The sun had barely risen over Igualada when Daniel arrived at the CF Igualada training grounds. The crisp morning air carried the scent of freshly cut grass, and the distant sound of birds chirping mixed with the rhythmic thuds of footballs being struck across the field.
Today was another grueling session, and with the league in full swing, every training felt like a test. CF Igualada's under-19 team had started strong, sitting in the upper half of the table, but every match was a battle.
Coach Morales stood at the center of the pitch, arms crossed, surveying the players as they went through their drills. His sharp eyes missed nothing.
"Carter, pick up the pace!" he barked as Daniel sprinted through the agility ladders.
Daniel gritted his teeth, pushing himself harder. He wasn't just training to keep his place in the team—he was proving himself.
Miguel jogged up beside him as they transitioned into passing drills. "You look dead, man."
Daniel smirked, wiping sweat from his forehead. "I feel dead."
Luis joined them, rolling his shoulders. "No time for feeling dead. We've got a match against UE Sant Andreu this weekend. They're second in the league. Tough team."
Daniel nodded. The league season had already shown how unpredictable it could be. Some matches they dominated, others were a struggle. But that was football.
After an intense session, the team gathered around Coach Morales.
"You've been working hard, but this weekend's match will show us if we're serious contenders. Sant Andreu is physical, fast, and disciplined. We're playing at home, so make it count."
As the team dispersed, Daniel felt a buzz in his pocket. He pulled out his phone to see a message from Sofia.
Sofia: Coffee again this week?
He grinned, quickly typing a response.
Daniel: Yeah. After we win this weekend.
The stadium wasn't huge, but it was packed with fans from both teams. The atmosphere was electric, the tension thick in the air.
Daniel stood in the tunnel with his teammates, adjusting his jersey. He could hear the opposing team talking, their confidence clear.
"Let's ruin their day," Miguel muttered beside him.
Daniel nodded. He lived for these moments.
The referee blew the whistle, and the game kicked off.
Commentary:"And we're underway here at CF Igualada's home ground! The hosts have been in fine form, but Sant Andreu won't be an easy opponent today."
From the start, it was a battle. CF Igualada tried to control possession, but Sant Andreu pressed high, forcing mistakes.
Commentary:"Sant Andreu are putting pressure early on! Daniel Carter with a clever turn—he's got space now—passes to Miguel—oh, that's great football!"
As the minutes passed, both teams traded chances. Daniel found himself tightly marked, unable to find much space.
Then, in the 35th minute, disaster struck.
Commentary:"A mistake at the back from CF Igualada! Sant Andreu capitalizes—GOAL! 1-0 to the visitors!"
The crowd fell silent. Daniel clenched his fists. They had to respond.
In the second half, Igualada pushed harder. Daniel made sharp runs, combining well with Luis and Miguel, but Sant Andreu's defense held firm.
Then, with just ten minutes left, Daniel finally got his moment.
Miguel sent a perfect through ball, and Daniel sprinted past the last defender.
Commentary:"Carter's through on goal—he takes a touch—SHOOTS—GOAL! Daniel Carter equalizes! CF Igualada are back in it!"
The stadium erupted. But the game wasn't over.
With only minutes left, Igualada pressed for the winner. In the 90th minute, a corner was won.
Daniel positioned himself near the edge of the box, watching as Luis delivered the ball in. The defenders were focused on Miguel, leaving Daniel unmarked.
The ball curled towards him. He took a deep breath and struck it on the volley.
Commentary:"CARTER HITS IT—WHAT A GOAL! UNBELIEVABLE! CF IGUALADA TAKE THE LEAD!"
The team piled on top of him in celebration. The fans roared.
Moments later, the final whistle blew. CF Igualada had won 2-1.
After the Match
Daniel walked off the pitch, exhausted but elated. He checked his phone again.
Sofia: I guess you earned that coffee.
He smiled. Things were going well—for now. But in the back of his mind, he knew that peace never lasted long in his life.