God Of football

Chapter 131: First Blood Drawn At The Bernabéu

[Back to present]

Staring at his hub once again, Izan closed it before joining his mates outside the locker room.

As the teams emerged from the tunnel, the roar of the crowd reached a crescendo.

The iconic ”Hala Madrid!” chants rang louder, banners waved fiercely, and flares briefly illuminated sections of the crowd.

All eyes were on the pitch, where heroes and history were about to be made.

It was more than just a football match—it was a grand spectacle, a sacred ritual, and a showcase of footballing legacy.

...

”Good evening, everyone, and welcome to a packed Santiago Bernabéu! The stage is set, the tension is palpable, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

It’s Real Madrid vs Valencia in this blockbuster La Liga clash, a match that will decide who sits atop the table.

Both teams have been in scintillating form this season, trading blows week after week in the race for first place.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men, with their attacking flair and defensive resilience, are eager to reclaim their dominance.

But Valencia, under their inspired coach, have been the surprise package, showing grit and determination that has taken them to the summit.

The Bernabéu faithful are in full voice tonight, and why not? This is more than just three points—it’s about sending a statement to the rest of Spain. Who will seize the opportunity and claim the top spot? We’re about to find out. Kickoff is moments away!”

The commentator went on about his job as the players came out of the tunnel.

”As the Valencia team emerges from the tunnel, there’s one name on everyone’s lips tonight—Izan.

At just 15 years of age, this young prodigy has taken the footballing world by storm.

His sensational performances against teams in the league still lingers in the minds of fans and pundits alike, and now, here he is, walking out onto one of the grandest stages in football, the Santiago Bernabéu.

This isn’t just another match for the teenager; it’s a moment to prove himself against one of the greatest teams in the history of the sport.

The question on everyone’s mind—can Izan, under the bright lights and deafening roar of the Bernabéu, deliver once again?

If there’s one thing we’ve learned about this young man, it’s that he thrives under pressure.

Keep an eye on him tonight. He might just be the difference-maker for Valencia in this title-deciding clash.”

[In the stands]

”Wow, Olivia, your boyfriend is really famous. The new darling of Spanish media” Valerie said as she sat beside Olivia.

Olivia glanced at her but didn’t say anything. ”The media favours him now, but what would happen if he buckles here tonight?” Olivia uttered.

Her words skipped Valerie who wasn’t paying attention. ”What did you say?” she asked, but Olivia just shook her head.

”Let’s hope he does well,” Olivia said, returning her gaze to the field as the announcer mentioned the lineups of both sides.

.....

”And now, let’s take a look at the starting eleven for Real Madrid as they prepare for this high-stakes encounter under the bright lights of the Santiago Bernabéu

In goal, the ever-reliable Thibaut Courtois, a towering figure and the backbone of this Madrid defence.

Ahead of him, the backline features Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy on the flanks, with the rock-solid pairing of David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger in the heart of the defence.

In midfield, the maestro Luka Modrić pulls the strings, alongside the ever-industrious Toni Kroos and the dynamic and powerful Federico Valverde, a trio that perfectly blends experience, creativity, and energy.

Up front, the deadly attack was led by the Brazilian sensation Vinícius Júnior on the left and the electric Rodrygo on the right.

And, of course, leading the line is the talismanic Bellingham, who’s been in scintillating form this season.

He looks to be in the false 9 role but we’ll see as the match unfolds.

It’s a lineup packed with quality and experience, ready to rise to the occasion in what promises to be a fiery battle for the top spot!”

”Now, let’s turn our attention to the Valencia lineup, a team full of grit, determination, and youthful energy, as they gear up to challenge Real Madrid on their own turf.

In goal, the ever-dependable Giorgi Mamardashvili, who’s been a fortress between the sticks this season.

The back four features José Gayà, the experienced captain, anchoring the left flank, with Thierry Correia on the right and the solid partnership Mosquera and Cenk Özkacar in the centre of defence.

In midfield, Valencia boasts an exciting blend of youth and experience.

