God Of football

Chapter 89: To The Wanda Metropolitano

The day began early for Valencia CF. The players, staff, and travelling supporters awoke in the historic coastal city of Valencia, filled with a quiet determination.

The clash against Atlético Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano looms large—a test of their grit, skill, and resolve.

Izan, who had just woken up, completed his daily task before having just a toast after he was done freshening up.

”Muira, hurry!” Komi shouted from the car, causing a few birds around to flutter away. After sitting in the Car for a while, Izan arrived.

”Stay safe, okay? Don’t let those grown men bully you on the field, and always remember that we are with you,” Komi said.

Izan smiled and went around the car to his mother’s side. He brought his lips down and met his mother’s forehead.

”I will,” Izan said before leaving. ”That’s our baby, Maxwell, that’s our baby,” Komi said with teary eyes.

...

The team gathered at the Ciudad Deportiva de Paterna, Valencia’s renowned training ground, for a light morning session and tactical briefing.

Head coach Rubén Baraja delivered his final pep talk, emphasizing the importance of resilience and focus as they prepare to face one of La Liga’s toughest opponents.

.....

By late morning, the team bus pulled out of the training facility, emblazoned with the club’s crest: the iconic bat and shield, a symbol of the city and its footballing pride.

Fans lined the route, waving scarves and chanting encouragement. Some held banners with messages like ”A por ellos” (Let’s go get them), and ”Vamos Valencia” (let’s go Valencia), while others shouted words of inspiration to their favourite players.

As the players settled into their seats, the mood was a mix of calm focus and quiet camaraderie. José Gayà, the captain, lead by example, headphones on as he mentally prepares for the battle ahead.

Younger players like Javi Guerra and Diego López, eager to prove their mettle, shared quiet jokes to ease the tension.

The hum of the bus engine was accompanied by the rhythmic beats of playlists carefully curated by the squad’s unofficial DJ, Correira, ensuring morale remains high.

...

The journey to Madrid, a little over 350 kilometress, took the team across Spain’s varied landscapes.

From Valencia’s orange groves and the Mediterranean coastline to the rolling plains of Castilla-La Mancha, the scenery changed dramatically, serving as a backdrop to the team’s thoughts.

For some players, this is familiar territory—veterans who’ve faced Atlético’s fortress-like stadium before. For others, it’s a first experience, filled with anticipation and nerves.

For Izan it was just another game, albeit with a greater exposure. To him, it was a chance to say, ”Hey, I’m not any ordinary boy from Alboraya”.

Most fans and teams see him as a talented kid and even his own team’s fans, but Izan wanted to put that notion to bed and what better way than to throw Atlético off their game?

For teams and scouts watching him, if Izan could perform against Atletico de Madrid, then they had to throw their reservations away and start actively pursuing him.

Although his agent says he doesn’t want to move right now, what can’t a bit of money and good conditions do.

Meanwhile, the team staff worked tirelessly. Analysts reviewed extra footage of Atlético’s recent games, making last-minute adjustments to tactics.

Medical staff checked on players to ensure peak condition, offering stretches or massages as needed.

Snacks and hydration breaks punctuate the trip, ensuring everyone is physically and mentally prepared for the challenge ahead.

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By mid-afternoon, the team arrived in Madrid, greeted by a brisk autumn breeze and the sprawling urban expanse of the Spanish capital.

Their hotel was a modern sanctuary, chosen for its proximity to the stadium and quiet ambience. Fans and reporters gathered outside, hoping for a glimpse of the players but Security ushered the team through quickly, ensuring focus remains undisturbed.

Inside the hotel, the pre-match routine kicked into gear. Players retreated to their rooms for rest and reflection.

Some took power naps, while others reviewed tactical notes or rewatched clips of their previous matches.

Izan, on the other hand, wasn’t among any of the former groups.

”Wait so you play Atlético today?” Olivia’s voice came through the phone a bit angry. ”Yeah sorry. If you don’t have anything to do, you can come,” Izan said.

”I would, but I volunteered for social work, and now I have to fulfil that appointment. I’ll watch it though so don’t worry” Olivia said.

