God Of football

Chapter 213: European Ambitions

The morning after Valencia’s dramatic victory at Son Moix, the headlines across Spain were ablaze with praise for Los Che and their young prodigy, Izan.

Every sports channel, newspaper, and online platform buzzed with talk of Valencia’s first major final in a while.

”Valencia’s Revival: Izan Leads the Charge,” read the front page of Marca. Another outlet, AS, declared, ”At 16, Izan Is Already Writing History.”

On television, pundits dissected the match and analyzed how Valencia, against all odds, secured their place in the final. Izan’s decisive contribution was at the center of every discussion.

”What we witnessed last night was nothing short of extraordinary,” one commentator said during the morning sports segment.

”This is a Valencia team that has endured its fair share of struggles in recent years, but with players like Izan stepping up, the future looks bright. That assist in the 121st minute—calm, precise, visionary—it tells you everything about his potential.”

The Spanish Football Federation’s official website posted a poll shortly after the match, asking fans to vote on who they believed would win the upcoming final: Valencia or Athletic Bilbao.

The poll quickly went viral, with fans passionately debating the matchup on social media.

”Athletic Bilbao has the players and the experience, but with Izan in this team, Valencia can beat anyone,” one user tweeted.

”Don’t forget, Betis beat Valencia in the Copa del Rey round matches last year. This could be payback,” said another.

Meanwhile, back in Valencia, the players were granted a much-needed day of rest. Izan, however, woke up early, his legs sore and his body drained from the grueling match.

Freshening up a bit, Izan went down and was greeted by smiles and hugs from Komi and Hori

”I’m so proud of you, Izan,” his mother, Komi, said as she set a plate of breakfast in front of him. ”But you need to rest. You’ve been running yourself ragged.”

Izan smiled but couldn’t hide the fatigue in his eyes. ”I’ll rest after the final,” he said, his voice quiet but determined.

Komi smiled wryly at his answer, ”Just make sure you’re up for it before putting yourself in any tight situations Ok”.

Izan nodded at her mother’s words before proceeding to wolf down the food while Hori sat beside telling him of her plans for the summer as vacation approached.

After breakfast, Izan headed to Valencia’s training facility for a light recovery session.

The medical staff monitored him closely, applying ice to his knees and stretching out his muscles. Although there were a few bruises, Izan was relatively fine.

Izan spent most of the session in the hydrotherapy pool, letting the water soothe his aching body.

While he rested, his teammates drifted in, one by one, for their own recovery routines. With Pietro’s antics, the players could forget about the looming challenges ahead.

Hugo Guillamón and Giorgi Mamardashvili shared a laugh about the previous night’s nerve-wracking moments, while José Gayà, the team captain, walked over to Izan.

”You were incredible out there, kid,” Gayà said, ruffling Izan’s hair. ”That assist at the end—pure class.”

”Thanks, captain,” Izan replied with a grin. ”But it was a team effort. We all fought for that win.”

Gayà nodded, his respect for the youngster evident. ”True, but moments like that? They make the difference. Keep it up, Izan. We’re going to need you against Betis in Laliga.”

The Build-Up to Real Betis

As the day passed, the focus shifted to the impending Laliga clash against Real Betis. The players returned to full training, and Baraja emphasized the importance of maintaining their momentum.

Though he had been sent off during the Mallorca match, his leadership and tactical expertise were never in doubt.

In training sessions, Baraja worked tirelessly with his squad to prepare them for Betis’s strengths.

Izan was given a central role in the drills, practicing his link-up play with the forwards and fine-tuning his ability to dictate the tempo from midfield.

”Izan, remember,” Baraja said during one session, ”Betis will try to isolate you. They know you’re our key player. Stay sharp, stay calm, and trust your instincts.”

The young star nodded, his focus unwavering. While the players trained, the anticipation for the final that was nowhere near was at an all-time high.

Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao had taken to one of his Social Media handles to make a post about his vacation plans after winning the Copa del Rey final causing a few Valencia fans to be irked by how he had already assumed he would be winning the final.

On the other end of things, News outlets ran features on Valencia’s resurgence, focusing on their journey to the final and the pivotal role Izan had played.

One television special titled ”The Boy Who Carries Valencia” delved into Izan’s meteoric rise, from his breakout performance against Mallorca earlier in the season, his performances while he carried Valencia to win against Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid to his heroic showing in the semifinal.

The program included interviews with his family, teammates, and coaches, all of whom praised his humility, work ethic, and extraordinary talent.

