Chapter 39: The Leeds United Test

Leeds United. One of the biggest clubs in the Championship. A team with Premier League experience, a deep squad, and a relentless high press.

Blackhaven was on a winning streak, but this? This was their biggest test so far.

Daisuke knew a result here would prove one thing: Blackhaven was no longer just a mid-table team—they were serious contenders.

Before the match, the headlines weren't in Blackhaven's favor.

"Blackhaven's Streak Ends Here?"

"Leeds to Crush the Dark Horses"

"Daisuke's Tactical Luck Running Out?"

The press conference was brutal.

A journalist asked, "Do you really think Blackhaven can handle Leeds? They're the best team in the league."

Daisuke didn't blink. "If we were afraid of big teams, we wouldn't be here."

The room fell silent.

Another question: "Leeds have a stronger squad, more money, more experience. Isn't it unrealistic to expect a result?"

Daisuke smirked. "Football isn't played on spreadsheets. We'll see what happens on the pitch."

He wasn't here to beg for respect. Blackhaven would earn it.

Leeds played a high-pressing 4-2-3-1 system. They suffocated teams, forced turnovers, and dominated possession.

Daisuke's approach? Exploit the gaps.

Step 1: Draw Leeds forward. The defense would pass short, forcing Leeds to press high.

Step 2: Break the lines. Quick vertical passes would bypass the press.

Step 3: Attack fast. Kaito, Aidan, and Callum would have space to exploit.

"If we panic under pressure, we lose," Daisuke told the squad. "Stay composed. One pass can kill their system."

The players nodded. They believed in the plan.

Leeds United vs. Blackhaven.

A sold-out Elland Road. 37,000 fans.

The pressure was suffocating. But Blackhaven was ready.

Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Oliver Hayes

Defenders: Theo Carter (LB), Ryota Nakamura (CB), Lucas Klein (CB), Jake Thompson (RB)

Midfielders: Marco Silva (CDM), James Fletcher (CM), Jordan Fraser (AM)

Forwards: Kaito Hayashi (LW), Aidan Gallagher (ST), Callum Shaw (RW)

The whistle blew.

Leeds attacked ruthlessly from the start.

8th minute: A Leeds striker fired a shot from the edge of the box—Oliver Hayes punched it away.

13th minute: A dangerous cross—Ryota Nakamura cleared it at the last second.

19th minute: Leeds hit the post!

Daisuke stayed calm on the touchline. Leeds was dominant, but this was part of the plan.

Then, Blackhaven struck.

26th minute – Blackhaven's First Big Chance

Leeds pushed too high. Marco Silva won the ball in midfield and immediately launched it forward.

Callum Shaw broke down the right wing, sprinting past his marker.

A perfect cross. Aidan Gallagher rose above two defenders and powered a header—

Saved!

The Leeds goalkeeper barely tipped it over.

The game was wide open.

0-0. But Leeds was wearing Blackhaven down.

Daisuke had a decision to make.

Play safe and hold on for a draw?

Or go for the win?

He looked at his players. They wanted to win.

He made two changes:

Jordan Fraser OFF → Luka Petrovic ON (More energy in midfield)

Callum Shaw OFF → Theo Munroe ON (A fresh winger to stretch Leeds)

Blackhaven came out stronger.

55th minute: Kaito cut inside, fired a shot—blocked!

61st minute: Fletcher delivered a long ball—Aidan Gallagher flicked it just wide.

Leeds was struggling.

Then, it happened.

A sloppy Leeds pass. Fletcher intercepted.

Instantly, he released the ball to Luka Petrovic.

Petrovic spotted Theo Munroe making a run.

A perfectly weighted pass.

Munroe broke past his defender and smashed a low shot—

GOAL!

Elland Road fell silent.

Blackhaven 1-0 up.

Daisuke clenched his fist. They weren't just surviving—they were winning.

Leeds threw everything forward.

78th minute: A dangerous cross—Lucas Klein headed it clear.

83rd minute: A curling shot—Hayes saved it with his fingertips.

90th minute: A Leeds free-kick—blocked by Ryota Nakamura's face.

The pressure was unbearable.

Daisuke barked instructions from the touchline. "Stay disciplined!"

Then, after five minutes of added time—

The whistle blew.

Leeds United 0-1 Blackhaven.

A massive upset.

The away fans exploded. Blackhaven's players collapsed in exhaustion, but they had done it.

Another clean sheet.

Another tactical masterclass.

Another step toward proving they belonged at the top.

Daisuke walked onto the pitch, watching his players celebrate.

The cameras focused on him. Blackhaven was no longer ignored.

Headlines flooded in:

"Daisuke's Blackhaven: Championship's Dark Horses?"

"Leeds United Stunned – Tactical Masterclass from Blackhaven"

"Promotion Contenders? Blackhaven Keep Proving Themselves"

As the team entered the dressing room, Fletcher clapped Daisuke's shoulder.

"You really believed we could win this, huh?"

Daisuke smirked. "I still do."

Blackhaven was no longer an underdog.

They were a threat.