue: Etihad Stadium
It was a cool, cloud-dusted April evening in Manchester—the kind where the wind teased the flags above the Etihad and the floodlights shone a little brighter against the twilight sky. Though the Premier League title had already been secured, the Etihad Stadium was near full capacity, over 53,000 strong, fans wrapped in sky-blue scarves, brimming with pride—and a hint of greed.
They weren't just here to celebrate. They were here to keep winning.
Martin Tyler (as the camera panned over the waving flags and faces in the stands):"Well, the title is sewn up, but don't let that fool you—this is no dead rubber. Manchester City have pride, form, and rhythm to maintain. And these supporters… they didn't come to see a lap of honour. They came to see dominance."
The camera zoomed in on a young fan holding a cardboard sign reading "We want 100 points!" Another banner waved proudly in the South Stand: "Adriano—King of Europe."
But Adriano wasn't on the pitch tonight. Nor was David Silva, the silk that wove City's rhythm.
Alan Smith:"Pellegrini has earned the right to rotate. With the Champions League second leg on the horizon, resting Adriano and Silva makes perfect sense. But this side is no second string. There's plenty of quality here—Kane up front, De Bruyne pulling strings, and Yaya Touré with Fernandinho anchoring the middle. That's still a midfield Villa will find hard to break."
Down at pitch level, players warmed up to the beat of stadium speakers pumping out "Blue Moon." The sun had dipped, shadows stretching across the touchlines. Joe Hart, clad in fluorescent yellow, gave a shout as he finished his warm-up.
Hart (calling over):"Zaba! Kola! Stay sharp—we're not gifting anything today."
Zabaleta, ever the warrior, nodded as he jogged backwards. "You'll get bored back there, mate. We're not letting them through."
Over by the halfway line, Kevin De Bruyne juggled a ball loosely on his thigh before flicking it up and catching it.
De Bruyne (to Milner):"You up for this? No Silva, no Adriano—we've got to make it tick."
Milner:"Always, mate. Let's give 'em something to talk about."
City's lineup, though rotated, was purposeful.
Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Hart – Zabaleta, Boyata, Mangala, Kolarov – Fernandinho, Touré – Milner, De Bruyne, Sinclair – Kane
Martin Tyler:"Interesting selection tonight. No Adriano, but Kevin De Bruyne gets the keys to the midfield. Harry Kane leads the line, looking to add to his goal tally. And perhaps a final Etihad moment for James Milner, whose future remains uncertain."
Aston Villa (4-4-1-1)
Guzan – Hutton, Okore, Clark, Baker – Cleverley, Delph, Westwood, Grealish – N'Zogbia – Benteke
Alan Smith:"No surprises here from Tim Sherwood. He knows he's up against a side that can shred you if you leave gaps. Grealish and N'Zogbia will try to create off second balls. Benteke is the focal point—he'll look to pin the centre-backs and feed off scraps."
The camera panned to Sherwood standing in the technical area, arms crossed, jaw set. He barked instructions to Grealish, who nodded as he adjusted his socks.
Sherwood (shouting):"Be brave, Jack! If it's on, take 'em on. Don't wait!"
Meanwhile, Pellegrini stood motionless near the edge of his box. Calm, composed, but his eyes locked onto the pitch, already planning. He turned to his assistant and muttered something in Spanish before clapping his hands twice, sharp and quick.
As kickoff approached, the stadium lights hit full intensity. The announcer's voice boomed through the PA.
Announcer:"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the teams—your Premier League Champions, Manchester City… and Aston Villa!"
The roar was instant. The Etihad shook with chants of "Championes, championes, olé olé olé!" Streamers flew. Blue smoke drifted faintly in the air from celebratory flares outside the stadium.
In the tunnel, final words were exchanged. Touré, the captain for the night, turned to Kane.
Touré:"Lead the line strong. Use your body. You'll get chances."
Kane (nodding):"Let's get one early. No messing about."
De Bruyne was stone-faced, whispering something under his breath. A routine. A mantra.
Martin Tyler:"Well, this City team has won the league with power, poise, and flair. But that doesn't mean they'll coast tonight. These players—especially the likes of Kane, De Bruyne, Milner—they're all playing for rhythm, reputation, and in some cases, futures."
Alan Smith:"And Aston Villa? They'll treat this like a cup final. They've got nothing to lose and everything to prove. A point here? It'd be massive."