”I’ve coached a lot of players,” Baraja said in the interview, ”but Izan is special. He has this rare combination of skill, intelligence, and composure. And at 16? It’s incredible.”

While these off-pitch antics went on, Valencia kept preparing for the Laliga clash.

.....

The day of the clash against Real Betis had arrived, and the anticipation was palpable.

Though Valencia’s Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao loomed large, tonight’s La Liga game at Mestalla was crucial for the club’s European ambitions.

A victory over Betis, a direct rival for European spots, would be a massive boost for Valencia’s confidence and league position with the team in a stable 4th position with Athletic behind in 5th and Betis, hot on their heels in 6th place.

Izan woke up early in his apartment, sunlight streaming through the curtains. After a quick breakfast prepared by his mom, Komi, he spent some time on the balcony, looking over the city.

Below, fans were already starting to gather, dressed in orange and black, singing Valencia chants.

His phone buzzed with messages of encouragement. Olivia sent a short but reassuring text:

”You’ve got this, Izan. One step at a time. I’ll be watching.”

After responding with a grateful smile, Izan headed to the training ground, where the team was gathering before the match.

At the training complex, the players sat in a briefing room, listening to Rubén Baraja’s final tactical instructions.

”Betis will press high and attack through the flanks,” Baraja explained, pointing at the board. ”We must stay disciplined and compact.

Izan, you’ll play slightly deeper today. Use your vision to pick out Diego Lopez and Fran Pérez in transition.”

Izan nodded as he understood his role perfectly.

After the session, the players had some downtime before heading to the stadium. Izan spent it chatting with his old academy teammates, joking and reminiscing about their early days.

Though now the centerpiece of Valencia’s squad, these moments reminded him to stay grounded.

”You’re still that kid from the academy,” Hugo Guillamón teased, clapping him on the back.

”Except now I’ve got more responsibility,” Izan shot back with a grin.

By the time the team bus arrived at Mestalla, the streets were a sea of orange and black.

Fans chanted, waved flags, and banged on the sides of the bus. Inside, the players could feel the energy vibrating through the vehicle.

Izan sat by the window, watching as young kids held up signs with his name on them. One read: ”Izan, Our Future!” He smiled and gave them a wave, knowing how much their support meant.

As the team entered the stadium, they were met with cameras and flashing lights. Izan kept his head down, his focus entirely on the game ahead.

The dressing room was alive with nervous energy. Players laced their boots and adjusted their kits, while Baraja walked around, offering individual words of encouragement.

”Izan,” he said, stopping in front of the teenager. ” Stay composed, and remember: the simple pass can be just as important as the spectacular one.”

Izan nodded. ”I’m ready, coach.”

As the players lined up to head out, José Gayà, the captain, gave a rallying speech. ”This is our house. Let’s show them who we are. No fear. No hesitation. We fight for every ball.”

The players jogged onto the pitch to a deafening roar. Mestalla was alive with energy, the fans’ chants echoing in unison.

Izan took a moment to soak it all in before jogging across the field, exchanging passes with Fran Pérez and Pietro as well as Sosa for a bit.

”Welcome folks to an exciting fixture with Valencia going against Real Betis here at the Mestalla.

Two sides each with hopes of European football but only one can take all three points.

We are minutes away from kickoff and I’d like to see the exciting football that Valencia plays under Izan’s influence.

After a while, the referee’s whistle sounded to start the match. Betis started aggressively, pressing high and looking to exploit Valencia’s backline.

The visitors had an early chance in the 7th minute when Isco cut inside and fired a shot just wide of the post.

Izan, tightly marked by Betis’s midfielders, struggled to find space early on. However, he gradually grew into the game, dropping deeper to collect the ball and dictate play.

In the 20th minute, he skipped past two Betis players with a smooth drag-back and turn, earning a loud cheer from the crowd.

”That’s brilliant from Izan! The composure and skill this young man has are unbelievable,” the commentator exclaimed.

The fans roared their approval, chanting his name as the match went on and on

Valencia had their first big chance in the 34th minute. Izan played a perfectly weighted through ball to Almeida, who broke free down the left.

His cross found Fran Pérez, but the winger’s header was straight at Rui Silva.

Betis responded with a counterattack, forcing Mamardashvili into a diving save to deny Borja Iglesias.

The Mestalla crowd held its breath as the ball was cleared.

A/n: okay so I couldn’t make it four chapters yesterday. I’ll make it up to you by adding the extra chapter today. Anyways have fun.