Chapter 20: The Friendly Against Getafe BGame Day – A New Beginning

The Ciudad Deportiva Getafe CF training ground buzzed with activity as Atlético Madrid B arrived for their pre-season friendly against Getafe B.

Jason stepped off the team bus, adjusting his backpack.

Today was his first official match for Atlético Madrid B.

And his first real chance to prove he deserved a starting role.

Next to him, Emiliano Vázquez cracked his knuckles.

They were both starting.

Which meant only one thing—the battle was on.

Inside the Locker Room

Coach Santiago Burgos stood in front of the whiteboard.

"Alright, listen up," he said. "We're going with a 4-4-2 formation."

Jason's heart pounded as Burgos wrote his name on the lineup.

Jason Cross – Striker

Emiliano Vázquez – Striker

The two of them would be leading the attack together.

Burgos turned to them.

"Vázquez, you play as the target man. Hold up the ball, bring others into play."

Vázquez nodded. "Got it, coach."

"Cross," Burgos continued, "you're the poacher. Find space, make runs, and finish your chances."

Jason smirked. "That's what I do best."

Burgos clapped his hands. "Good. Now get out there and prove why you deserve this shirt."

Kickoff – A Fierce Start

The referee blew his whistle, and the match kicked off.

Right away, Jason noticed something—Getafe B pressed hard.

Their midfield closed down passing lanes immediately, making it difficult for Atlético Madrid B to build attacks.

Jason stayed on his toes, looking for gaps in the defense.

Then, in the 8th minute, Atlético Madrid B got their first chance.

Miguel Fernández received the ball and spotted Jason making a diagonal run.

Miguel chipped the ball over the defense—perfectly weighted.

Jason sprinted past his marker, controlled the ball in stride, and…

BAM!

His shot was saved by the goalkeeper's outstretched leg.

Jason cursed under his breath.

That should've been 1-0.

Vázquez Takes the Lead

In the 18th minute, Atlético Madrid B attacked again.

This time, Vázquez received the ball inside the box.

A defender rushed toward him, but Vázquez used his strength to shield the ball, then spun and fired a low shot into the corner.

GOAL!

1-0 to Atlético Madrid B.

Jason clenched his fists.

Vázquez had just made his statement.

Now, Jason had to respond.

The Poacher's Instinct

By the 37th minute, Jason was getting frustrated.

He had made four good runs, but his teammates hadn't found him.

Then—his moment arrived.

A long cross was played into the box.

Vázquez jumped for a header, but a defender nudged him mid-air.

The ball deflected off Vázquez's head and dropped to Jason's feet.

Instinct took over.

Jason reacted instantly, smashing a first-time shot into the back of the net.

GOAL!

Jason pumped his fist.

He turned to see Vázquez watching him.

The battle for the striker spot was far from over.