29: The Calm Before The Storm-II

The trip to Zaragoza was a long one, giving the players plenty of time to reflect on the journey ahead. The team bus was quiet, a sharp contrast to the usual banter that filled the air during away trips. The weight of the new season hung heavy, but it was a pressure they were learning to embrace.

Each player was lost in their thoughts, mentally preparing for what would be one of the biggest challenges of their careers.

Liam sat near the window, his gaze fixed on the passing landscape. He replayed the words of Coach Garcia in his mind, feeling a sense of responsibility and pride. This was his moment to step up, to show that he was more than just a promising young player. The Segunda División was a different world, and he needed to adapt quickly.

Next to him sat Miguel, who was flipping through a tactical notebook. Occasionally, Miguel would glance over at Liam, offering a word of advice or pointing out a key detail about Zaragoza's style of play. Despite the pressure of the upcoming match, Miguel's calmness was reassuring.

"Remember, Liam," Miguel said, closing his notebook, "it's just football. Don't overthink it. Play your game, trust your instincts, and stay focused."

Liam nodded, appreciating the veteran's guidance. Miguel had been through countless battles in his career, and his experience was invaluable. It was a reminder that while the stakes were high, the fundamentals of the game remained the same.

Matchday: Real Zaragoza vs. Barcelona B

The day of the match arrived with a crisp morning breeze in Zaragoza. As the team bus pulled up to the stadium, the atmosphere was electric.

Fans were already gathering, their voices rising in anticipation of the season opener. The sight of the historic La Romareda Stadium, with its towering stands and passionate supporters, sent a thrill through Liam. This was what he had dreamed of—a chance to play in front of a large crowd, to feel the energy of the fans, and to compete at the highest level.

Inside the locker room, the tension was palpable. The players moved with a sense of purpose, each focused on their pre-match rituals.

Some were silent, others muttered prayers or listened to music. Liam found a quiet corner, his mind racing as he laced up his boots. He could hear the muffled roar of the crowd outside, growing louder as kickoff approached.

Coach Garcia entered the room, his expression serious but calm. He waited for a moment, allowing the players to settle before speaking.

"This is it, gentlemen," Garcia began, his voice steady. "The start of a new chapter. We're up against a strong team, but we've prepared for this. You know the tactics, you know your roles. Trust in each other, stay disciplined, and play with heart. We're here because we earned it. Now, let's show them why."

Garcia's words were met with nods of determination. The players knew what was at stake. As they filed out of the locker room, the sound of the crowd grew louder, the energy in the stadium almost tangible. The tunnel felt longer than usual, the light at the end blinding as they stepped onto the pitch.

The roar that greeted them was deafening.

Zaragoza's fans were in full voice, their chants echoing around the stadium. The sight of the packed stands, the colors of the home team, and the noise of the crowd sent a jolt of adrenaline through Liam. This was the big stage.

The opening whistle blew, and the game was underway. From the first touch, it was clear that this was a different level of football.

Zaragoza pressed high, their players closing down space quickly, forcing Barcelona B into hurried passes. The pace was intense, the physicality more pronounced than anything Liam had experienced before.

Liam found himself in a midfield battle with Zaragoza's captain, a seasoned player who used his experience and strength to control the tempo. Every touch, every pass, was contested fiercely. The midfield was a battleground, with neither side willing to give an inch.

Despite the pressure, Barcelona B held their own. Miguel's presence in midfield was a calming influence, his experience evident in the way he navigated the chaos.

He dictated the play, finding pockets of space and directing the flow of the game. Liam followed his lead, focusing on maintaining possession and breaking up Zaragoza's attacks.

As the half progressed, Zaragoza began to find their rhythm. Their forwards made dangerous runs, testing Barcelona B's defense with their pace and movement. The home crowd sensed a goal, their chants growing louder with every Zaragoza attack.

Then, in the 35th minute, the breakthrough came. A quick one-two on the edge of the box split Barcelona B's defense, and Zaragoza's striker found himself with a clear sight of goal.

He didn't hesitate, firing a low shot past the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner of the net. The stadium erupted in celebration, the home fans roaring in approval.

