Chapter 41 : Eibar(1)

Espanyol Locker Room

The mood inside the Espanyol dressing room was calm and relaxed. The hard work had already been done—after a season of grit and determination, they had secured fourth place in La Liga, punching their ticket to the Champions League for the first time in years. Tonight's match against Eibar was, in many ways, a formality. There was no pressure, no last-minute stress, just a chance to close the season on a high note.

Some players sat back in their seats, laughing and chatting, their boots untied, jerseys still half on. Sergio García playfully nudged Lucas Vázquez, making a joke that sent a ripple of laughter through the room. Felipe Caicedo leaned against the wall, scrolling through his phone. Even Kiko Casilla, normally one of the most focused, seemed a little looser than usual.

Nico Cruyff sat in front of his locker, quietly listening. He wasn't as relaxed as the others—he never was. Every match mattered to him. But even he could feel the weightlessness in the air. There were no nerves, no tension, just football.

The Espanyol coach, Sergio González, stood in the center of the room, a clipboard in hand. His voice was steady, composed.

"Alright, listen up. I know we've already done what we needed to this season, but let's end it properly. Let's finish strong."

The players nodded.

"Stick to the tactics. We play our game. Quick transitions, press when necessary, and keep the ball moving. Nico, drop deep when needed, but I want you close to the final third as much as possible. Let's entertain the fans tonight."

Nico gave a small nod.

González continued, "Eibar will sit deep. They'll try to frustrate us, so be patient. We don't need to force anything. We just need to play our football. Got it?"

A few players muttered agreement, but there were no fiery speeches, no intense rallying cries. Just a game.

The coach clapped his hands once. "Alright, finish getting ready. Let's go out there and enjoy ourselves."

The players began pulling on their shirts, fastening their shin pads, tying their boots properly. Nico stood up and rolled his shoulders, adjusting his small Barcelona pendant before slipping his Espanyol jersey over his head.

One last game. Then, the next chapter awaited.

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As the players emerged from the tunnel at RCDE Stadium, the atmosphere was electric. Espanyol fans filled the stands, singing, waving scarves, and celebrating a historic season. The tension of a Champions League qualification battle was gone—their place in Europe's elite was secured—but pride was still on the line. Across from them, Eibar's traveling supporters stood proud, eager to see their team finish strong.

The floodlights bathed the pitch as the teams lined up for one last dance this season.

Ian Darke:

"Welcome, everyone, to this final La Liga fixture here at the RCDE Stadium. Espanyol, fresh off securing Champions League football, take on Eibar in what promises to be an entertaining contest. And, of course, all eyes will be on one player—Nico Cruyff. Just 14 years old and already a crucial part of this Espanyol side. It's been a season to remember for the teenager, and tonight, he'll be looking to sign off in style."

Àxel Torres:

"Absolutely, Ian. We've seen young talents emerge over the years, but Nico Cruyff is something else. He's not just here to learn—he's here to dominate. Despite his age, he's dictated games, scored goals, and provided assists at a level far beyond his years. Against an Eibar side that loves to fight, this will be another test, but if anyone can rise to the occasion, it's him."

The camera zoomed in on the players as the lineups appeared on-screen.

Ian Darke:

"Let's take a look at the Espanyol starting lineup for their final match of the season."

Àxel Torres:

"A well-balanced lineup from Sergio González. Kiko Casilla in goal has been solid all season. The back four is disciplined, with Álvaro and Moreno forming a strong center-back pairing. Víctor Sánchez and José Cañas will provide stability in midfield, allowing Lucas Vázquez and Nico Cruyff to push forward. Up front, Sergio García's experience and Caicedo's physicality make them a dangerous duo."

The camera then panned to Eibar's players adjusting their socks and exchanging focused glances.

Ian Darke:

"Now, let's take a look at Eibar's lineup."

Àxel Torres:

"Eibar's strength lies in their resilience. They defend deep, press aggressively, and take their chances when they come. Xabi Irureta will be busy tonight, and that back four will have to stay compact against Espanyol's movement. Dani García and Javi Lara will try to win the midfield battle, while Takashi Inui's creativity on the flank could cause problems. And up top, Arruabarrena and Del Moral will look to make life difficult for the Espanyol defense."

