Chapter 43 : Final(1)

After the league game against Eibar , Nico went into the cycle of relentless training as espanyol got ready to face Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey Final .

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May 30, 2015 – The Copa del Rey Final

Barcelona Vs Espanyol

Estadio de Mestalla , Valencia

The streets of Valencia pulsed with anticipation, a sea of blue-and-white colliding with red-and-blue as rival chants echoed through the warm evening air. The Mestalla, bathed in golden twilight, stood like a gladiatorial arena, waiting for the battle to unfold.

The Espanyol team bus made its way through the tight streets, flanked by roaring fans. Blue smoke from flares billowed into the sky, the smell of pyrotechnics mixing with the salty coastal breeze. Supporters banged on the sides of the vehicle, waving scarves, singing anthems of belief, of defiance.

Inside the bus, the atmosphere was a stark contrast to the chaos outside. Nico Cruyff sat near the window, earphones in, gaze locked on the stadium ahead. He had dreamed of nights like this—but this wasn't just any night. It was a final, and the opponent was Barcelona. His parent club. The club that had sent him away.

The moment the bus rolled into the stadium's underground parking, the noise doubled. The chants of "Espanyol! Espanyol!" were met with rival cries of "Barça! Barça!" in an electric duel of voices.

As the doors hissed open, the players stepped off one by one, their faces set with determination. Nico was the last to exit. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the occasion settle on his shoulders. Then, with a slight smirk, he adjusted his armband and stepped into the stadium.

The Copa del Rey Final was here.

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Espanyol Locker Room 

The air was thick with tension and adrenaline. Inside the Mestalla's away dressing room, Espanyol's players sat in a semi-circle, some bouncing their legs nervously, others staring at the floor in quiet focus. The faint sound of the Barcelona fans chanting in the distance seeped through the walls, but inside this room, there was only one voice that mattered.

Sergio González, Espanyol's head coach, stood in front of the whiteboard, his expression stern yet composed.

Sergio González:

"This is it, boys. Ninety minutes to make history. Ninety minutes to prove we belong at the very top. We've beaten them before, and we can do it again. But listen carefully—Barça will try to control possession, slow us down, and suffocate us in midfield. We don't let them. We fight for every ball, every inch of space. We press high, we stay compact, and we break with speed. When we get the ball, we punish them."

He turned to Víctor Sánchez and José Cañas, the midfield generals.

Sergio González:

"Keep it tight in the middle. Busquets and Rakitic will try to dictate the game, but we don't let them settle. Press them. Win the second balls. Force them to play uncomfortable passes."

Then, he faced Nico Cruyff, who sat with his elbows resting on his knees, head slightly bowed, listening intently.

Sergio González:

"Nico, tonight, you are our key. They know how dangerous you are, they'll try to shut you down. But you find the spaces, you dictate the tempo. When the chance comes—take it. Don't hesitate. Show them why they should have never let you go."

A murmur of agreement spread across the room. Sergio García clapped Nico on the shoulder.

Finally, the coach's gaze swept over the entire squad.

Sergio González:

"Play with your hearts. Play for each other. Play for Espanyol. And most importantly—play without fear."

The room erupted. Players clapped, shouting encouragement to one another. Nico took a deep breath, clenching his fists.

This was it. The biggest match of his life so far.

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Barcelona Locker Room

The Barcelona locker room buzzed with focused energy as the team prepared for the Copa del Rey final. The atmosphere was charged, the tension palpable. Just a few meters away, nearly 100,000 fans filled Mestalla Stadium, eagerly awaiting the final showdown between Barcelona and their city rivals, Espanyol.

Luis Enrique stood at the front of the room, his voice cutting through the pre-match chatter. The players immediately fell silent, all eyes on their manager as he laid out the plan for the biggest match of the season.

Luis Enrique (calm but intense):

"This is the final, gentlemen. A one-off, a match that defines a season. Espanyol won't back down. They'll fight for every inch, and they have a player who can change the game in an instant."

He let that hang in the air for a moment, before his eyes locked onto the defensive line. Piqué, Mascherano, Alba, and Dani Alves all looked back, understanding exactly what he meant.

Luis Enrique (pointing to Piqué and Mascherano):

"We've already faced Espanyol in the league recently, and Nico made his mark. Two assists and a hat-trick. He's a La Masia product, and he's currently on loan to Espanyol. But make no mistake—he's their key player now. He'll be looking to prove something today, so we cannot afford to underestimate him."