Liam felt a pang of frustration as he watched the ball hit the back of the net. It was a well-executed move, but one that could have been prevented with better communication and positioning. He exchanged a glance with Miguel, who gave him a nod of encouragement.

"Keep your head up," Miguel said firmly. "We're still in this."

Barcelona B didn't panic. They regrouped, tightening their defense and looking for opportunities to counterattack. The rest of the half was a tense affair, with both sides battling for control. When the halftime whistle blew, the score remained 1-0 to Zaragoza.

In the locker room, the atmosphere was a mix of frustration and determination. The players knew they were still in the game, but they needed to find a way to break down Zaragoza's defense. Garcia paced the room, his mind racing as he considered the adjustments needed for the second half.

"We're doing well, but we need to be sharper," Garcia said, his tone measured.

"Zaragoza is pressing hard, but that means they're leaving gaps. We need to exploit those spaces. Be patient, keep the ball moving, and when the opportunity comes, take it."

He then turned his attention to Liam and Miguel. "You two are doing a great job in midfield, but I want more forward runs. Liam, don't be afraid to push higher up the pitch. Miguel will cover for you."

Liam nodded, understanding the task ahead. The first half had been a learning experience, and now it was time to apply that knowledge. He took a deep breath, centering himself as the team prepared to head back out.

As they returned to the pitch, Liam felt a renewed sense of focus. The second half was an opportunity to turn the game around, to show that Barcelona B belonged at this level.

The second half began with Barcelona B taking a more aggressive approach. Garcia's halftime instructions were clear—push forward, exploit the spaces, and take control of the game. Liam took the advice to heart, making more forward runs and linking up with the wingers to create opportunities.

In the 55th minute, their efforts paid off. Liam received the ball in midfield and immediately drove forward, slipping past a Zaragoza defender with a quick change of pace.

Spotting a gap in the defense, he played a perfectly weighted through ball to the left winger, who had made a well-timed run behind Zaragoza's backline.

The winger didn't waste the opportunity.

He cut inside, evading a sliding tackle, and curled a shot towards the far post. The Zaragoza goalkeeper dived, but the ball was already past him, nestling into the back of the net. The Barcelona B bench erupted in celebration, the equalizer sending a surge of confidence through the team.

With the score now level, the game opened up. Both teams traded attacks, the intensity of the match reaching a fever pitch. Zaragoza, driven by their passionate home crowd, pushed hard for a winner, but Barcelona B's defense held firm.

As the clock ticked down, it became clear that the match would be decided by whoever could seize the next big opportunity. The tension was palpable, every pass and tackle met with roars from the crowd.

In the 80th minute, that opportunity came for Barcelona B. A quick counterattack saw Liam once again at the heart of the move.

He received the ball just outside the center circle and immediately turned, spotting the right winger making a darting run down the flank. Liam's pass was inch-perfect, splitting the Zaragoza defense and allowing the winger to race towards the byline.

The winger whipped in a low cross, and there, in the box, was Miguel, who had made a late run from midfield.

The veteran midfielder met the cross with a powerful header, sending the ball crashing into the back of the net. The Barcelona B players and fans went wild, the goal putting them 2-1 ahead with just ten minutes to go.

The final minutes of the match were a test of nerve. Zaragoza threw everything forward in search of an equalizer, but Barcelona B, galvanized by their lead, defended with determination and discipline. Liam, now playing a deeper role, helped to shield the defense, breaking up Zaragoza's attacks and keeping possession when possible.

When the final whistle blew, it was met with a mixture of relief and exhilaration. Barcelona B had done it—they had come from behind to win their first match in the Segunda División. The players collapsed in exhaustion, their faces lit up with joy.

As they gathered on the pitch to celebrate, Liam felt a deep sense of satisfaction. This was a statement win, proof that they could compete at this level.

The hard work, the relentless training, and the mental preparation had all paid off. As he looked around at his teammates, who were equally elated, Liam knew that this was just the beginning.

The road ahead would be challenging, but if they could maintain this level of performance, there was no limit to what they could achieve in the Segunda División.

With their first victory under their belts, Barcelona B had announced their arrival in the league, and Liam was determined to keep that momentum going.

___________

Special bonus chapter.

ENJOY :)