The sun was beginning to set over Igualada as Daniel made his way home after another intense training session. His body ached, but his mind was sharp. The words of Coach Morales lingered in his head—some of them might get the chance to train with the senior team. That was the next step, the next level.
At home, Uncle Mateo was sitting in the living room, watching football highlights on TV. As Daniel walked in, Mateo smirked.
"You're late. Extra training?"
Daniel dropped his bag on the couch and sighed. "Yeah. Coach Morales isn't making it easy for us."
Mateo chuckled. "Good. If it were easy, everyone would do it."
Daniel sat down, glancing at the screen. It was a replay of Real Madrid's latest match against Atlético. Jude Bellingham had just scored a late winner.
"You see that?" Mateo pointed. "That's the difference between a good player and a great player. He's always in the right place at the right time."
Daniel nodded. He wasn't just watching the match—he was studying it. Positioning, movement, awareness. If he wanted to reach the next level, he needed to think beyond just running and scoring.
"You'll get there," Mateo added. "Just stay focused."
Daniel appreciated the confidence, but he knew he couldn't rely on words alone. He had to prove himself.
The next morning, Daniel sat in class, staring at his notebook. He had an upcoming history test, and while he could memorize plays on the pitch with ease, dates and historical events were another story.
Sofia sat beside him, flipping through her notes. She noticed his blank expression and smirked. "You look lost."
"More like doomed," Daniel muttered.
She leaned over and pointed at his textbook. "Alright, listen. If you remember anything, remember this: The Treaty of Utrecht ended the War of Spanish Succession."
Daniel blinked. "The what?"
Sofia sighed. "You are hopeless."
He chuckled. "I don't see how this helps me score goals."
"It doesn't," she said, smirking. "But if you fail this test, Coach Morales might bench you."
That got his attention. "Okay, okay. Teach me."
For the next half hour, Sofia walked him through the key points of the lesson. Daniel wasn't sure how much he retained, but at least he wasn't completely clueless anymore.
As the bell rang, she closed her book. "See? Studying isn't that bad."
Daniel shook his head. "Still prefer football."
Sofia laughed. "Of course you do."
That weekend, CF Igualada faced off against CE Europa, one of the stronger teams in the league. The stadium wasn't full, but the home fans were loud, chanting and cheering as the players took the field.
Daniel stood in the tunnel, bouncing on his feet. Miguel was beside him, stretching his arms.
"You ready for this?" Miguel asked.
Daniel nodded. "Always."
Coach Morales clapped his hands, gathering the team before they stepped out. "Remember, this isn't just about winning. This is about showing that you belong at the top."
As the whistle blew, the game kicked off. CE Europa came out aggressive, pressing high and forcing Igualada to play quickly.
Luis, playing as a winger, managed to break down the right flank and send a cross into the box. Daniel leaped, connecting with a header—
Saved. The keeper punched it away.
Daniel cursed under his breath and sprinted back into position. He couldn't waste chances like that.
Minutes later, CE Europa struck first with a counterattack, their striker slotting the ball past Igualada's keeper.
1-0.
The home crowd fell silent.
But Daniel wasn't discouraged. He called for the ball, demanding possession. Miguel found him with a pass, and Daniel took off, weaving through defenders before unleashing a shot—
Goal!
The stadium erupted as the ball hit the back of the net.
Daniel clenched his fists. Back in the game.
The second half was intense. Both teams had chances, but it wasn't until the 80th minute that Igualada won a free kick just outside the box.
Sofia, who was watching from the stands, held her breath.
Daniel stepped up.
He exhaled, focused, and struck the ball—
Top corner. Goal.
2-1. Igualada took the lead and they weren't done as Miguel sealed the win with a penalty goal.
The final whistle blew minutes later, sealing the victory.
As the team celebrated, Coach Morales pulled Daniel aside.
"Keep playing like this," he said, "and you'll be training with the senior team soon."
Daniel smiled. He wasn't there yet, but he was getting closer.