At the heart of it all, Pietro, the young dynamo with incredible vision and work rate, will look to dictate the tempo of the game.

Flanking him are Hugo Guillamón, providing defensive steel, and the versatile Javi Guerra, who links defence to attack seamlessly.

And then there’s the name everyone’s excited to see—Izan, starting in the attacking midfield role.

The 15-year-old sensation has been nothing short of extraordinary this season.

His creativity, fearlessness, and ability to unlock defences make him the beating heart of this Valencia side.

Leading the attack, Diego Lopez and Hugo Duro bring pace and precision, ready to capitalize on the chances Izan creates.

It’s a lineup filled with youthful exuberance and tactical discipline, with Izan at its core, ready to take on the challenge of the Bernabéu!”

...

Fweeeeee

The referee blew his whistle to start the match. The match at the Santiago Bernabéu had barely begun when Valencia launched a swift attack straight from the whistle.

Immediately after the kickoff, Izan dropped deep into his half. While he was running back, his teammates were doing exactly the opposite.

Hugo Duro’s pass backwards found Guerra who laid the ball off to Izan.

With a threatening pass, Izan caught the Madrid defence off guard, threading a pass to the left flank where Gaya had escaped Carvajal’s incessant defending.

Gaya, after escaping his marker, nudged the ball slightly forward before sending a low cross into the Real Madrid box.

Hugo Duro, lurking in the box, escaped from Rudiger and latched onto a clever ball from the Gaya.

Alaba tried to close in on him, but Hugo Duro unleashed a fierce strike aimed at the bottom corner.

The visiting fans stood on their feet at the thought that they might take the lead in the match.

However, Thibaut Courtois, ever-alert, dived low to his right and smothered the ball with commanding precision.

The home fans were relieved, but it was now the time for the visitors to chase.

Without hesitation, the Belgian goalkeeper rose to his feet, scanning the field.

Spotting an opportunity, he unleashed a powerful throw to Toni Kroos, stationed near the halfway line.

The German maestro turned gracefully, evading a press with a deft touch, and immediately spotted Vinícius Júnior making a darting run down the left flank.

Kroos’ pass was inch-perfect, slicing through Valencia’s midfield and setting the Brazilian winger free.

Vinícius exploded into a burst of pace, dragging two defenders wide as he surged toward the final third.

With the Valencia backline scrambling to close him down, Vinícius feinted left, then cut inside, creating just enough space to deliver a well-weighted cross-field pass to Federico Valverde, who had arrived on the edge of the box unnoticed.

Valverde, known for his sharp decision-making, let the ball roll ahead of him before rifling a low, driven pass into the path of Bellingham who was perfectly positioned at the near post.

The English midfielder, showing impeccable timing, flicked the ball with his first touch, sending it hurtling toward the top corner.

Valencia’s goalkeeper stretched in vain, but the ball was already nestling into the net.

In seconds, Real Madrid had transitioned from defence to attack with breathtaking speed, showcasing the precision and ruthlessness of a textbook counter-attack.

The stadium erupted as Madrid players celebrated a stunning early lead, their intent clear from the first whistle.

”Gooooooooooaaaaaaaal, Los Blancos draw first blood. What counter-attacking football? They almost conceded, but now the ball is at the back of the net in the opponent’s end.

2nd minute here, and Jude Bellingham has already put Real Madrid in front. It’s Real Madrid 1, Valencia nil”

The faces of the visitors weren’t that good as their team had conceded but they quickly composed themselves and began cheering for their players.

As the commentary flowed, Izan stood on the pitch with a smile on his face. ”Yes, this is how it should be. Anything less would have been disappointing”.

The Real Madrid players and fans celebrated for a while before they returned to their half. On the way to his half, Bellingham showed his index finger to Izan indicating his goal before walking off.

Izan smiled at the former’s action as Diego López, now kicking off, set the ball on the halfway spot. Izan ran his hand through his hair, his blue eyes resolute as he looked at the ball.

The shrill sound of the referee’s whistle blew again, restarting the match just two minutes after the first whistle.

A/n: Chapter of the day, have fun.