As the referee completed his final checks, the crowd roared in anticipation. The players took their positions.

The final match of the season was about to begin.

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From the very first whistle, Espanyol imposed their dominance, moving the ball with fluidity and purpose. Eibar, known for their resilience, found themselves immediately under pressure as the home side zipped passes around with precision.

5th minute

The sequence began deep in Espanyol's half, with Víctor Sánchez intercepting a loose pass and immediately shifting the ball forward to Lucas Vázquez. With a delicate touch, Vázquez evaded his marker and surged down the right flank, his pace leaving Abraham Minero trailing behind.

Seeing the opening, Vázquez cut inside and laid a quick pass to Sergio García, who played a one-touch through ball into the feet of Nico Cruyff just outside the box.

Nico took a silky first touch, drawing in Dani García, then a sharp feint to his left sent the Eibar midfielder lunging into thin air. As Borja Ekiza stepped up to close him down, Nico effortlessly slipped the ball between his legs, bursting into the box with only the keeper to beat.

With ice in his veins, he opened up his body and calmly slotted the ball past Xabi Irureta into the far corner.

Ian Darke:

"Oh, that is absolutely sensational from Nico Cruyff! A moment of magic in the fifth minute—dribbling through defenders like they weren't even there before placing it coolly into the bottom corner. What a way to start!"

Àxel Torres:

"That's just ridiculous composure for a 14-year-old. The way he glides past Dani García, then nutmegs Borja Ekiza like it's a training drill—this kid is a different breed. Eibar have barely touched the ball, and they're already behind."

The RCDE Stadium erupted in celebration. Nico sprinted to the corner flag, arms outstretched, a smile on his face as his teammates swarmed him. The scoreboard lit up:

Espanyol 1-0 Eibar 

A dream start for the home side.

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After the early goal, Eibar pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Espanyol's defense stood firm. Héctor Moreno and Álvaro González marshaled the backline with authority, cutting out crosses and blocking shots, while Kiko Casilla remained alert between the sticks. Every Eibar attack was met with a wall of white and blue, frustrating the visitors as time ticked away.

39th Minute

The move started with a misplaced pass by Dani García in midfield, intended for Keko, but José Cañas read it perfectly, stepping in to intercept. Instead of forcing a quick counter, Espanyol chose patience.

Cañas shifted the ball to Víctor Sánchez, who took a touch before rolling it sideways to Nico Cruyff. The 14-year-old took a second to scan the field, assessing his options as Eibar quickly retreated into their defensive shape.

With the ball at his feet, Nico twisted his body, feinting left before cutting right, forcing Borja Ekiza to hesitate. That slight delay was all he needed. With a perfect first touch, he split two defenders and drove forward, his vision already locked on the movement ahead.

Sergio García made a darting diagonal run into the box, and just as the passing lane opened, Nico lifted his right foot and curled a perfectly weighted through ball between the center-backs.

The timing was impeccable. The ball kissed the grass once before nestling into García's stride. With just the keeper to beat, the veteran striker took a touch to steady himself before calmly stroking it past Irureta and into the net.

Ian Darke:

"Oh, that is just exquisite from Nico Cruyff! A pass so precise it could have been drawn with a compass. He saw that run before anyone else did, and Sergio García makes no mistake. Espanyol double their lead!"

Àxel Torres:

"That's world-class vision from a 14-year-old! The weight of the pass, the awareness to spot the movement—it's what you expect from a seasoned playmaker, not a teenager. Espanyol are playing some beautiful football tonight."

García pointed straight at Nico as he celebrated, acknowledging the moment of genius that made the goal possible. Espanyol 2-0 Eibar.

The home fans erupted once more. Nico jogged back to his position, unfazed, as if he had just played a simple five-yard pass. But everyone watching knew—this was special.

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As the referee blew the whistle for halftime, Espanyol headed into the dressing room with a comfortable 2-0 lead, their dominance evident in every touch, every movement. The RCDE Stadium buzzed with excitement, the home fans thrilled by the display from their team—especially from Nico Cruyff, who had a goal and an assist to his name.

