Comeback Kings

Barcelona's second-half pressure was unrelenting. Even with fatigue starting to show, their midfield kept the ball moving, probing Utrecht's defenses for the one lapse that might lead to a goal. On the touchline, Amani jogged and stretched, unable to sit still. His eyes darted from the ticking game clock to the flow of play. He could see Coach Pronk tensely pacing as well. The team had held firm for so long, but something had to give.

In the 35th minute, it did. A sharp attack by Barcelona finally cracked Utrecht's resistance. It started with a quick one-two at the edge of the box between Barcelona's captain and a forward, which drew Utrecht's center-backs slightly out of position.