Chapter 22 : Dancing
The second half had carried on with the same intensity as the first, with both teams refusing to relent. Espanyol continued to press high, while Sevilla had grown increasingly determined, knowing they had to break down the Catalan defense if they were to stay in the tie.
In the 76th minute, Sevilla began a patient, deliberate build-up from the back. Sergio Rico, the Sevilla goalkeeper, received the ball from the center-back Nico Pareja. With a calm touch, he passed it short to Grzegorz Krychowiak in midfield. The ball was then shifted sideways to Éver Banega, who, despite the pressure, turned sharply and played a long ball over the top to Aleix Vidal on the right wing.
The Espanyol defense momentarily dropped their guard. Juan Fuentes had shifted too far inside to cover the center, leaving Vidal the space he needed. Vidal collected the ball on the right flank, his head up, eyes scanning the field for options. He whipped a low, driven cross into the box, aiming for Carlos Bacca. The Colombian striker, who had been a constant thorn in the side of Espanyol's defense, timed his run perfectly, meeting the cross with a well-timed header.
The ball, struck with power and precision, flew past Kiko Casilla in goal, who stretched out to his fullest but couldn't reach it. The ball nestled into the bottom corner, giving Sevilla their much-needed goal in the 76th minute.
Àxel Torres:
"A well-worked goal from Sevilla! Espanyol's defense just caught napping for a second, and Carlos Bacca punishes them with a clinical header. It's now 2-1 on the night, and the aggregate score is 3-3. What a way to turn the tide!"
Ian Darke:
"Sevilla's persistence pays off. The slow build-up, the cross from Vidal—just the kind of play they needed. And Bacca, always in the right place at the right time, makes no mistake. Espanyol needs to tighten up now, or this game could slip away from them."
The RCDE Stadium, which had been buzzing with anticipation, fell silent for a brief moment as Sevilla's fans erupted into celebration. Espanyol now had to dig deep once more, knowing that the tie was hanging in the balance.
Àxel Torres:
"This match has turned into a real battle. Espanyol had the advantage, but Sevilla has just thrown the gauntlet down. The next few minutes could define this tie."
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The atmosphere in the RCDE Stadium was nothing short of electric. With both teams now desperately pushing forward, determined to avoid extra time, the match had turned into an all-out assault. Espanyol and Sevilla were both attacking with relentless intensity, neither side willing to settle for the draw. It was a game where every second counted, every tackle was vital, and the smallest mistake could prove to be the difference.
And then, in the 93rd minute, the defining moment arrived. A loose ball in the midfield, just outside the center circle, fell to Nico Cruyff—calm, poised, and always aware of the space around him. Sevilla had pushed forward in numbers, and as the ball landed at his feet, Nico recognized the opportunity instantly.
He cut inside, evading Krychowiak with a quick Cryuff Turn, leaving the Sevilla midfielder trailing. As he approached the next defender, Nico Pareja, he quickly shifted the ball with an elegant La Croqueta, gliding past the Argentine with ease. His pace picked up as he sprinted toward the final line of defense, facing Daniel Carriço and Fernando Navarro.
Without breaking stride, Nico feinted to the left with a smooth Step Over, watching as Carriço shifted his weight the wrong way. Then, with a subtle flick, Nico unleashed a dazzling Elastico that took him around the bewildered Carriço, leaving the Sevilla center-back in his wake. As he neared the penalty box, Navarro attempted to close him down, but Nico was already one step ahead.
In one swift, composed motion, he slid the ball through Navarro's legs—a perfect nutmeg—and in a blur of movement, Nico was in on goal. With the goalkeeper Sergio Rico rushing out, Nico remained calm, slotting the ball past him with precision, curling it just inside the far post.
Ian Darke:
"Unbelievable! Nico Cruyff, just 14 years old, has done it again! That was sheer brilliance! A solo run, a series of skill moves—Cryuff Turn, La Croqueta, Step Overs, Elastico, Nutmeg—and he's left the Sevilla defense in tatters! He slots it home with the calm of a seasoned pro. Espanyol lead 3-1 on the night, and they're ahead on aggregate 4-3. What a goal!"
Àxel Torres:
"Nico Cruyff has just shown why he's already a match-winner at this level. A solo run of the highest quality, and Sevilla's defense just couldn't handle it. A wonderful display of skill, composure, and football intelligence. Espanyol have surely won it here."