The referee checked his watch. Whistle to lips. The crowd clapped in unison, rising like a tide.
Martin Tyler:"And we're underway at the Etihad. Champions crowned—but the fight still very much alive."
As the ball rolled, you could feel it: This wasn't just a formality. This was still Manchester City—and no matter who started, they played for something greater than just points.
They played for pride. For dominance. For the crest.
****
Kickoff – First Half
"And we're underway at the Etihad," echoed Martin Tyler as referee Mike Dean's whistle pierced the cool Manchester evening. The pitch gleamed under floodlights, the sky fading into indigo above a packed house of over 53,000. Champions already, Manchester City stepped out with the weight of the crown on their shoulders—but also with pride to defend.
"City looking to stretch their unbeaten run since that night in Turin back in January," Tyler continued, as City knocked the ball around cautiously from the back.
The first 20 minutes were cagey—City looked disjointed, the chemistry flickering rather than flowing. With Adriano and David Silva rested, the midfield triangle lacked its usual incision. Harry Kane was too often isolated, stationed between Clark and Okore, while Sinclair on the left looked rusty and indecisive. Milner, ever industrious, found little joy from a disciplined Aston Villa backline.
Alan Smith:"They're struggling to knit the play together, Martin. No Adriano, no Silva—and it's showing. De Bruyne is having to drop very deep just to get touches."
Villa, compact and clever under Tim Sherwood, sat in a 4-4-1-1 that quickly became a midfield blockade. Carlos Sánchez and Westwood shielded the back four, while Grealish dropped into midfield when City advanced, forming a narrow five that choked the space.
In the 17th minute, Villa delivered the first warning. Grealish skipped past Zabaleta with a quick shoulder drop, curling in a teasing cross. Benteke, dominant in the air, rose between Boyata and Mangala and powered a header goalward.
Martin Tyler:"Benteke... OH! That's a sharp save by Hart! Big Belgian thought he'd scored!"
Hart had reacted superbly, fingertips tipping it over. He clapped his gloves together and shouted at Mangala.
Hart: "Get tight! Can't give him a free header there!"
The Etihad stirred uneasily. City responded.
21st minute – Chance, City: Milner played a short corner to De Bruyne, who arched a deep delivery to the back post. The Villa defence lost Kane—unmarked—but the striker scuffed his volley from six yards, dragging it wide of the post.
Alan Smith:"Big miss, that. Kane won't want to see that one again. He did everything right—except the finish."
City began to see more of the ball—64% possession by the 30th minute—but they struggled to carve Villa open. Sinclair was caught offside for a third time, drawing groans from the crowd. His timing was just off. Zabaleta's overlaps yielded little against a resolute Cissokho.
33rd minute – Villa free kick: Boyata clipped Weimann just outside the box. Grealish stepped up, curling a dangerous ball to the far post. Hart, uncertain, flinched then punched. The ball fell to Westwood, who volleyed first time—just over the bar.
A ripple of nervous energy spread through the stadium. Pellegrini remained calm on the sideline, but his clenched jaw told another story.
HALF-TIME: Manchester City 0 – 0 Aston Villa
No boos, but a quiet discontent simmered. Fans stretched their legs and muttered among themselves. "Flat half", "missing Silva", "need something from De Bruyne" could be heard up the rows.
Inside the tunnel, Pellegrini kept the faith. No subs, but he pulled De Bruyne aside.
Pellegrini: "Kevin—take control. Don't wait. Make them chase you."
De Bruyne nodded. Milner slapped his hands together.
Milner (to Kane): "Let's bury one early. Reset the tone."
***
Second Half
City emerged with renewed urgency. The passes were crisper. The body language sharper.
48th minute – CHANCE, City: De Bruyne shimmied past Sánchez near halfway and drove forward. Spotting Kane making a diagonal run, he threaded a perfect pass between defenders. Kane took a touch, tried to open his body, but Guzan read it and made himself big.
Martin Tyler:"That's more like it! Kane with the run, De Bruyne with the vision—but credit Guzan, that's a big stop."
Moments later, City finally broke through.
51st minute – GOAL! MANCHESTER CITY 1–0 ASTON VILLA
Fernandinho intercepted a sloppy ball near midfield and passed quickly to Touré. The Ivorian surged forward and slipped the ball through the lines to De Bruyne, who—without hesitating—curled a pass behind the back four.
