God Of football - Chapter 97

Chapter 97: Matchday Chapter 97: Matchday As the sun rose, the horizon was painted with a palette of colours, transitioning from deep indigos to radiant oranges and golds.

The first light pierced through the darkness, illuminating the sky with a soft, glowing warmth.

The surroundings gradually awakened, with shadows retreating and the landscape bathed in a gentle golden hue.

The air felt crisp and alive, accompanied by the subtle sounds of nature-birds chirping, leaves rustling, and the world stirring from its slumber.

This daily phenomenon was not just a natural occurrence but also a symbol of renewal, hope, and the promise of light overcoming darkness.

Tuesday signalled the start of full training.

Izan woke early, motivated by the system urging them to perform his daily tasks.

As usual, school wasn’t much trouble as Izan went through the day.

He couldn’t wait to complete school.

After school, Izan took his bag and headed towards the Valencia training centre.

During training, Coach Baraja implemented a few of his ideas for the game against Real Sociedad, and they seemed to be working.

Izan, on the other hand, didn’t join this session and did a targeted training session with another Coach.

He focused on drills that dealt with passing accuracy, positional awareness, and ball control under pressure which was mimicked by the presence of a few players.

Izan’s movements were precise, his vision sharp, as he worked tirelessly to dominate the midfield.

The new additions from the youth team for the day’s training were mesmerised by the former’s footwork.

After the session, it was time for gym work: strength training and agility drills.

Despite the physical toll, Izan thrived on the grind, knowing it would bring him closer to his goals.

….

While the clash against Real Sociedad was imminent, Izan continued to perform in training.

His performance made Coach Baraja deliberate on making him start the match but the latter ultimately didn’t since he wanted Izan to rest.

“I need to make sure he fully develops into the great player he is meant to be” Baraja would say when Moreno asks why he is so protective of Izan.

Midweek offered a moment of balance with Wednesday’s session being lighter.

It centred on individual skill development.

Izan spent extra time practising free kicks, curving balls into the top corner of the net.

That afternoon, Izan performed his first media duties-answering questions from journalists who were infatuated with the new kid on the block and participating in club promotion.

In the training session, Izan showcased his skills during an intense scrimmage, leaving a lasting impression on teammates and coaches alike.

Playing in a midfield role, Izan demonstrated his excellent vision and teamwork by delivering three precise assists.

Each assist showcased his ability to read the game, exploiting defensive gaps and setting up teammates for easy finishes.

As the scrimmage progressed, Izan added a goal to his tally.

The moment came after he skillfully navigated through defenders, using his agility and quick footwork to create space.

His composed finish past the goalkeeper was a testament to his growing confidence and technical ability.

Baraja on the touchline couldn’t stop smiling.

“This kid is my genius” he said.

Izan’s contributions on the pitch highlighted his versatility and effectiveness in both creating and finishing opportunities.

The session served as a promising indicator of his potential, with teammates celebrating his impact and coaches praising his decision-making and playmaking prowess.

After training, Izan went to the mall with Mark and Sosa under the persuasion of Pietro who wanted to see Ava.

He and Ava had been talking for a while, and they seemed to get along, so he planned on asking her out.

“Wait a minute, you haven’t asked her out yet,” Izan asked, halting Pietro’s incessant talking.

“No,” He said while touching his index fingers with the other.

Mark and Sosa ridiculed Pietro while Izan just stared at the latter.

“Even I’m not that dense,”, Izan thought, remembering his interactions with Olivia.

“I’ll do it today, okay, thats why I brought you guys”, Pietro said shyly for possibly the first time in his life.

[Bro’s shameless] The trio followed Pietro into the Pizzeria before they walked to a table nearby.

Izan, Mark and Sosa watched on as Ava got off her shift.

She seemed to enjoy her talks with Pietro who was probably making good her laugh even if he wasn’t trying to.

The guy was just hopeless.

The trio stalked the duo in front of them, hiding in bushes whenever Ava turned to look back.

“What’s wrong?” Pietro, who had forgotten about the 3 people he came with, asked.

“Nothing.

I just feel that somebody might be following us” Ava said before continuing, “or perhaps.

You know you’re a bit famous”.

“Really?” Pietro asked like he didn’t know it himself.