”Okay. I have to go now. It’s a team meal, and I can’t skip it. See you in a bit” Izan said. ”See you” Olivia replied before hanging up.

Izan, together with the coaching staff, convened for final discussions, refining set-piece strategies and contingency plans for different scenarios as he was undoubtedly the best for the job.

A team meal followed—a carefully balanced combination of proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables designed to fuel the players.

Conversations were subdued, with most eyes on the clock. As evening approached, the players donned their matchday suits and prepared to head to the Wanda Metropolitano.

The team bus departed for the stadium as dusk settled over Madrid. The city’s skyline glowed with the lights of office towers and historic landmarks.

The closer they got to the Wanda Metropolitano, the more the atmosphere intensified. Fans in Atlético jerseys lined the streets, waving flags and singing songs of support for their team.

The chants grew louder as the Valencia bus approached, a mix of friendly banter and jeers aimed at the visiting side.

Inside the bus, the players were locked in. José Gayà and Pepelu exchanged a quiet word about maintaining composure under pressure.

The younger players remain wide-eyed, soaking in the magnitude of the occasion. Rubén Baraja walked down the aisle, clapping shoulders and reminding his team of the importance of belief and unity.

He smiled as he got to Izan, lingering around his areas for a while before returning to his seat.

As the bus pulled into Wanda Metropolitano’s underground parking, the players were greeted by a sea of red and white.

Security teams guided them through the maze of corridors leading to the visitors’ locker room. The noise above—chants, drums, and the roar of 68,000 fans—serves as a constant reminder of the challenge ahead.

Inside the locker room, the mood was intense but controlled. Jerseys with the iconic bat crest hang neatly on racks, each player’s number and name a reminder of their role in the team. The staff unpacked boots, shinpads, and other essentials, arranging them meticulously

Izan, who had received his new personalised boots from Adidas, couldn’t help but caress the fine work of art that lay on his lap.

Rubén Baraja gathered his squad for one final speech. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, exploiting Atlético’s weaknesses, and staying resilient in the face of adversity.

”This is your moment,” he said, his voice steady yet inspiring. The players listened intently, nodding in agreement.

The warm-up on the Wanda Metropolitano’s pitch was a surreal experience. The stadium, already nearly full, vibrated with anticipation.

Valencia’s players are met with a mix of applause from their travelling supporters and hostile chants from Atlético’s ultras. They went through their drills methodically, testing the bounce of the ball and the feel of the turf.

Izan, seeing the nervous expressions of a few of his teammates, did the warm-up ritual he had always done during his short time with the Spain National Team.

His little show brought a little courage back to his teammates while silencing a few Atlético ultras. At the kickoff time, Valencia lined up in the tunnel, side by side with their Atlético counterparts.

A few Atlético players couldn’t but steal a glance at Spain’s new wonderkid. ”He doesn’t look strong”, Thomas Lemar said.

”Don’t judge him as you see fit. See it for yourself on the pitch” Azpilicueta said while throwing Izan a glance.

The latter felt the former’s gaze and looked at him. Azpilicueta waved and smiled at Izan with Izan doing the same.

The atmosphere was electric. The bowl design of the Wanda ensures that sound reverberates through every corner, amplifying the chants of the ultras in the Grada de Animación.

Drums pounded rhythmically as flags the size of billboards waved above the stands, creating a sea of movement. The fans’ voices, raw with passion, belt out ”Atleti, Atleti, Atleti” in unison, a rallying cry that sends shivers down the spine of Valencia Fans.

”We are in for a tough time, aren’t we,” A fan said. ”Let’s hope for a draw at the very least”, the same fan said.

”Don’t aim low, we aren’t weak. Atlético have lost a match, but we haven’t so hold your head up cause we are ”los Ches” ” a spirited fan spoke.

The energy was palpable, a mix of adrenaline, tension, and excitement. The roar of the crowd, deafening as the players stepped onto the field.

The stage was set, and Valencia CF was ready to fight, determined to make their mark at one of Spain’s most formidable arenas.

A/n: Second of the day. Have fun reading.