God Of football

Chapter 221: Start Of The Final Act

After the restart, the referee added two minutes of stoppage time to the clock. Seeing this, Baraja urged his players to try and make use of the time and they almost did after Fran Perez’s solo run ended in a pass into the Barcelona box.

The fans watched as Javi Guerra appeared to meet the ball but his first-time shot was nudged out of the way by a spectacular save by Ter Stegen.

”The shot was saved but at least we have a corner” was what the fans were thinking but that was until the referee’s whistle sounded for the halftime break.

The Valencia players approached the referee confused about his decision to end the half when they had got a corner but the referee argued the time was well over what he had added.

The referee’s whistle brought an end to a dramatic first half. Barcelona led 2-1, but the game was far from decided.

As the players made their way to the tunnel, the Valencia fans began chanting once more, rallying behind their team for the second half.

Juan Hernan: ”And that’s the whistle for the end of the first half here at the Mestalla. Barcelona heads into the break with a narrow 2-1 lead, but what a gripping 45 minutes of football we’ve just witnessed!”

Jorge Savina: ”It’s been everything we expected and more, Juan. Barcelona showed their class early on, with Lewandowski doing what he does best.

But Valencia refused to be intimidated. Hugo Duro’s equalizer brought this place to life, and they’ve shown they can trouble Xavi’s side.”

Juan Hernan: ”Absolutely. That own goal from Mark right before halftime will sting, though. You could see the heartbreak on his face.

But this Valencia side has resilience, and with players like Izan waiting on the bench, you have to feel they’re far from out of this one.”

Jorge Savina: ”Right you are. Baraja’s halftime talk will be crucial here. Can he steady his players and remind them they’ve already put Barcelona under pressure?

Meanwhile, Xavi will want his team to stay focused and keep their foot on the gas.”

Juan Hernan: ”One thing’s for sure—the Mestalla is still buzzing with energy. The home fans know this game is far from over. Don’t go anywhere; the second half promises to be just as thrilling as the first!”

As the players headed down the tunnel, the atmosphere in the stands remained electric. Groups of fans stood discussing the first half, passionately analyzing every key moment.

”I can’t believe Mark’s mistake,” one fan muttered, shaking his head. ”We were holding our own so well.”

Another quickly replied, ”He was under so much pressure! That’s Lewandowski for you—he causes chaos in the box. Mark will bounce back.”

Nearby, Hori continued waving her Valencia flag, her voice defiant. ”We’ll come back! It’s just one goal. Izan hasn’t even played yet!”

A man sitting in front of her turned around with a smile. ”You’ve got faith in him, huh?”

Hori puffed out her chest. ”Of course! He’s my big brother. When he comes on, Barcelona won’t know what hit them.”

The man laughed. ”I like your confidence. Let’s hope he’s ready for the challenge.”

Komi, seated beside her daughter, was more composed. She spoke softly to the fan next to her, a middle-aged woman draped in Valencia colors.

”It’s been a tough first half, but we’ve seen this team fight back before. They just need to keep their composure.”

The woman nodded. ”You’re right. And with Izan on the bench, we’ve got a game-changer waiting. If Baraja brings him on, Barcelona’s defense will be in trouble.”

Above the chatter, the chants of ”¡Amunt Valencia!” continued to echo through the Mestalla. Fans waved their scarves and clapped rhythmically, refusing to let their spirits wane despite the scoreline. Even in frustration, their passion was unwavering.

As the halftime show began on the pitch, the Valencia faithful remained glued to their seats, discussing strategies, sharing optimism, and placing their hopes on the second half. For them, the match wasn’t over—it was just beginning.

...…..

[ Valencia’s Locker Room]

The Valencia players trudged into their locker room, frustration etched on their faces. Mark, his head hung low, took a seat at the far end of the room, still replaying the own goal in his mind.

Baraja entered moments later, clapping his hands loudly to get everyone’s attention. ”Listen up!” he began, his voice sharp but steady.

”That was a tough end to the half, but this match is far from over. We’ve shown we can hurt them. That goal from Hugo was exactly what I wanted to see—decisive, clinical. Now, we need to believe we can do it again.”

Baraja paced in front of his players, locking eyes with each of them. ”Barcelona is good—no doubt about it.

But we’ve already exposed their weaknesses. Cancelo and Christensen are vulnerable to quick transitions, and Gavi’s temper is boiling over. We need to exploit that!”