Ava just shook her head at his reaction and walked ahead.

Pietro scratched his head a bit before jogging to catch up.

[Meanwhile in the bushes] “See, Mark, you almost blew our cover,”, Sosa said, taking the stalking job a little too seriously.

“Sorry,” Mark laughed wryly before thinking why he felt bad when Sosa scolded him.

The trio followed Pietro until they got to a park.

They watched as Pietro got down on one knee as if he was proposing.

“This dumbass,” Izan said while facepalming.

Mark and Sosa watched eagerly as Ava smiled and mouthed something to Pietro.

“Wait, it worked?” Mark said with a confused expression.

“Well, yeah, that’s how it is supposed to go if they like each other”, Sosa said matter-of-factly.

“How do you know” Mark asked.

“Uhh, because I have a girlfriend,” Sosa said before looking at Mark again.

“Wait you’re single?

Never thought you’d be,” Sosa said before focusing on Pietro and Ava, who were holding hands now.

“It’s not just me, Izan too,” Mark said, pointing at Izan without looking back.

Sosa turned to look at him and laughed.

“Check again,” Sosa said while nodding in Izan’s direction.

Mark turned and found Izan texting and smiling.

“What the F–.

You know I won’t even talk anymore” Mark said with a sad expression.

The trio returned to watching the duo in front of them and watched as they walked away.

“So it’s a W for Pietro,”, Sosa said as they walked off.

Izan smiled and nodded at Sosa’s words while Mark, the single dog, walked behind.

…..

Thursday and Friday were intense.

Tactical drills dominated the afternoon with the team rehearsing formations and counterattacks for the upcoming match.

Izan studied the opposition’s key players, mentally preparing for battles on the field.

The evening included specialized training to fine-tune his role, followed by team meetings to finalize strategies.

By Friday evening, Izan ensured he rested well, keeping his routine disciplined and focused.

….

“You guys have your tickets, right,” Izan asked before getting out of the car.

“See you at the Mestalla, “Hori said before waving to Izan.

Izan waved back and walked to the team bus.

….

Matchday at the Mestalla began with a palpable sense of anticipation.

As dawn broke over Valencia, the historic stadium loomed large against the amber glow of the rising sun.

Its towering stands, adorned with the iconic orange and black colours of Valencia CF, awaited the throngs of fans who will soon fill every seat.

By mid-morning, the surrounding streets come alive.

Vendors set up stalls, selling scarves and jerseys, and the unmistakable aroma of fresh paella wafts through the air.

Fans of all ages gather, their conversations buzzing with excitement and predictions for the game.

The hum of activity grew louder as hours ticked by, with drummers and singers sparking impromptu chants.

The Mestalla, one of Spain’s most storied arenas, stood as a beacon of passion and pride.

Inside the stadium, preparations were in full swing.

Groundskeepers meticulously groomed the pitch, ensuring the grass was perfectly trimmed, and the white lines were pristine.

In the locker rooms, the players’ jerseys hung neatly, each bearing the name of a warrior ready for battle.

The coaching staff reviewed tactics at the Deportiva one last time, their voices a mix of calm reassurance and fiery determination.

As sunset approached, the players arrived, greeted by waves of supporters chanting their names.

Izan stepped off the team bus, his headphones on and his face a mask of focus.

He felt the weight of expectation but channelled it into determination.

Entering the tunnel, he paused to take in the surroundings-this was his stage.

In the stands, early-arriving fans draped banners and flags across the rails, their messages of support written boldly for all to see.

Families settled into their seats, children wide-eyed as they took in the grandeur of the arena.

The announcer’s voice echoed through the stadium, listing the starting lineups, each name met with a crescendo of cheers.

The sun climbed higher, casting long shadows across the pitch as the countdown to kickoff neared.

The rhythmic stomping of feet began a thunderous pulse that resonated through the Mestalla.

The players emerged from the tunnel, the roar of tens of thousands hitting them like a wave.

For everyone present-players and fans alike-the beginning of matchday is not just a routine but a celebration of football’s power to unite and inspire.

A/n: Second of the day.

Okay guys I have a match tonight so wish me luck.

CREATORS’ THOUGHTS Art233 Your gift is the motivation for my creation.

Give me more motivation!