As the clock ticked closer to halftime, the score remained deadlocked at 0-0.
The atmosphere in the Mestalla Stadium was electric, the passionate fans chanting and cheering, urging their team to break the deadlock
With just five minutes left in the first half, Izan jogged toward José Gayà, the captain and a veteran leader on the pitch.
Almeida and Pietro joined them near the edge of the penalty box during a brief lull in play after winning a throw-in.
The four formed a tight huddle, speaking in hushed tones to avoid giving away their strategy.
"Alright," Izan began, his voice steady despite the pressure. "We need to catch them off guard.
Gaya, you overlap down the left and pull their right back out of position. Almeida stays central and draws their defensive midfielder away from the edge of the box.