31: The Storm Before the Battle

The morning of the match against Espanyol arrived with a stillness that felt almost eerie. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting long shadows across the quiet streets of Barcelona.

As Liam walked to the training ground, the city seemed to hold its breath, as if it too was anticipating the clash that was about to unfold.

The Espanyol match had been circled on the calendar for weeks, and the tension surrounding it had only grown as the day drew nearer. The rivalry between the two clubs ran deep, a battle for pride and dominance that went beyond the standings. For the players, it wasn't just another game—it was a chance to prove themselves in front of the city, the fans, and, most importantly, each other.

Liam arrived early, hoping to clear his mind before the chaos began. He found the locker room empty, the silence almost unnerving. He took a deep breath, trying to shake off the nerves that had settled in the pit of his stomach.