God Of football - Chapter 374

Chapter 374: Early Lead [Golden Gacha]
The low hum of the bus engine filled the air as the Arsenal squad sat quietly, each player lost in their thoughts.

Leverkusen had gone unbeaten in all competitions, save for the Europa League loss to Atalanta last season, a feat as rare as it comes in modern football.

Even though this was just a friendly, the football world would be watching.

Izan sat near the window, his eyes flickering over the crowd gathered outside the stadium entrance.

Some were Arsenal fans, decked out in red and white, holding up scarves and jerseys.

Others were just football lovers who had come to see a battle between two of Europe’s most exciting teams.

He could even spot a few Leverkusen supporters in their black and red, eager to see if their team could maintain its aura of invincibility.

Declan Rice sat next to him, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the stadium. “They’re gonna treat this like a Champions League knockout, you know that, right?”

Izan nodded. “Yeah. And we should too.”

From a few rows behind, Saka leaned forward. “I don’t know, man. It’s still preseason. Arteta might not even play our strongest lineup.”

Zinchenko, sitting across the aisle, smirked. “Doesn’t matter. The moment that whistle blows, instincts take over.”

Izan shared that sentiment. He had learned in Spain that competitive players couldn’t switch off, even in meaningless games.

And for a club like Arsenal, trying to cement themselves among Europe’s elite, every match was a chance to prove something.

Finally, the bus hissed as the doors swung open, and one by one, the players stepped out.

The cameras were already flashing, photographers capturing every step they took toward the stadium.

Security kept the fans at bay, but the energy was electric. Cheers rang out, and a few lucky supporters managed to get high-fives from the players as they passed.

Inside, the noise only intensified. The stadium was filling up fast, a mix of Arsenal and Leverkusen supporters creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Even though this wasn’t their home ground, the Arsenal contingent was loud, their chants bouncing off the walls.

As they neared the dressing room, Arteta’s voice rang through the corridor. “Sharp warm-up, everyone. No half-speed, no going through the motions. Show me you’re serious.”

A collective nod went through the squad before they began their preparations.

______

The moment they stepped onto the pitch, it became clear that this wasn’t a typical match.

The stands were packed, the lights beaming down, and the tension in the air felt like a proper European night.

Izan started his warm-up routine, focusing on his stretches before getting some touches on the ball. But soon, something caught his attention.

Near the front row, a familiar group of faces had taken their seats.

The Lakers players had arrived, decked out in streetwear, lounging comfortably like they owned the place.

Reaves, Anthony Davis, and even LeBron himself were there, watching with interest.

Zinchenko spotted them too and nudged Izan. “Well, well. Look who showed up.”

Izan smirked, raising a hand in acknowledgment.

Beyond them, even more high-profile figures dotted the stands—actors, musicians, and influencers. L.A. was living up to its reputation.

But amidst the celebrity presence, Izan noticed a different kind of attention.

From the sidelines, a group of young women had their eyes locked on him. He could feel their stares before he even turned in their direction.

One of them whispered something, and the others giggled before speaking a little louder—clearly intending for him to hear.

“Oh my god, he’s beautiful.”

Another voice followed. “Are his eyes real? No way.”

Izan kept his expression neutral, staying focused, but he caught that.

Saka, jogging past, overheard it too, and smirked. “You’re a menace, man. Doing nothing and still causing problems.”

Izan shook his head slightly, amused, but refocused.

The warm-up continued at a high intensity. Arsenal moved through their drills with precision, while Leverkusen did the same on the opposite end of the pitch.

It was clear both teams wanted to send a message before the actual game began.

As the session wrapped up, the players jogged back toward the tunnel.

The stadium noise grew louder, fans clapping in anticipation. Izan kept his gaze forward, mentally preparing for the match.

……..

The broadcast transitioned smoothly into the pre-match coverage, the camera panning across the electric atmosphere inside the stadium.

The anticipation was thick in the air as Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen prepared to take the field.

(English Broadcast – Martin Tyler):

“Welcome to a packed stadium here in Los Angeles, where Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen meet in what promises to be a thrilling preseason encounter.

Leverkusen, fresh off an invincible Bundesliga season, are a team brimming with confidence under Xabi Alonso, while Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal continue their preparations for a campaign where they hope to challenge for silverware.”

The camera shifted to the tunnel, where both teams stood in two disciplined lines.

Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard were deep in discussion, while Gabriel Jesus rolled his shoulders in preparation.

(Lee Dixon):

“And Martin, what a test this is for Arsenal. Preseason or not, Leverkusen are a well-drilled side, and it’s a rare opportunity for Arteta’s squad to measure themselves against one of Europe’s best right now.

The players will be feeling that competitive edge.”

A quick cut to Arsenal’s bench showed a few familiar faces, including Jorginho, Zinchenko, and Saka, chatting lightly before the match.

And then, the cameras locked onto Izan, sitting calmly at the end of the row, hands resting over his knees. He wasn’t starting tonight, but his presence alone had fans buzzing.

Martin Tyler:

“Speaking of talent, all eyes have been on Izan Hernández since his breathtaking performances at the Euros.

The young Spaniard isn’t in the starting lineup tonight, but Arteta has been careful with his minutes in preseason.

He will almost certainly get a run-out later on, and when he does, expect fireworks.”

The broadcast cut back to the tunnel, where Leverkusen’s players adjusted their kits and exchanged final nods.

Their manager, Xabi Alonso, stood nearby, exuding the calm control that had defined his exciting coaching career so far.

Lee Dixon:

“And let’s not forget about Bayer Leverkusen, Martin. They arrive here as the team to beat after an astonishing unbeaten season, and with their aggressive, fluid style of play, they’ll pose serious questions for Arsenal tonight.”

The match officials gave the signal, and the players in the tunnel straightened up.

The stadium roared as they began their walk out onto the pristine grass, floodlights illuminating the scene.

Fans in Arsenal and Leverkusen shirts filled the stands, cameras flashing as they soaked in the moment.

Izan, still seated on the bench, adjusted his shin pads.

The captains exchanged handshakes, the final pre-match rituals were completed, and next, the referee took his place.

Martin Tyler :

“The stage is set. Two quality sides, a packed stadium, and a true test of preseason ambitions. We await the first whistle.”

…….

The referee’s whistle echoed through the stadium, and immediately, both teams set the tempo.

Arsenal, in their iconic red and white, pushed forward aggressively, while Bayer Leverkusen, donning their sleek black away kit, responded with their signature high-intensity pressing.

(Martin Tyler):

“And we’re underway here in Los Angeles! Arsenal in possession early on, looking to impose themselves, while Leverkusen set up with that disciplined structure we’ve come to expect under Xabi Alonso.”

Arsenal controlled the ball in midfield, with Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard orchestrating play.

Leverkusen’s press was sharp, forcing quick decisions, but Arsenal’s passing was fluid, weaving around the pressure.

In the 8th minute, Leverkusen had their first warning shot—Florian Wirtz found a pocket of space and curled an effort from outside the box, but Raya reacted quickly, tipping it over the bar.

Arsenal responded instantly. From the resulting corner, they won back possession and transitioned into a blistering counterattack.

(Lee Dixon):

“That’s a great stop from Ramsdale, but look at Arsenal break here! They’ve got numbers!”

Gabriel Jesus darted forward, holding up the ball just long enough for Bukayo Saka to make a run down the right.

A perfectly timed pass released the winger, who drove into the final third, his quick feet causing panic in the Leverkusen defense.

Ødegaard arrived in support, combining with Saka in a slick one-two, shifting the ball toward the penalty area.

Then, in a flash, the opening appeared.

Ødegaard threaded a brilliant through ball between two defenders and Leandro Trossard—ghosting in from the left—took it in stride.

He opened up his body and placed a precise shot past the keeper.

The ball nestled into the far corner.

GOAL!

Martin Tyler:

“Trossard! Beautiful finish! Arsenal slice through Leverkusen’s defense, and they take the lead!”

The stadium erupted, with Arsenal fans on their feet celebrating.

The players mobbed Trossard near the corner flag, while Ødegaard jogged over with a wide grin, pointing at his teammate in appreciation of the perfect finish.

Lee Dixon:

“That’s exactly how Arteta wants his team to play—slick passing, rapid movement, and a clinical finish at the end of it. Leverkusen will need to regroup quickly here.”

As Arsenal reset for the restart, Arteta stood near the touchline, arms crossed, nodding in satisfaction.

Martin Tyler :

“A dream start for Arsenal, but there’s still a long way to go in this match. Leverkusen won’t take this lying down.”