Chapter 22: The Road to Castilla

The days leading up to the Real Madrid Castilla match were brutal.

Coach Burgos had intensified training, pushing everyone to their limits.

Jason felt the pressure more than ever. The match wasn't just another game—it was a test.

A test to prove that he deserved the starting striker role.

A test to prove that he was better than Vázquez.

And most importantly…

A test to outshine Daniel Aranda.

Training Wars – Jason vs. Vázquez

Morning training started with high-intensity pressing drills.

Coach Burgos wanted the forwards to chase defenders, forcing mistakes and creating scoring chances.

Jason and Vázquez were placed on opposite teams.

Every time Jason pressed, Vázquez matched his intensity.

Every time Jason intercepted a pass, Vázquez did the same.

It wasn't just practice.

It was a war.

At one point, Jason won the ball near the edge of the box and fired a shot past the keeper.

Coach Burgos nodded in approval.

Vázquez wasn't about to be outdone.

Minutes later, he stole possession, cut past two defenders, and curled the ball into the top corner.

Jason's jaw tightened.

Vázquez turned to him and smirked.

Jason knew exactly what that look meant:

"I'm not letting you take my spot."

Jason fired back with a smirk of his own.

"We'll see about that."

Film Study – Learning Castilla's Weaknesses

That afternoon, the squad gathered in the film room.

A large screen displayed Real Madrid Castilla's previous matches.

Jason leaned forward, studying the patterns.

Coach Burgos pointed at the defense.

"Castilla's center-backs are strong, but they rely on their fullbacks pushing high. If we attack the spaces behind their left-back, we can expose them."

Jason's eyes narrowed.

He had already seen this in his system's tactical report.

That left-side weakness was his way in.

Then, the footage switched to Daniel Aranda.

Castilla's star striker.

Jason watched as Aranda effortlessly dribbled past defenders and finished with precision.

Burgos nodded at the screen.

"This guy is close to the first team. Fast, intelligent, deadly in the box. If we let him get too many chances, we're in trouble."

Jason gritted his teeth.

He wasn't just here to watch Aranda.

He was here to outshine him.

As the session ended, Miguel patted Jason's shoulder.

"Think you can beat him?"

Jason smirked.

"Watch me."

System Challenge – Extra Pressure

That night, Jason's system activated.

[ Ding! ]

[ Match Challenge Reminder: Outshine Daniel Aranda. ]

[ Objective: Score more goals than him. ]

[ Bonus Challenge: Deliver an Assist. ]

[ Rewards: Striker Skill Upgrade + New Perk Unlock. ]

Jason's heart pounded.

A bonus challenge?

Assisting wasn't his main focus—scoring was.

But if completing both objectives gave him extra rewards, he had to try.

This match was more than just a battle between Atlético Madrid B and Real Madrid Castilla.

It was a battle between two strikers.

Jason vs. Aranda.

Winner takes all.

Matchday – The Stadium Buzz

The day of the match arrived.

The Real Madrid Castilla training ground had a crowd—scouts, coaches, and reporters.

Jason stepped off the bus, breathing in the fresh air.

This was the closest he'd been to a professional-level atmosphere.

He noticed Vázquez walking beside him, silent.

For once, neither of them had anything to say.

Because they both knew—this match would decide their future.

Starting Lineup Announcement

Inside the locker room, Coach Burgos addressed the squad.

"The lineup for today…"

Everyone held their breath.

Burgos continued.

"Jason, you're starting up front."

Jason's chest swelled.

Vázquez stayed silent.

The coach wasn't done.

"Vázquez, you're on the bench. Be ready to come on in the second half."

Jason could feel the tension in the room.

Vázquez's face remained neutral, but Jason knew the truth—he was furious.

Burgos clapped his hands.

"Alright, let's go show Castilla what we're made of."

Jason stood up, his mind razor-focused.

This was his chance.

He wasn't going to waste it.

Kickoff – The Battle Begins

The referee blew the whistle.

Atlético Madrid B vs. Real Madrid Castilla.

Jason took his position at the top of the formation, his eyes scanning Castilla's defensive line.

The game started at a furious pace.

Castilla controlled possession early, forcing Atlético Madrid B to defend deep.

Jason barely touched the ball in the first ten minutes.

Then, in the 12th minute, Castilla's left-back pushed too high up.

Jason saw his chance.

Miguel spotted the gap and sent a long pass into space.

Jason sprinted.

He outran the center-back, controlled the ball, and cut inside.

A defender lunged in—Jason feinted, sending him sliding past.

Now it was just him and the keeper.

Jason calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

GOAL!

Atlético Madrid B 1-0 Real Madrid Castilla.

Jason pumped his fist as his teammates swarmed him.

He turned toward Castilla's half.

Daniel Aranda was watching.

Jason smirked.

Your move.

Aranda Strikes Back

The lead didn't last long.

Just five minutes later, Castilla launched an attack.

Aranda received the ball on the edge of the box.

One touch. Turn. Shot.

GOAL.

1-1.

Jason watched as Aranda jogged back, his face unreadable.

This guy was the real deal.

Jason gritted his teeth.

If Aranda scored again, Jason would have to score twice more to win the challenge.

No way I'm losing.

The match wasn't over yet.

A Decisive Moment

As the second half began, both teams pushed for the lead.

Jason pressed harder, looking for opportunities.

Then, in the 68th minute, Miguel stole the ball in midfield and raced forward.

Jason sprinted ahead.

Miguel had two options—shoot or pass.

Jason's system flashed a recommendation.

[ Pass incoming in 3… 2… 1… ]

Miguel flicked the ball through a defender's legs—straight into Jason's path.

Jason took one touch, then curled the ball past the keeper.

GOAL!

Atlético Madrid B 2-1 Real Madrid Castilla.

Jason raised his arms, soaking in the moment.

Two goals.

He was winning the challenge.

But it wasn't over yet.

Final Minutes – The Bonus Challenge

In the 88th minute, Castilla threw everything forward.

Jason knew he had completed the main challenge.

But the bonus challenge was still open—an assist.

Then, in the 92nd minute, a counterattack opportunity came.

Jason received the ball with only one defender ahead of him.

He could go for a hat-trick.

But then, he saw Miguel racing down the right side—completely unmarked.

Jason made a split-second decision.

Instead of shooting, he flicked a pass to Miguel.

Miguel took one touch and blasted the ball into the net.

GOAL!

Atlético Madrid B 3-1 Real Madrid Castilla.

Jason grinned.

Challenge completed.

The Final Whistle – Victory Secured

The match ended 3-1.

Jason had scored twice and assisted once.

Aranda?

Only one goal.

Jason had won.

As he walked off the pitch, his system flashed.

[ Ding! ]

[ Challenge Completed! ]

[ Rewards Unlocked: Striker Skill Upgrade + New Perk. ]

Jason smirked.

This was just the beginning.

He had proved himself today.

But the real journey was just getting started.

End of Chapter 21

Jason wins the battle against Aranda!

But what new skill and perk did he unlock?

Find out in Chapter 22