Piqué nodded, recalling the 5-5 draw where Nico had been instrumental in one of the wildest matches of the season. Mascherano was also attentive, but his gaze was unwavering.

Luis Enrique:

"They'll look for quick counters, and Nico will be at the heart of it. Stay tight, don't let him turn. No space. He's quick, smart, and has a killer instinct. We can't let him get on the ball in dangerous areas."

There was a murmur of agreement across the room. Gerard Piqué smirked, remembering the last encounter.

Piqué (grinning):

"That kid doesn't make it easy. Every time we think we've got him, he's already three steps ahead."

Mascherano (serious):

"We'll need to stay sharp. He's got that La Masia mentality—always looking to create. No mistakes in our positioning."

Luis Enrique let the tension build before addressing the rest of the team.

Luis Enrique:

"Midfielders, keep the tempo high. Control the game, don't let them breathe. Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic—find those spaces and link up quickly. Don't give Espanyol any time to settle."

He turned to the attacking trio: Messi, Suárez, and Neymar.

Luis Enrique:

"We don't change our approach. Let's play our football. Messi, Suárez, Neymar—our front three are the key to breaking them down. We have the quality, the creativity. Let's show them who runs this city."

Messi (nodding):

"We'll do our part."

Suárez (with a smirk):

"They won't know what hit them."

Luis Enrique's gaze softened slightly, his usual intensity giving way to a more motivating tone.

Luis Enrique (firmly):

"Espanyol will come at us with everything they have, and Nico will be the one pulling the strings. But we are Barcelona. We set the tempo. We dictate the game. And we walk off that pitch with the cup."

The room was filled with murmurs of agreement. Players stood up, getting ready to head out, their focus sharper than ever. As the last few players made their way to the door, Messi caught Neymar's eye, a quiet nod passing between them.

Messi (softly, smirking):

"Nico won't have an easy time tonight."

Neymar (grinning):

"He's got the skills, but we're Barcelona."

The door swung open, and the players filed out, ready for the battle ahead. The stage was set. Copa del Rey final. Barcelona vs. Espanyol. It was time for the city to decide who would reign supreme.

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As the players filtered out of the tunnel and onto the lush green pitch of Mestalla Stadium, the atmosphere was electric. The sea of fans from both sides created an intense buzz, their chants filling the air, ready for the Copa del Rey final. The floodlights above cast a brilliant glow, highlighting the massive occasion. With both teams now on the field, it was time for the final preparations.

Ian Darke (excited):

"Here we are, the grand stage, the final everyone's been waiting for—Espanyol versus Barcelona, the battle for Copa del Rey glory! We've got an exciting lineup for both sides, and it's sure to be a classic."

Àxel Torres:

"Absolutely, Ian. A huge occasion here at Mestalla. Both teams are ready, and with Espanyol's impressive form, this could be a match for the ages. Let's take a look at how the teams are lining up."

Ian Darke:

"Starting with Espanyol. Kiko Casilla will be between the posts. At the back, they line up with Javi López, Álvaro González, Héctor Moreno, and Juan Fuentes. A solid defensive quartet that will be needed today."

Àxel Torres:

"In midfield, Víctor Sánchez and José Cañas will sit deep, with Lucas Vázquez and Nico Cruyff providing the width. Expect Nico to be key in both attack and defense. He's been in superb form since his loan move from Barcelona."

Ian Darke:

"And up front, the experienced Sergio García partners with Felipe Caicedo. This is a well-balanced Espanyol side, looking to counter-attack and strike fast. But make no mistake, they'll be looking to hold their own against the giants of Barcelona."

Àxel Torres (nodding):

"Now for Barcelona. It's the usual strength at the back, with Ter Stegen in goal, and a defense that includes Piqué, Mascherano, Alba, and Dani Alves. Expect them to control possession early, no surprise there."

Ian Darke:

"In midfield, it's the creative trio of Busquets, Iniesta, and Rakitic. They'll be the ones pulling the strings, with an eye for breaking Espanyol's defensive lines."

Àxel Torres:

"And up front, of course, it's Messi, Suárez, and Neymar—one of the most dangerous attacking trios in the world. They'll be looking to break down Espanyol's defense with their pace and brilliance. But they will have to be cautious—Nico Cruyff is a player who can make them pay if they slip up."