The stadium erupted in a frenzy of cheers as Nico was mobbed by his teammates, the young genius' face lighting up with a smile of disbelief and joy. The final whistle blew shortly after, sealing Espanyol's victory in one of the most dramatic matches of the season.
Ian Darke:
"An extraordinary night at the RCDE Stadium. Espanyol 3, Sevilla 1. Nico Cruyff has secured his place in the hearts of these fans, and more importantly, he's sent Espanyol through to the next round. What a night, what a player!"
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As the ball flew into the back of the net, the RCDE Stadium was alive with euphoria. Espanyol's players swarmed Nico Cruyff, lifting him in the air as the final whistle blew, signaling the end of the match.
The referee, José Luis González González, brought the game to a close with a sharp blow of his whistle, echoing through the packed stadium. The crowd roared, a mix of disbelief and pure joy. Espanyol had done it—they'd fought hard and earned their place in the next round of the Copa del Rey.
Ian Darke:
"That's it! The whistle blows, and it's all over here at the RCDE Stadium! Espanyol win 3-1 on the night, and with a 4-3 aggregate score, they've knocked out Sevilla! What a performance! What a goal from Nico Cruyff in the dying minutes. The youngster has once again proven he's got the heart and the talent to shine at the highest level."
Àxel Torres:
"Espanyol have shown tremendous character. After conceding that goal in the second half, they never gave up, and Nico Cruyff—with his magic in the final moments—has sealed the win. This is a result that will be remembered for years to come. Nico's solo run was a work of art. This is his moment, and this is Espanyol's night."
The players celebrated wildly, with Nico at the center of it all, his face beaming with the thrill of his match-winning performance. The fans sang louder than ever, their chants reverberating around the stadium as the team took a collective bow.
Ian Darke:
"Espanyol's victory will go down as one of the great moments of the season, and the hero tonight? Nico Cruyff, no doubt. A truly remarkable performance from the young prodigy, and what a match to remember."
The team had fought hard, they had battled through adversity, and now, they could bask in the glory of a well-deserved win.
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In the stands, the atmosphere was electric. Fans were still basking in the afterglow of Espanyol's thrilling 3-1 victory over Sevilla. The chants continued to echo in the air, a mixture of celebration and disbelief. Amid the jubilation, a group of female Espanyol supporters, dressed in the team's colors, were discussing the match in excited voices.
One of the fans, Sofia, a 22-year-old student, turned to her friends with wide eyes, her face flushed with admiration.
Sofia:
"Did you see that last goal? Nico—he was unreal. He made it look like he was playing in a different dimension. And don't even get me started on his looks—he's like… like a modern-day Greek god, but with that killer instinct. I swear, every time he smiles, it's like the sun shines a little brighter."
Her friend Marina, a fellow supporter, laughed and nodded enthusiastically, glancing toward the pitch where Nico was celebrating with his teammates.
Marina:
"Seriously, Sofia, I've never seen a 14-year-old play with that kind of composure. But you're right, he has this… almost otherworldly presence. His face is almost golden, like it's been kissed by the sun. And those eyes! Emerald green—what's that all about? I can't even focus when I watch him play; I'm too busy admiring how he looks."
Sofia sighed dramatically, leaning back in her seat.
Sofia:
"I know, right? And that hair—so wavy, so silky. He's a walking dream. No wonder everyone at La Masia says he's going to be the next big thing. Honestly, he's got the looks, the talent, the brains... I wouldn't be surprised if Barcelona brought him back as soon as possible."
Another fan, Lucia, chimed in, her voice full of admiration.
Lucia:
"Well, if he keeps playing like this, no one will be able to ignore him. I'm just in awe of how he's matured on the pitch. It's crazy to think he's only 14. The way he dribbles, his vision, and that free kick from the corner today? Absolutely world-class. I mean, does it get any better than that?"
The three of them all shared a knowing smile as they continued watching Nico, still celebrating with his teammates. They couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as they looked at the young prodigy, not just for his footballing ability, but for the undeniable charm he had off the pitch too.
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CBS Sports Post-Match Analysis
Kate Abdo:
"Welcome back to CBS Sports' post-match analysis, and what a night we've just witnessed here at the RCDE Stadium. Espanyol have pulled off a stunning 3-1 victory over Sevilla in the Copa del Rey, securing a spot in the next round with a remarkable display. But tonight, all eyes were on one player, and that player is Nico Cruyff. At just 14 years old, he's taken the footballing world by storm, and what a performance it was tonight."
