Matchday

The Olympisch Stadion buzzed with anticipation as Beecroft walked onto the field for their crucial away match against Lommel SK. This was no ordinary game—Lommel was currently 4th on the table, fighting for promotion, while Beecroft sat at 6th, desperate to climb the ranks. A win here would send a strong message to the league.

As the players stepped onto the pitch, the commentators discussed the lineup.

"Big moment for young Richard Blake today," said Marc De Ridder. "The Nigerian midfielder makes his first start for Beecroft. We saw glimpses of his talent in his debut, but starting a match is a different challenge altogether."

"Coach Lemoine must see something special in him," replied Patrick Van Gorp. "But he'll need to step up fast. Lommel's midfield, led by their captain Matthias Claes and the experienced enforcer Jules Vermeer, won't make life easy for him."

Richard exhaled sharply, nerves mixing with excitement. Then, the system activated.

[Pirlo Star Card Activated]

All stats temporarily boosted to peak Pirlo level for the duration of the match.

A surge of power rushed through him. Suddenly, the field looked clearer—every movement, every gap in the defense stood out like a blueprint. His first touch felt perfect, his control flawless. He knew exactly where his teammates were without even looking.

[Updated Match Stats]

Pace: 80

Dribbling: 87

Passing: 95

Shooting: 85

Defending: 75

Physical: 80

Stamina: 90

Vision: 99

This was a different level.

The referee's whistle blew, and the match kicked off.

Lommel immediately pressed high, trying to pin Beecroft back. Richard positioned himself smartly, always offering an option. A loose clearance fell to him in midfield, and without hesitation, he hit a first-time pass across the pitch, cutting through three opponents and landing perfectly at Jasper's feet on the right wing.

The crowd reacted instantly.

"What a pass!" Marc De Ridder shouted. "Blake just split Lommel apart with one touch!"

Jasper pushed forward, crossing into the box. Luka rose high, heading the ball—saved by the keeper!

Richard clenched his fists. Almost.

Lommel countered quickly. Matthias Claes sent a through ball to their striker Brian Vercauteren, who burst into the box. One-on-one with Beecroft's keeper!

The shot came—but the keeper made a stunning save!

The game was fast, physical, and relentless. Beecroft held possession well, but Lommel's pressing forced errors.

Richard stayed composed, controlling the tempo like a maestro. He twisted past a defender, faked a shot, and slipped a disguised pass into the box—Luka was through!

Luka shot—just wide!

Richard exhaled. His time was coming.

Lommel SK continued pressing high, forcing Beecroft to stay composed under pressure. Richard positioned himself deeper, orchestrating the midfield like a conductor, keeping possession ticking with sharp, one-touch passes. The Pirlo Card was in full effect—he saw the game seconds ahead of everyone else.

32nd Minute – First Assist

A crunching tackle from Jasper won Beecroft possession near the halfway line. The ball rolled toward Richard, and with one glance, he saw the perfect opening.

A no-look, first-time through ball split Lommel's defense.

Luka sprinted onto it, breaking through the last line. The crowd gasped as he took a touch and fired—GOAL!

The away section erupted, fans jumping and waving their scarves. Luka ran straight to Richard, pointing at him.

"Take a bow, Blake!" shouted Marc De Ridder in commentary. "That's not just a pass—it's a masterpiece! He saw it before anyone else!"

Patrick Van Gorp laughed. "Are we sure this kid is 17? That's a world-class assist!"

On the touchline, Coach Lemoine smirked. His gamble on Richard was paying off.

42nd Minute – Second Assist

Lommel pushed hard for an equalizer, launching crosses into Beecroft's box. Vermeer got a shot off from the edge of the area—blocked!

Beecroft countered instantly. Richard received the ball near the center circle and drove forward. One defender came in—he feinted left, spun right, and left him behind.

The stadium roared as he surged upfield, scanning his options.

Luka pulled defenders wide, leaving a gap in the middle. Jasper was making a late run into the box, unnoticed.

Richard disguised the pass perfectly—outside of the boot, curling through a narrow channel.

Jasper ran onto it, controlled it in stride, and smashed it past the keeper! 2-0 Beecroft!

The away fans lost it. Flares went up, chants filled the air, and Richard's name echoed in the stands.

"Blake is running the show!" Marc De Ridder exclaimed. "This kid is playing like he's been here for years!"

"Two assists in 42 minutes. Beecroft has found something special."

Richard, catching his breath, looked at the scoreboard. He wasn't done yet.

---

Lommel SK came out with fire. Their coach had clearly ripped into them at halftime, and they pressed harder, forcing Beecroft into uncomfortable situations.

58th Minute – Lommel's Goal

A misplaced pass in midfield led to a quick turnover. Lommel's captain, Vandenbroeck, pounced on the loose ball and played a one-two with their striker. Richard sprinted back, trying to close the space, but Vandenbroeck was already setting up his shot.

A rocket from 25 yards out—unstoppable.

GOAL! The home crowd exploded.

"WHAT A HIT!" Marc De Ridder roared. "Lommel is BACK in it!"

Patrick Van Gorp added, "And you have to say, they deserve it! Beecroft's been on the back foot since the restart!"

2-1. The momentum shifted. Lommel piled on the pressure. Beecroft had to hold on.

Beecroft fought tooth and nail to preserve their lead. Every clearance, every tackle was met with cheers from the away fans. But Lommel wouldn't stop attacking.

Then, in the 93rd minute, Richard got the ball in midfield.

He was tired. His legs felt like lead. But something inside him wouldn't let him stop.

Instead of playing it safe, he pushed forward.

One defender charged at him. A quick step-over, a feint left—gone.

Another one came. He dragged the ball behind his standing leg, spun away, and accelerated.

The crowd gasped.

He was 35 yards from goal now.

"Surely he's not thinking about it?" Patrick Van Gorp murmured.

Richard took one touch forward—and unleashed hell.

A full-blooded strike.

The ball soared, swerving violently mid-air. The keeper reacted a fraction too late.

The net rippled.

For a split second—silence.

Then, chaos.

GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL!!!

Marc De Ridder screamed. "WHAT HAVE WE JUST SEEN?! RICHARD BLAKE, TAKE A BOW!!!"

The away fans erupted. Luka tackled Richard in celebration, followed by the entire team. The Beecroft bench went wild.

Even Lommel's fans were in shock. Some stood frozen, mouths open.

Patrick Van Gorp finally spoke. "That… is a world-class goal. And from a 17-year-old on his debut start."

Richard stared at the scoreboard. 3-1 Beecroft. Game over.