A New Battlefield

The first full training session with CF Igualada's Under-19s was nothing short of brutal. The pace was faster, the challenges harder, and the competition fierce. Daniel, Miguel, Luis, and Sofia now found themselves surrounded by older players, each trying to cement their spot in the starting lineup.

"Positions!" Coach Navarro barked. "Show me why you deserve to be here!"

The team split into two for a practice match. Daniel's heart pounded. He wasn't a newcomer anymore—he had to prove himself, or he'd be benched.

The ball moved fast, the midfielders pressing aggressively. Miguel received a pass and turned, shielding the ball before laying it off to Sofia.

Daniel sprinted forward, anticipating her next move.

Sofia didn't hesitate. With a quick flick, she sent a perfectly weighted through-ball into space. Daniel reacted instinctively, dashing past his marker. The goalkeeper rushed out—too late. Daniel chipped the ball over him and into the net.

"¡Gol!" someone shouted from the sidelines.

He turned and found Sofia smirking. "Nice finish," she said.

Daniel grinned. "Nice pass."

But the match wasn't over. The opposing team counterattacked, and this time, Sofia had to defend. She threw herself into tackles, intercepting passes like a seasoned pro.

From the sidelines, Coach Navarro nodded approvingly. "Good work, but don't slack off. I want more intensity!"

As the match wore on, exhaustion crept in. Luis was battling for possession in midfield, Miguel was making dangerous runs, and Daniel was testing the defenders with his movement.

Then, the ball came to Sofia near the edge of the box. Without hesitation, she fired a powerful shot—straight into the top corner.

The field went silent for a second before players started cheering.

Miguel nudged Daniel. "You're not the only star around here."

Daniel smirked. Yeah, I got that.