God Of football - Chapter 144

Chapter 144: QuickFire Chapter 144: QuickFire For those backing Izan’s inclusion into the squad, this was a golden opportunity to see their hero take another step toward greatness.

For the more cautious fans, every sprint, turn or tackle would be scrutinized for signs of discomfort or overexertion.

The stakes were enormous-not just for the club, but for a 16-year-old boy carrying the weight of expectations far beyond his years.

Regardless of the outcome, one thing was clear: Izan’s story had already captured the hearts and minds of Valencia’s faithful.

Whether viewed as a bold gamble or a calculated decision, Baraja’s call to include him in the squad against Barcelona marked another thrilling chapter in the young player’s journey.

The entire footballing world would be watching.

…..

The early morning sun cast a warm glow over the city of Valencia as the players and staff of Valencia CF gathered at the team training centre, ready to embark on their trip to Barcelona.

The mood was a blend of focus and excitement.

The team knew the challenge ahead was monumental, but it was also an opportunity to prove their mettle in their fight for the title.

They had decided to go to Barcelona in advance so that they wouldn’t be affected by injuries from sitting so long on the plane or bus.

Even though they knew it would be hard, it wasn’t impossible.

Coach Baraja had instilled in the players a fighting spirit that would not fall short of qualifying for European football should they fail to contend for the title.

As the team bus rolled out, the streets of Valencia seemed quieter, almost as if the city was collectively holding its breath for what was to come.

Izan sat by the window, headphones on, lost in his thoughts.

This wasn’t just another game-it was against FC Barcelona, one of the giants of world football.

Across the aisle, veteran players like José Gayà and Hugo Guillamón offered quiet words of encouragement to their teammates.

Guillamón tried to offer these same words to Izan but Gaya stopped him.

“Don’t disturb him.

He gets like this every big game and pulls out a world-class performance so don’t worry” Guillamón nodded at Gaya’s words and stared at Izan.

“This kid’s talent is really enviable”.

The journey was filled with moments of reflection and camaraderie.

Players discussed tactics, analyzed previous matches, and shared light jokes to ease the tension.

As the bus approached Barcelona, the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys loomed large in the distance, a reminder of the magnitude of the task ahead.

“I wish we could have played at the camp, nou,”, Izan said as they went past the stadium.

After arriving at their hotel and settling in, the team headed to the stadium for a light training session.

Izan couldn’t help but feel a mix of awe and determination as he walked onto the hallowed turf.

It was then that he spotted Pedri, emerging from the other side of the pitch.

Pedri approached with a friendly smile.

“Long time,” he said, extending a hand.

“Yeah,” Izan replied, his voice while he shook Pedri’s hand.

“Thanks for what you did the other day.

You know the birthday thing” “Oh, it wasn’t much.

Oryazabal wanted to do the same for you, but he had a match, and he also didn’t know your birthday was near.

Your mom didn’t contact us early” Pedri said with a smile.

The two talked for a while before finally going back to their bases.

” See you on the pitch.”Pedri chuckled as he left.

“See you” Izan responded.

After the little exchange, Izan returned to complete his light exercise, which consisted of some light passing drills and jogging.

The medicals said he was healed but he wasn’t sure if it was a 100% thing.

After that, they headed back to the hotel to prepare for the match.

The day of the match dawned with the city of Barcelona buzzing with anticipation.

Fans flooded the streets, their chants and songs echoing in the crisp winter air.

At the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, the pre-game atmosphere was electric.

Vendors sold scarves, jerseys, and flags in both Barça’s iconic garnet and blue and Valencia’s black and white.

Inside the stadium, the commentator prepared his notes.

“Good evening, football fans!

Tonight, we’re set for a clash between two Spanish giants.

Valencia comes here with a mix of youth and experience, and all eyes are on their teenage sensation, Izan.

Can he shine under the brightest lights?” In the stands, the fans added their own flavour to the buildup.

A group of Valencia supporters waved their banners and sang in unison.