Milner, ghosting in from the right, took one clean touch, then calmly slid the ball beneath the advancing Guzan.
📢 "GOAL FOR MANCHESTER CITY! Scored by NUMBER 7 – JAMES MILNER!"
The Etihad erupted. Milner raced to the corner, arms stretched wide, before spinning and pointing back at De Bruyne with a grin.
Milner (laughing): "Knew you'd find it, mate."
De Bruyne: "Had to. You made that run all day."
Alan Smith:"City needed that—just a moment of class. And it comes from De Bruyne again. What a ball. That's a playmaker in total control."
56th minute – Yellow Card: Villa tried to respond quickly. Grealish wriggled past Touré, and Mangala, caught wrong-footed, brought him down with a sweeping foul. Clear booking. Villa's resulting free kick floated harmlessly over.
City pushed for a second.
61st minute – Offside again: Kolarov slipped a pass down the line to Sinclair, who finished well—only to see the flag raised for the fourth time.
Pellegrini turned, frustrated, and motioned to the bench.
65th minute – Substitution:Sinclair off, Pozo on. Milner shifted to the left, Pozo went to the right.
68th minute – GOAL! MANCHESTER CITY 2–0 ASTON VILLA
De Bruyne picked up possession just outside the right-hand corner of the box. With a feint, he skipped past Cissokho, then whipped in a low, flat cross between the defence and goalkeeper.
Harry Kane, perfectly timed, darted in front of Clark and met the cross with a first-time finish into the roof of the net.
📢 "GOAL FOR MANCHESTER CITY! Scored by NUMBER 18 – HARRY KANE!"
Kane slid on his knees toward the corner flag, both arms skyward. His teammates followed.
De Bruyne grinned and patted his chest. Touré jogged over and gave Kane a firm slap on the back.
Touré: "That's the one. Pure striker's goal."
Martin Tyler:"Absolutely clinical. That's how you beat a deep line—timing, movement, execution. And Kevin De Bruyne—he's owning this match."
Villa nearly hit back immediately.
73rd minute – CLOSE:Bacuna delivered a deep cross, Benteke nodded it down into Cleverley's path, and the midfielder lashed a shot just wide of the far post.
Alan Smith:"City were caught napping there. That was very close."
78th minute – SAVE: De Bruyne decided to take matters into his own hands, unleashing a fierce left-footed strike from 25 yards. Guzan at full stretch palmed it away. The rebound popped toward Milner, but it spun out of reach.
83rd minute – Game management: City slowed the tempo. Fernandinho and Touré operated like seasoned metronomes, keeping the ball moving and drawing Villa out.
87th minute – Fouls and fatigue:Zabaleta was flattened by Grealish near the sideline. Yellow card, no arguments. Pellegrini took no risks—Kane off, Jovetić on, to a standing ovation.
Stoppage Time: One last hopeful Villa attack. A lofted ball into the box found Benteke, who tried an audacious overhead kick.
Martin Tyler (chuckling):"Spectacular—but not successful. That one will make the highlights regardless."
The final whistle blew.
📢 "FULL-TIME at the Etihad Stadium – Manchester City 2, Aston Villa 0!"
Martin Tyler: "Comfortable in the end for City, Alan. But they were second-best for large parts of that first half."
Alan Smith: "They were. But De Bruyne took control. Two assists, and he's been the difference. Kane and Milner with the goals — and the winning run continues."
City extended their unbeaten streak to 16 games, and with this routine win, showed their squad depth. Adriano, rested. Silva, rested. But the machine kept rolling.
The City fans left satisfied — not just with the win, but with the sense that this team, even in rotation, still demanded respect.
The champions were applauded from all corners of the ground. Flags waved. "Blue Moon" rang out again.
City weren't just coasting. Even without their stars, they were showing why they sat atop England. Another win. Another performance.
And with Berlin in sight, they marched on.
****
Current Stats of Adriano:
Premier League
Matches: 24
Goals: 32
Assists: 26
Current top scorer of the Premier League, and top on the assists list.
*
Champions League
Matches: 11
Goals: 24
Assists: 10
Current top scorer and top on Assists list together with De Bruyne.
*
FA Cup
Matches: 1
Goals: 2
Assists: 2