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A mother and her young son sat near the front row, the boy practically bouncing in his seat.

"Mamá, did you see Nico's goal? I wanna play like that when I grow up!" the boy said, eyes shining with admiration.

His mother smiled, ruffling his hair. "Then you better start practicing, mi amor. But I don't think anyone plays like him—not at 14."

A group of college girls a few rows back were deep in conversation, giggling between themselves.

"Okay, but why is he so good and that good-looking?" one of them said, shaking her head in disbelief.

"I know, right? It's actually unfair. Football genius and model material?!" another chimed in.

"If he wasn't 14, I swear—"

"Okay, stop. That sounds illegal."

A group of schoolboys and schoolgirls sat together, their excitement buzzing through their conversation.

"Bro, I swear, Nico looks like he walked out of a movie. The hair? The eyes? It's crazy," one of the boys said, shaking his head.

"No, seriously, how does someone look that good and play like that?" a girl added. "It's actually unfair."

"Forget his looks—did you see that dribble? He made them look like training cones," another boy jumped in, mimicking a step-over with his foot.

"And he's only 14!" one of the girls groaned. "Imagine how good he's gonna be in a few years."

A boy leaned forward, grinning. "Forget a few years. We've got the final against Barça next week. He's gonna cook them, I just know it."

The group suddenly quieted for a second, then someone whispered dramatically, "Imagine if he scores the winner at Camp Nou."

"Legendary," one of them breathed.

As they all nodded in agreement, one of the boys smirked and leaned back. "And you know what's crazy? He shows no mercy, even though he's on loan from Barça."

Another boy immediately chimed in, "Exactly! Just look at what he did to them in the league match—hat-trick and two assists. Five-five! That game was insane."

A girl shook her head in disbelief. "It was like he didn't even care that he's technically their player. He just went all out."

"That's what makes him different," the first boy said. "No holding back, no playing it safe. He plays like he's got a point to prove every single time."

"And next week, he's got another chance," another girl added. "The Copa del Rey final. Against Barcelona."

The group exchanged glances, the weight of the upcoming match sinking in. Then, almost in unison, they grinned.

"He's gonna cook them again, isn't he?" one of them said, and the rest burst into laughter.

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57th Minute 

Eibar had come out in the second half with intent, pressing Espanyol high and forcing them to play out from the back. But Espanyol remained calm, sticking to their structure, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

It started deep in their own half, with Héctor Moreno rolling the ball to Álvaro González. The center-back took a touch and looked up, scanning the field before shifting possession to Víctor Sánchez. With Eibar's midfield closing in fast, Sánchez played a quick pass to José Cañas, who calmly guided it forward to Nico Cruyff.

The moment Nico received the ball, the tempo of the game shifted. He felt the pressure from Ander Capa on his back, but instead of panicking, he turned smoothly, using his body to shield the ball. With one fluid motion, he spun away, completely losing his marker.

The stadium buzzed with anticipation as Nico carried the ball forward. An Eibar defender stepped up to close him down, but just as he did, Nico flicked his foot behind him—executing a sublime backheel pass into space.

The weight on the pass was perfect, curling away from the last defender and straight into the path of Felipe Caicedo, who had timed his run to perfection.

Caicedo took one touch to steady himself before driving a powerful shot low past the onrushing goalkeeper. The net rippled, the stadium erupted, and Nico was once again at the heart of it all.

Ian Darke:

"Oh, that is just outrageous from Nico Cruyff! A backheel assist, and not just for the sake of it—this was a pass of pure intelligence, pure vision!"

Àxel Torres:

"It's moments like this that set him apart. The awareness, the execution—most players wouldn't even think of that, let alone pull it off in a professional game. And he's only 14!"

Caicedo sprinted toward Nico, pointing at him as the rest of the team swarmed in celebration. Espanyol had a third, and it was yet another moment of magic from their youngest star.

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Author's note : Vote if you like what you're reading . Do comment about things you dont like , so i can fix it in the upcoming chapters