“Vamos, Valencia!” one shouted, while another added, “Izan’s going to show them!” On the other side, Barcelona fans exuded confidence.

“This is our fortress,” one declared.

In Valencia’s dressing room, the tension was palpable but not oppressive.

Coach Rubén Baraja gave his final instructions, pacing in front of the players.

“Play smart, play together, and don’t let the occasion overwhelm you,” he said.

Izan sat quietly in the corner, lacing his boots.

Next to him, Gayà leaned over.

“Relax, kid and leave it to us.

When you come on, then you do your thing” As the players stood to head out, the coach clapped his hands.

“Let’s show them who we are!” The tunnel leading to the pitch was a cauldron of emotion.

Players from both teams exchanged handshakes and brief greetings.

Izan found Pedri inside the tunnel with the latter waving at him.

He waved back before heading to the bench.

When the teams stepped onto the pitch, the noise was deafening.

Valencia fans cheered loudly for their players, while the Barcelona faithful created a wall of sound, waving flags and singing club anthems.

The captains, Gayà and Ter Stegen met with the referee for the coin toss.

The commentator set the tone as the teams took their positions.

“This is what it’s all about.

A night under the lights at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, two great teams go at it.

They can choose to fight for a win or settle for a draw but all I can say is that we will enjoy this match” As the referee raised the whistle to his lips, the stadium fell into a brief, expectant silence.

Then came the sharp blast, and the game was underway.

From the opening whistle, Barcelona showcased their intent to dominate, pressing high and moving the ball with characteristic precision.

Izan sat on the bench, eyes fixed on the action, analyzing every pass and movement.

Just three minutes in, Barcelona executed a textbook attacking sequence that embodied their famed “tiki-taka” style.

It began deep in midfield with Frenkie de Jong intercepting a wayward Valencia pass.

Without hesitation, he turned and threaded the ball to Gavi, who was positioned near the halfway line.

Gavi, always a bundle of energy, quickly found Balde streaking down the left wing.

Balde sprinted forward, cutting inside as a Valencia defender tried to close him down.

Spotting Pedri in a pocket of space just outside the penalty area, Balde slipped him a short pass.

Pedri received the ball with a deft touch, his head already scanning for options.

Valencia’s defenders scrambled to reorganize, but Pedri’s brilliance rendered their efforts futile.

With Lewandowski making a darting run between the two centre-backs, Pedri unleashed a perfectly weighted, defence-splitting through-ball.

The pass was poetry in motion, curving slightly to meet Lewandowski’s stride.

The Polish striker took a single touch to control the ball before unleashing a clinical shot past the Valencia goalkeeper into the bottom-left corner.

The Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys erupted in jubilation as Lewandowski wheeled away in celebration, pointing to Pedri in acknowledgement of the assist.

The young midfielder jogged over, smiling, and embraced the striker, while the rest of the team joined them near the corner flag.

It was a moment of pure Barça brilliance-quick, incisive, and breathtakingly effective.

— The commentator’s voice soared with excitement: “What a start for Barcelona!

Pedri with an absolute gem of a pass, and Lewandowski does what he does best-putting the ball in the back of the net!

This is why these two are unstoppable when they’re on form!” The co-commentator added, “Pedri’s vision is unreal.

To pick that pass so early in the game shows his confidence and intelligence.

And Lewandowski’s finish-ice-cold as ever.

Valencia will have a hard time recovering from this early blow.” Fans waved their scarves and chanted”Barça!

Barça!” A father lifted his young daughter, both grinning ear to ear.

A group of supporters in the front held a banner that read: ” Our Polish Cyborg” “PEDRI is the future of football!

That pass was unreal!” “Lewandowski proving why he’s still one of the best strikers in the world!” “This is vintage Barça!

Quick, clean, and lethal!” Words like these flowed around the stadium as the Barca fans glazed over their early goal.

Izan sat on the bench, watching the scene and just smiled.

“That pass was brilliant” he muttered as the referee restarted the match.

A/n: I said I couldn’t but I got free time so here.

Have fun reading.

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