The Game Before the Storm

The streets of Igualada buzzed with excitement as news of Real Madrid's thrilling 3-2 victory over Manchester City spread like wildfire. Locals gathered in cafés, debating the match with passionate gestures and rapid-fire Catalan. Even at Academia Igualada, students excitedly discussed the game in between lessons, replaying Bellingham's brilliant goal and Haaland's stunning penalty.

Daniel, however, had his mind elsewhere.The feeling of being watched hadn't left him since training. Even as he sat in class, his instincts kept telling him something was off. Every time he glanced at the window, he half-expected to see the shadowy figure from the night before.But nothing.Still, he knew better than to ignore his instincts.The stadium was packed. Fans from both towns filled the stands, waving flags and chanting songs in Catalan. This was a crucial match—a win would push Igualada higher in the rankings, while a loss could drop them back down.Daniel stood in the tunnel, tightening his shoe lace. Coach Martínez had given him the nod—he was in the starting eleven."Hoy es tu oportunidad, Carter," "Today is your chance," Martínez said, clapping his shoulder. "Make it count."Daniel nodded. He didn't need to understand every word to know what the coach meant. This was his chance to prove himself again.As the players walked onto the pitch, the commentator's voice boomed through the stadium:"Bienvenidos al encuentro entre CF Igualada y CF Vilanova i la Geltrú. Ambos equipos buscan los tres puntos hoy, y hay que ver cómo se desempeñará el joven Daniel Carter en su segunda titularidad." "Welcome to the match between CF Igualada and CF Vilanova i la Geltrú. Both teams are looking for three points today, and we have to see how young Daniel Carter will perform in his second start."Daniel barely had time to process that before the whistle blew.Vilanova played aggressively from the start, their midfielders pressing high to disrupt Igualada's build-up. Daniel had to adapt quickly, using his awareness to evade pressure and keep the ball moving.In the 18th minute, Igualada got their first big chance. Sergio sent a cross into the box, and Daniel saw it coming. Time slowed slightly as he positioned himself—but before he could react, a Vilanova defender cleared the ball just inches from his foot.Daniel cursed under his breath. He needed to be sharper.As the players walked off the pitch, Daniel wiped the sweat from his forehead. The score remained 0-0, but it was clear that one moment of brilliance could decide the game.Just as he reached the tunnel, his eyes locked onto something—or someone—in the crowd.The same dark-clothed man from before.Watching.Daniel's stomach tightened. Who was he? Why was he here?He barely heard Sofia's voice as she called his name from the stands."¡Daniel! ¿Estás bien?"Daniel blinked, forcing himself to nod. He couldn't let this distraction affect him.Not now.Vilanova came out stronger, forcing Igualada to defend deeper. Daniel's legs ached, but he pushed forward, knowing that one opportunity could change everything.Then, in the 73rd minute, the chance came.A quick one-two pass between Alex and Sergio sent the ball rolling into space—perfect for Daniel.He sprinted forward, activating just a fraction of his power. Everything seemed to slow as he struck the ball cleanly with his right foot.The net rippled.GOOOOOL!The stadium erupted. CF Igualada 1-0 CF Vilanova.The commentator's voice was almost drowned out by the cheers:"¡Gol de Daniel Carter! El joven norteamericano marca su primer gol en este partido con el CF Igualada, ¡y vaya gol!""¡ "Goal by Daniel Carter! The young American scores his first goal in this match for CF Igualada, and what a goal!" Daniel barely had time to celebrate before his teammates mobbed him. He'd done it.But as he looked toward the crowd again, his stomach dropped.The man was gone.