Chapter 31 – The Calm Before Barbastro

The morning sky over Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper was unusually clear for late November, but the air carried a quiet tension. Not fear—anticipation. The next game was against Barbastro, and while it wasn't the biggest name, everyone in the squad knew this kind of match could make or break momentum.

Luca arrived early, earbuds in, his hoodie pulled over his head. His mind wasn't just on the opponent—it was on his place in the squad now. He had trained with the first team, earned the respect of senior players, and even celebrated his birthday with them. Now, every move he made felt watched.

In the locker room, the mood was serious but focused. Players greeted each other with nods, some exchanged light jokes, but all knew today's practice was about sharpening edges.

"Alright boys," the assistant coach clapped his hands as they gathered by the whiteboard. "This isn't a time to underestimate anyone. Barbastro presses hard and defends with numbers. We're going to drill transitions, wide attacks, and high pressure."

The drills began with rondos, sharp and intense. Luca found himself next to Gavi and Faye, pinging quick passes back and forth in tight circles. Then came possession drills—every pass mattered. The coaching staff didn't shout much, but their presence was felt in every whistle and sideline correction.

When they moved to tactical positioning, Hansi Flick himself stepped in.

"Luca," he said, motioning him over. "You'll come in as left winger again. I want you cutting inside more this game. Don't be predictable—switch pace, confuse the full-back. You've got freedom, but use it smart."

"Got it, Coach."

Luca's heart beat a little faster—not from nerves, but from adrenaline. This was the kind of trust he wanted. He knew how much it meant.

During shooting drills, he paired up again with Lewandowski. The Polish striker nodded toward him. "Let's do what we did last time. I'll hold, you cut. Fast."

Ball after ball flew into the net—crosses, near-post shots, volleys. The connection between them clicked like gears in a machine. Even Raphinha, watching from behind the goal, smirked. "They're cooking again."

Later in the locker room, as practice wrapped, Lamine Yamal bumped shoulders with Luca.

"You starting tomorrow?""Most likely second half," Luca replied."Good. I'll make them tired. You finish them."

Everyone laughed, even Gavi, who was usually more serious. The chemistry in the group was growing.

Before leaving, Hansi pulled Luca aside one more time.

"This is your moment to show consistency. Talent, you've shown it already. Now show maturity. One game at a time."

Luca nodded. "I won't disappoint."

That night, Luca and his father ate dinner quietly in their new apartment. The air smelled of chicken and herbs, but the only thing in Luca's head was the match. He replayed moments from training, visualized his runs, imagined the noise of the crowd. It wasn't just a game tomorrow.

It was another step forward.