Chapter 26: The Pressure Mounts

Blackhaven's recent victories had lit a fire under the club—and the league. The buzz was louder now, with pundits praising Daisuke Kurogane's revolutionary tactics. But with rising expectations came mounting pressure. Their next fixture was no ordinary match; it was a clash against Oxford United, a team that had been in contention for the title all season. For Blackhaven, a win here would not only boost their league position but also silence critics who doubted their rapid rise.

Early on the morning of the match, Daisuke arrived at Blackhaven Stadium under a sky that promised both rain and resolve. In the quiet of the locker room, before the roar of the crowd took over, he gathered his key players for one final tactical briefing.

"Listen up," Daisuke began, his voice low and steady. "Oxford United is a disciplined side that likes to keep its shape. They're strong in the midfield and known for their counterattacks. We've seen our share of struggles when opponents sit deep. Today, we must break that mold."

He walked over to the tactical board, drawing a fresh diagram. "We'll press in waves—intense but controlled. Lewis Carter and Stojanovic, I need you to dictate the rhythm. Ricardo, your job is to stretch their play; if you find a gap on either wing, switch the ball quickly. And Aaron, I expect you to lead every counterattack. We won't flood their box with goals—we need just one moment of brilliance to tilt the game in our favor."

A murmur of agreement passed through the room. Even as some players exchanged anxious glances, Daisuke's calm demeanor instilled a sense of purpose. He knew that his cheat—his almost supernatural ability to read the game—would come into play when Oxford pushed too hard.

Before the team dispersed, Aaron, the captain, stepped forward. "Coach, we're ready. We trust your system."

Daisuke met his gaze. "Good. Trust in the process. Focus on each pass, each movement. Today, we're not just playing for a win—we're sending a message."

At kick-off, the atmosphere at Blackhaven Stadium was electric. The stands were packed with supporters who had come to witness history—a rising underdog taking on one of the league's titans. Oxford United wasted no time; their aggressive pressing and clinical passing were evident from the first whistle.

For the opening ten minutes, Blackhaven's players maintained composure, patiently circulating the ball. Daisuke's instructions echoed in every touch—the need for precision, for controlled aggression. His team moved as one, determined not to fall prey to Oxford's early pressure.

15th Minute:

A breakthrough came when Oxford, in an attempt to force a mistake, pressed high. In response, Ricardo found space on the left flank. With a swift switch of play, he lofted a crisp, cross-field pass to Lewis Carter, who had made a darting run into the half-space. Carter, displaying his trademark vision, threaded a diagonal ball into the box. But Oxford's defense was alert; their center-back, Mark Ellis, intercepted the pass just before Barnes could connect.

Daisuke's jaw tightened—he knew moments like these could go either way.

23rd Minute:

Blackhaven slowly began to impose their will. Stojanovic, orchestrating the midfield with near-prescient precision, recovered a loose pass and immediately recycled it to Aaron, who then set up a quick one-two with Carter. This time, Barnes was in position. With a composed first touch, he curled a shot toward the far post. The Oxford keeper dived but managed only a tip over the bar. The stadium erupted with the promise of a goal.

By halftime, the scoreline read 0-0—a reflection of both teams' disciplined play. In the tunnel, the tension was palpable, yet Daisuke's calm leadership cut through the nerves.

"Oxford is a tough nut to crack," Daisuke said, eyes fixed on his tactical board. "They're defending with purpose, but they're also vulnerable if you force them to leave their shape. In the second half, I want you to increase the tempo. Push the ball quickly—don't let them settle. Remember, one moment of brilliance is all we need."

Aaron responded with a nod. "We'll find that moment, Coach."

Daisuke's words were a lifeline, and as the team returned to the pitch, their renewed focus was evident.

The second half began with Oxford intensifying their pressing, desperate to break Blackhaven's control. Every possession was a battle, and every pass carried the weight of expectation.

38th Minute:

Blackhaven regained possession deep in Oxford's half. Stojanovic, always one step ahead, noticed a gap forming as Oxford's midfield pushed forward in anticipation of a counter. Without hesitation, he sent a long, piercing pass toward the right wing, directly into the path of Carter, who was sprinting at full tilt. Carter raced past two defenders and, with a cool composure that belied the tension, delivered a low, looping cross into the penalty area.

Aaron, ever the opportunist, timed his run perfectly. With one fluid motion, he met the ball at the edge of the box and fired a powerful shot into the net. GOAL! Blackhaven 1-0!

The roar of the crowd was deafening, and for a moment, time seemed to slow. Daisuke allowed himself a brief, satisfied smile—but he knew the game was far from over.

,

Oxford, now reeling from the setback, tried to rally. They pressed harder, launching a series of rapid attacks aimed at equalizing. Daisuke's team, however, was well-drilled. Every challenge was met with calm determination, every press countered by precise passing.

55th Minute:

During a particularly fierce exchange in midfield, Ricardo intercepted a pass and immediately switched the play to the left. His vision and execution forced Oxford to stretch their formation even further. Recognizing the opportunity, Carter made a well-timed run into the space left behind by Oxford's overloaded defense, drawing a foul on a desperate defender. The referee pointed to the spot—Blackhaven was awarded a free-kick.

Daisuke gathered his wits and instructed the set-piece specialist, Barnes, quietly. "One touch. A quick shot if possible. We don't need another goal—just keep the pressure."

Barnes stepped up, and with a precise, first-time effort, the ball whistled past the outstretched hands of the Oxford keeper, hitting the back of the net. Blackhaven 2-0.

As the minutes ticked away, Oxford threw everything they had at Blackhaven. Yet the tactical discipline instilled by Daisuke held firm. The defenders, anchored by Foster and Davies, repelled every attack, and the midfield remained resolute.

In the dying minutes of the game, Oxford managed one last desperate surge. A series of rapid passes near the box nearly led to an equalizer, but a last-ditch clearance by Lewis Carter and a timely tackle by Stojanovic ensured that Blackhaven's lead remained intact.

The final whistle blew, and Blackhaven had triumphed 2-0 in a hard-fought, tactical masterpiece.

In the post-match press conference, reporters were eager to know how Daisuke had outmaneuvered one of the league's most disciplined sides.

"Coach, your tactics today were nothing short of brilliant. How did you manage to break down Oxford's defense?" one journalist asked.

Daisuke's response was measured and confident. "It's all about patience and precision. We studied their pattern and exploited the slightest gaps. Football is a game of adjustments. We adapt, and eventually, the pressure mounts until our opponents crack."

Another reporter inquired, "Do you feel the pressure of expectations now that Blackhaven is being taken seriously?"

Daisuke looked directly into the camera. "Pressure is what makes champions. We don't shy away from challenges. We welcome them."

Later, as Daisuke returned to his office, his phone buzzed with a message from Hana:

Hana Sakamoto: "The fans are in awe. And guess what? A couple of top-tier clubs are circling, but none can match your vision. Keep it up, Coach."

Daisuke allowed himself a brief smile. The pressure was mounting, but so was his resolve. Every match, every tactical tweak, was another step toward realizing his dream: transforming Blackhaven FC into a true football powerhouse.