The air in the locker room was electric.
CF Igualada had just pulled off a huge win against CF Olesa, but there was no time to celebrate. Another crucial match was coming up—this time against FC Vilanova, a team known for their aggressive pressing and physical dominance.
Daniel sat on the bench, still feeling the adrenaline from the last game. His legs were sore, his muscles tight, but his mind was sharp.
Across the room, Miguel and Luis were going over strategies in Spanish.
"Tenemos que mover el balón más rápido," Miguel said. ("We have to move the ball faster.")
Luis nodded. "Sí, pero también tenemos que cerrar los espacios." ("Yes, but we also have to close the spaces.")
Daniel caught bits and pieces but didn't fully understand.
He leaned over to Miguel. "What are you guys saying?"
Miguel grinned. "Just tactics, bro. We need to move the ball faster against Vilanova. Their midfield is strong."
Daniel nodded. He could handle that.
Then, Coach Morales walked in.
The room fell silent.
Morales stood at the front, arms crossed.
"You all know what's at stake," he began, voice calm but firm. "Vilanova is a tough team. They will press high, they will play physical, and they will try to break your rhythm even though it cost's them a card."
He glanced around the room.
"We don't let them."
The players nodded.
Morales continued. "Carter—"
Daniel straightened up.
"You're starting."
A ripple of excitement ran through the room. Miguel clapped Daniel on the back.
Morales held up his clipboard.
"We're playing a 4-3-3. Luis, you're in midfield. Miguel, left wing. Daniel, you'll be on the right. I want you to use your speed and decision-making to create chances."
Daniel grinned. This was his chance to prove himself again.
Morales's eyes narrowed. "But don't get cocky. Vilanova's left-back is fast, and their center-backs are strong. If you're not careful, they'll shut you down."
Daniel nodded.
"Alright," Morales said. "Get ready. We go out there and play like champions."
The whistle blew.
The stadium was louder than the last game. Fans from both teams waved flags, chanting in Catalan and Spanish.
Daniel felt his heartbeat quicken.
This was it.
CF Igualada started with possession. Daniel moved into position, scanning the field. His time-perception powers weren't active yet—but he knew they'd kick in when things got intense.
The ball moved quickly between Luis and the defenders.
Then—Vilanova pressed hard.
A midfielder lunged at Luis, stealing the ball.
A Vilanova striker raced forward.
Daniel turned and sprinted back to help, but the shot came fast.
BOOM.
The ball smashed against the crossbar.
Daniel let out a breath. That was too close.
The first 20 minutes were tough.
Vilanova was dominating possession, pressing hard and forcing mistakes.
Daniel barely got any touches. Every time he received the ball, he was swarmed by defenders.
He gritted his teeth.
He needed a new approach.
Then—an opportunity.
Luis intercepted a pass and sent the ball wide to Daniel.
Time slowed.
Daniel's vision sharpened.
The left-back was closing in. Fast.
Daniel faked right—then burst left.
Space.
He surged forward, eyes scanning the box.
Miguel was making a run.
Cross.
Miguel dived for a header—
But the goalkeeper punched it away.
The crowd groaned.
Daniel clenched his fists.
They were getting closer.
40th minute.
Still 0-0.
Then—it happened.
Miguel cut inside and passed to Luis. Luis flicked the ball toward Daniel, just outside the box.
Daniel felt the pressure.
A defender lunged in.
Daniel tapped the ball forward, skipping past him.
Another defender rushed in.
Time slowed again.
Daniel took a breath—then curled a shot toward the top corner.
The ball soared.
The goalkeeper dived—
But he was too late.
GOAL.
The stadium exploded.
CF Igualada 1-0 FC Vilanova.
Miguel tackled Daniel in celebration. "¡Golazo, hermano!" ("Amazing goal, brother!")
Daniel grinned, catching his breath.
They were winning.
In the locker room, Morales paced back and forth.
"That was better. But we can't relax. Vilanova will come out even stronger in the second half."
He turned to Daniel. "You're making great runs. Keep exploiting that left side."
Daniel nodded.
"Now, let's finish this."
As expected, Vilanova came out stronger.
They attacked relentlessly.
Daniel had to track back more than before, helping the defense.
55'
A Vilanova forward slipped past the center-backs.
One-on-one with the keeper.
Shot.
GOAL.
CF Igualada 1-1 FC Vilanova.
Daniel cursed under his breath.
It wasn't over yet.
75'
Tension was high.
Both teams pushed for a winner.
Then—Luis won the ball in midfield.
He saw Daniel and played a perfect long ball.
Daniel sprinted forward.
The left-back was closing in fast.
Daniel took a big touch forward—almost too big.
The goalkeeper rushed out.
The crowd held their breath.
Daniel reached the ball just in time.
A delicate chip.
The ball sailed over the keeper—
And hit the back of the net.
GOAL.
Daniel fell to his knees, fists clenched.
CF Igualada 2-1 FC Vilanova.
The crowd went wild.
The final whistle blew.
CF Igualada had won.
Daniel walked off the field, exhausted but satisfied.
Then—he spotted Coach Morales.
Morales studied him for a long moment.
Then, he spoke.
"You're ready."
Daniel blinked.
"For what?"
Morales's lips curled into a small smile.
"For promotion."
Author's Note: