Tactical and Strategic Preparations

After an intense match against Itabuna and a hard-fought victory, Cleiton finally arrived home, still feeling the adrenaline from the game. He was exhausted but happy, knowing that the championship had started on the right foot. As he prepared to sleep, an unexpected notification appeared before him.

'Congratulations to the host for winning the first match in the U-17 Baiano Championship.'

Cleiton blinked in surprise, reading the message further. The system not only acknowledged the effort he and his team had put in but was also rewarding him in a special way.

'Rewards: Scheduled sleep mode and unlocking the championship mission.'

'Details:'

'When we ask what makes a great athlete, few would imagine that sleep plays an important role. Many of the world's top athletes claim that sleep is an essential part of their training routine—and the secret that helps them perform at their best.

Serena Williams, for instance, aims for eight hours of sleep each night. NBA star LeBron James has a goal of eight to ten hours, while NFL legend Tom Brady says he goes to bed early and sleeps at least nine hours.

It's no wonder, as sleep plays a fundamental role in metabolism, growth, and tissue repair (like our muscles) and ensures memory, reaction time, and decision-making work optimally. All these processes impact athletic performance.'

Cleiton felt a chill run through him. He had never thought about how sleep could be such a powerful ally in pursuing his goals. He smiled as he read the last line of the notification:

'Championship Mission Unlocked'

'Information: Complete the objectives to earn rewards.'

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'OBJECTIVES:'

Goal 1: Win games; 

Reward: 200 points per game won during the championship.

Goal 2: Make 30 tackles; 

Reward: Standing Tackle Elixir RANK D.

Goal 3: Make 100 accurate passes; 

Reward: Passing Accuracy Elixir RANK D.

Goal 4: Maintain a pass accuracy rate of 60% or higher; 

Reward: 2,000 system points.

Goal 5: Help your team have the best defense in the championship; 

Reward: Speed Elixir E+.

Goal 6: Win the MVP award of the championship; 

Reward: 10,000 system points and 1 diamond-level ticket.

Goal 7: Help your team win the championship title; 

Reward: 5,000 points and Combined Elixir (jumping and heading) E+.

---

Cleiton's eyes sparkled with excitement. Each goal offered a chance for growth, to become stronger and improve in specific areas of the game. Each objective seemed achievable but would also demand his best on the field. The thought of winning the MVP award or helping Vitória become the championship champion filled him with motivation. He knew it would take total dedication, but the rewards inspired him to push past his limits.

Then, he decided to test one of the night's rewards: the scheduled sleep mode. As soon as he activated it, he felt his body relax, and without even realizing it, he drifted into a deep sleep.

When he woke up nine hours later, it felt as though he had rested more than ever in his life. His body felt invigorated, his mind clear and ready for the day's challenges. It was as if he had been reborn, completely recharged to tackle the daily mission and prepare for training.

The day passed quickly, with Cleiton focused on each task, full of energy and discipline. He could hardly wait to get on the field and continue pursuing his goals in the championship.

At dusk, the time came for training, and he was more than ready to give his all.

After an intense physical training session with Coach Roberval, the Vitória players were called to the video room. Once everyone was seated, Coach Cerqueira positioned himself at the front and began the analysis of their next two opponents in the championship, with special attention on Bahia, the strongest team and their immediate challenge.

Cerqueira started, adjusting the projector to show some images and tactics of Bahia in action.

"Our main focus will be on Bahia, as they are undoubtedly the toughest opponent. Let's start by understanding their style of play," Cerqueira said, displaying a formation of the opposing team.

"Bahia plays with a very adaptable tactical structure. Today, they go onto the field in a 4-3-1-2, forming a diamond in midfield with Jorge Pereira as the central midfielder and strikers Victor Hugo and Evandro. However, when they're out of possession, Bahia shifts into a 4-1-4-1, with the strikers dropping back to cover the flanks and assist in marking. Jorge Pereira acts as a false nine, which means he floats up front but then drops back into midfield to orchestrate the play."

The coach pointed to the screen, showing some of Bahia's plays.

"The defensive work Victor Hugo and Evandro do is crucial for Bahia to concede few goals. Both of them fall back, sometimes covering even more than the fullbacks if necessary. Their coach, Roberto, aims to keep the defense compact and organized while the midfield applies intense pressure to regain possession."

Cerqueira paused, allowing the players to absorb the information before moving on to the next point.

"With possession, Bahia uses a short build-up that starts with the goalkeeper and involves the center-backs. The fullbacks push up, trying to draw the marking. It's a strategy to open up space in midfield, where Jorge Pereira and Enaldo, the captain and key player, move in to start building plays. Enaldo is the 'master of the game' for Bahia. He orchestrates the team, engaging in one-twos and positional switches that confuse the opposing defense. We'll need extra focus to block these moves and prevent him from having freedom of movement."

"Bahia is extremely dynamic. Jorge Pereira, for instance, plays a crucial role. He helps in defense, but when they have the ball, he becomes a midfielder who covers the whole field, arriving unexpectedly in attack. This movement draws the defense, and he often cuts in diagonally, 'infiltrating,' creating danger alongside Lucas. Meanwhile, Enaldo organizes the game from a slightly deeper position, waiting for the right moment to accelerate."

Cleiton listened attentively, visualizing the situations they would face on the field and considering how he could position himself to disrupt these movements. Cerqueira continued:

"This dynamism allows Bahia to alternate between controlled pacing and a quick burst into attack. They know how to maintain possession but also when and where to speed up the game."

Cerqueira then began to highlight the weaknesses of the opposing team, and the Vitória players paid close attention, knowing this analysis could reveal an advantage.

"Bahia, despite all its talent, has some vulnerabilities, especially in defense. They struggle to maintain their intense style over the full 90 minutes. And in defensive transitions, when they lose the ball, they leave gaps in their defensive line. That's when we need to act and capitalize on fast plays."

On the screen, he pointed to the left side of Bahia's defense.

"Their left side is the most fragile. Renato, the left-back, has made some marking errors, and Luciano, who also plays in that position, isn't exactly known for solid defense. During these moments, crosses into the box become valuable weapons for us. Let's try to create space and exploit this side whenever possible."

Cerqueira also highlighted the lack of effective pressure in their mid-block marking. "They tend to leave spaces when marking from a distance. This can work in our favor as we regain possession and try to advance quickly to catch their defense off guard."

When he finished explaining, Cerqueira looked at each player, focusing especially on the defenders and forwards.

"Our mission is to maintain a solid defense and take advantage of transitions. We'll press them when we regain the ball and try to use their lack of defensive organization to our advantage."

Cleiton and his teammates left the meeting focused and aware of the importance of every detail. They knew that the match against Bahia would require discipline and precise execution of the tactical plan.

After a few quick conversations and comments among the players, they headed to the locker room, ready to tackle the training sessions and work on the points discussed.

Throughout the week leading up to the game against Bahia, Coach Cerqueira intensified the training, focusing on strategies and specific plays to face the formidable opponent. Cerqueira ran drills on quick transitions and finishing from crosses, directing Cássio and Dieguinho to exploit Bahia's vulnerable left side. The defensive line practiced block positioning and the ability to regroup quickly, while Nathan, Rodrigo, and Pedrinho worked on timing their runs to catch the opposing defense off guard.

In every session, Cerqueira made sure to gather the players in midfield, explaining precisely what he expected from each one for Saturday's game. Cleiton focused on the plan to contain Caio Freitas and Enaldo, while observing the movements of his fellow defenders to ensure a cohesive line. Each player absorbed the plan and felt the weight of responsibility, knowing that the showdown with Bahia could be the biggest test of the championship so far.

Finally, Saturday arrived, and the Vitória players were ready. After a hearty breakfast and a quick warm-up at the training center, the team boarded the bus for the short 15-minute trip to Pituaçu Stadium. Inside the bus, tension was palpable; silence prevailed, with each player deep in thought, mentally preparing strategies for the match.

As the Vitória bus parked at the Pituaçu complex, the players stepped out, greeted by the first sounds of the fans already gathering. They walked purposefully toward the locker room, where they dropped off their gear and started to get ready.

When they went out for the warm-up, they quickly spotted the Bahia team, who had also arrived. It didn't take long for the taunts to begin. Nathan exchanged defiant glances with Victor Hugo, who smirked and gave him a provocative wave.

"Hope you're ready to chase us around all game," Victor Hugo said with a mocking tone.

Nathan didn't back down. "We'll see if you can handle the pressure. Just hope you're ready for some tough marking."

Meanwhile, Cássio, while adjusting his cleats, traded a few jibes with Renato, Bahia's left-back.

"It'll be hard to stop my crosses, you know?" Cássio said, flashing a confident smile.

"Try getting past us first, then we'll talk," Renato replied, giving Cássio a light tap on the shoulder, half-friendly, half-competitive.

Other players from both teams exchanged looks and sly smiles, filling the atmosphere on the field with a mix of rivalry and excitement. Meanwhile, coaches Cerqueira and Roberto merely exchanged a quick handshake and a few courteous words, ignoring the energy and noise around them.

"Cerqueira, always a pleasure," Roberto said with a professional smile.

"Likewise, Roberto. Let's have a good game," Cerqueira replied, keeping a cordial tone.

As the players continued warming up, raising the tension with their taunts and challenging glances, the two coaches remained calm, heading to their respective areas on the field, focused solely on the game ahead.

Back in the locker room, the atmosphere was intense with concentration. The Vitória players made final adjustments to their uniforms, laced up their cleats, and checked every detail. Coach Cerqueira entered and looked around at everyone, conveying a silent message of confidence and determination.

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Author's note:

I posted a photo of how I imagine Cleiton, Nathan, and Cássio on my Patreon, Patreon.com/00_SAM. Feel free to check it out; it's accessible for free.