Ian Darke:

"That's the key battle today—Espanyol's defense against Barcelona's attack, but don't forget the massive presence of Nico Cruyff. He's going to be the one everyone is watching, especially after his incredible performance against Barcelona in that 5-5 draw. He's already shown he can handle the pressure. This is his stage to shine."

Àxel Torres:

"Yes, Ian. And while Barcelona have the star power, Espanyol will not go down without a fight. They've had a fantastic season, and they'll be hoping that Nico can lead them to an unforgettable win today."

Ian Darke:

"The stage is set, the players are ready, and the fans are waiting. This is Copa del Rey final between Espanyol and Barcelona, and it's about to get underway!"

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As the referee blew the whistle, the Copa del Rey final kicked off with both teams playing at full intensity. The atmosphere was electric as the players pressed high, trying to establish dominance from the very first minute.

Ian Darke:

"Both teams coming out firing early. Espanyol looking to set the tempo, with Nico Cruyff already in the thick of it. Barcelona, on the other hand, are trying to match them blow for blow. This is shaping up to be an exciting encounter."

Àxel Torres:

"Absolutely, Ian. You can feel the tension in the air. Every ball feels like it matters, and with Espanyol's counter-attacking style, they're going to look for those moments of magic—like we saw from Nico earlier this season."

In the 6th minute, Espanyol nearly had the first big chance. Nico Cruyff dropped deep into midfield, collecting the ball and turning past Sergio Busquets. He played a quick one-two with Felipe Caicedo before charging toward the penalty area. He had the Barcelona defense on the back foot, but a crucial block by Gerard Piqué denied the young star a clear shot on goal.

Ian Darke:

"That was close! Nico showed quick feet there, threading the ball to Caicedo and then almost taking it all the way himself. But Piqué read that danger, and it's still 0-0."

Àxel Torres:

"Espanyol's quick transitions are their strength, and Nico is the player who makes it all happen. But Barcelona's defense is as solid as ever. One mistake, though, and they could be punished."

Barcelona quickly responded. In the 11th minute, Neymar weaved past Juan Fuentes, sending in a dangerous cross into the box for Luis Suárez. But Álvaro González was there to block his shot at point-blank range. The rebound fell to Lionel Messi, but his follow-up shot sailed high, much to his frustration.

Ian Darke:

"Messi should have done better there. He's usually so clinical with chances like that. But González was excellent in shutting down Suárez's effort, and then Messi's shot—well, he'll be disappointed with that."

Àxel Torres:

"An early scare for Espanyol. Messi doesn't miss many from there, and you can see the frustration on his face. Barcelona are getting into their rhythm now."

The game settled into a high tempo as both teams battled for possession. Nico continued to pull the strings for Espanyol, linking up with Sergio García and Lucas Vázquez. In the 18th minute, Espanyol came close again. A slick passing move saw Nico slip a perfectly weighted ball to Sergio García on the edge of the area. García took a touch to steady himself, but Marc-André ter Stegen was quick off his line to smother the chance before the striker could get a shot away.

Ian Darke:

"Another good opportunity for Espanyol! García couldn't quite get the shot off in time, but the timing of that pass from Nico was brilliant. Espanyol showing their attacking threat."

Àxel Torres:

"That's the danger when you have Nico pulling the strings. He doesn't need much time to pick out a pass—he's always a step ahead."

Barcelona then had their own spell of possession, moving the ball quickly across the pitch. In the 22nd minute, Ivan Rakitić tried his luck from outside the box, sending a powerful shot toward Kiko Casilla's goal. But the goalkeeper was up to the task, diving low to his left to make a great save.

Ian Darke:

"That's a powerful shot from Rakitić, but Casilla was equal to it. Another reminder of how quickly Barcelona can turn defense into attack."

Àxel Torres:

"Espanyol are holding firm at the back. They know that if they keep their shape, they can punish Barcelona on the break. But they're going to need to make sure they don't let any chances slip through."

As the first half wore on, both teams continued to create half-chances, but neither could break the deadlock. Espanyol's defense held strong with Héctor Moreno and Álvaro González putting in solid performances. Meanwhile, Barcelona struggled to get their usual fluid attacking rhythm going, with Neymar and Suárez constantly being closed down by the Espanyol backline.

The match remained 0-0 after the first 30 minutes, with both teams looking dangerous but unable to finish their chances. The tension continued to rise as the Copa del Rey final headed toward its final stages.

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