Kate Abdo:
"Espanyol came into this second leg trailing 2-1, and they needed a near-perfect performance. And that's exactly what they got. The energy was palpable, the intensity relentless, and Nico Cruyff—once again—was the difference maker."
The screen cut to the highlights, showing Nico's stunning solo goal in the 93rd minute as he slalomed through the Sevilla defense with a series of dazzling skill moves.
Kate Abdo:
"Let's break down that goal, because it was something special. Nico intercepted a loose ball in midfield, and then, like a man on a mission, he took on the entire Sevilla defense. A Cruyff Turn, La Croqueta, Step Overs, Elastico, and even a cheeky Nutmeg—he made it look so easy. And that finish? Incredible. He's just 14 years old—how many players at that age could do something like that in such a high-pressure match?"
The camera cut to Thierry Henry, who was nodding with a smile.
Thierry Henry:
"Kate, I've been watching football for a long time, and what I saw tonight was pure genius. The way Nico glided past defenders, the confidence in his movement—it's rare to see that at such a young age. It's not just about the skill, it's the composure, the way he took on those challenges. We've all seen players who have the talent but lack the mentality to make it at the top. Nico? He's got both. And that finish? He made it look effortless."
The camera then switched to Jamie Carragher, who was also impressed by the performance.
Jamie Carragher:
"Thierry, you're absolutely right. The skill was sensational, but for me, what really stood out was the maturity of his decision-making. The ability to wait for the right moment to strike, to take on defenders when others might panic or force a pass. His IQ is off the charts. You can see why he's already been compared to some of the greatest players in history. It's a rare combination of natural talent and footballing intelligence."
The screen cut to Micah Richards, who added his thoughts with a grin.
Micah Richards:
"Look, as a defender, that's your worst nightmare. You've got a 14-year-old kid running at you with that kind of ability and confidence. It's scary! And what's even more frightening is that he's only going to get better. His physicality, the way he uses his body to protect the ball, and the balance he has—it's so hard to teach. It's in his DNA. You can't coach that kind of flair, that kind of instinct. Nico is going to be something special."
Kate Abdo:
"That's the key point, Micah. It's not just about the flashy moves; it's about the complete package. And Espanyol fans must be hoping this is just the beginning for Nico Cruyff."
Jamie Carragher:
"And don't forget, he's still so young. His development over the next few years is going to be fascinating to watch. He's already a match-winner, but how will he evolve as he matures physically and tactically? There's no limit to what he can achieve."
Thierry Henry:
"It's exciting times, Jamie. You know as well as I do, it's all about keeping his feet on the ground, though. The hype is inevitable, but if he stays focused, keeps working hard, the sky's the limit for him."
Micah Richards:
"I agree with Thierry. You've got to let him develop at his own pace, but with what we've seen tonight? There's no denying this kid is a once-in-a-generation talent."
The screen showed a replay of Nico's goal again, this time zooming in on his athletic frame and wavy black hair as he finished with composure.
Kate Abdo:
"Indeed, Micah. Nico Cruyff—14 years old, already a match-winner in a Copa del Rey quarterfinal—what a way to announce yourself on the big stage. Espanyol fans will be hoping this is just the beginning of a long and successful career. For Sevilla, it's back to the drawing board after a tough night. But make no mistake—this was a night where Nico Cruyff shone brighter than any other."
Kate Abdo:
"Before we wrap up, let's take a moment to look at Nico Cruyff's incredible stats so far this season. It's just his first campaign with Espanyol, but the numbers he's already putting up are nothing short of sensational."
The screen displayed a graphic showing Nico's stats.
Kate Abdo:
"Seven matches played—five in La Liga, two in the Copa del Rey. And in those seven matches, he's already scored eight goals—six of them in the league, and two in the Copa. But it's not just about goals. Nico's also provided seven assists—three in the league and a stunning four in the Copa. His contribution to this team has been immense."
She paused, looking at the screen, shaking her head in admiration.
Kate Abdo:
"At just 14 years old, those are some unbelievable numbers. Espanyol have found themselves a gem, and if tonight's performance is anything to go by, we're just witnessing the beginning of something truly special."
The graphic then flashed on-screen showing Nico's stats one more time for emphasis.
Kate Abdo:
"We'll all be keeping a close eye on Nico Cruyff as this season progresses, but one thing is certain—he's already making his mark on Spanish football. Incredible."
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Author's note : Vote if you like what you're reading , he will play with barcelona in the upcoming chapters . It'll be crazy , Do comment about things you dont like , so i can fix it in the upcoming chapters