Turning to Mark, Baraja softened his tone. ”Mark, don’t let that own goal sit in your head.

Mistakes happen, and you’ve been solid all season. I trust you. The team trusts you. Now go back out there and lead.”

Mark nodded silently, his teammates offering him supportive pats on the back.

Baraja then walked over to Izan, who had been quietly observing from the bench area. Placing a hand on his shoulder, Baraja spoke firmly but encouragingly.

”Izan, you’re coming on in the 60th minute. I need you to bring your energy, your creativity, and your composure.

Don’t overthink it. Trust your instincts like you always do and when you step onto that pitch, I want you to change the game.”

Izan met his coach’s gaze, focus gleaming in his eyes. ”I’ll be ready, Coach.”

Baraja nodded. ”I know you won’t.” He clapped Izan’s shoulder before addressing the room once more.

”Let’s make the Mestalla proud. Give everything out there. This is our game to win!”

...…

[ Barcelona’s Locker Room]

In the Barcelona locker room, the mood was intense but controlled. Xavi stood in the center, surrounded by his players, many of whom were hydrating and catching their breath.

”Well done in the first half,” Xavi began, his voice calm but authoritative. ”We’ve dominated possession, and you’ve executed our game plan well.

But let me be clear—we haven’t won anything yet. Valencia is still in this game, and they’ll come at us hard in the second half, especially with their fans behind them.”

He pointed to Lewandowski. ”Robert, keep making those runs. You’re dragging their center-backs out of position, and that’s opening space for Pedri and Gündoğan. Keep it up.”

Turning to Gavi, Xavi’s tone became sharper. ”Gavi, you need to calm down. The yellow card was unnecessary, and we can’t afford to lose you to a second one. Play with fire, but don’t burn yourself. Understood?”

Gavi nodded, though he still looked frustrated from his earlier booking.

[funny but we all know what Izan, helped by the author is cooking for Gavi right now]

Xavi continued, addressing the team as a whole. ”The second half will be even harder. They’ll likely make changes, maybe bring on that kid, Izan.

I won’t talk much since most of you have experienced how dangerous he is before. If he comes on, I want our midfield to close him down immediately. Don’t give him space to create.”

Xavi walked toward Frenkie de Jong and Gündoğan. ”You two need to keep controlling the tempo.

Don’t let Valencia turn this into a frantic game. If we stay disciplined, they won’t be able to break us down.”

Finally, Xavi clapped his hands, signaling the end of his speech. ”Let’s finish the job. Stay sharp, stay focused, and remember—this is our game to win.”

As both teams prepared to return to the pitch, the energy in the locker rooms shifted.

At Valencia’s locker room, there was a renewed sense of purpose, bolstered by Baraja’s belief in his players and the impending introduction of Izan.

At Barcelona, Xavi’s calm authority ensured his team remained focused, knowing the second half would require every ounce of their quality and composure.

The stage was set for an electrifying final act at the Mestalla.

...….

Juan Hernan: ”Welcome back folks, to the Mestalla, where we’re set for what promises to be an electrifying second half between Valencia and Barcelona.

The first 45 minutes delivered everything—goals, drama, and intensity. Barcelona holds a narrow 2-1 lead, but you can’t help but feel this match has more twists and turns in store.”

Jorge Savina: ”Absolutely, Juan. Barcelona struck first through Lewandowski, but Valencia showed their grit with that equalizer from Hugo Duro.

Unfortunately for them, an own goal by Mark just before halftime handed Barcelona the lead. Still, this game is far from decided.

Valencia has looked dangerous in spells, and with their passionate home support, you get the sense they’re not done yet.”

Juan Hernan: ”And let’s not forget the wildcard on the Valencia bench—16-year-old Izan, who’s been the talk of the footballing world this season.

We’ve just heard from the sidelines that Ruben Baraja plans to bring him on around the hour mark. Jorge, do you think he can make the difference?”

Jorge Savina: ”No doubt about it. Izan has shown time and again that he thrives in these high-pressure moments.

If he gets on the pitch, he’ll be looking to exploit any gaps in Barcelona’s midfield and defense.

But it’s a big ask against a team of this quality. It’s all about how Valencia sets him up when he comes on.”

Juan Hernan: ”And speaking of setups, Xavi’s team looks sharp tonight. Lewandowski, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal have all been heavily involved, while Frenkie de Jong and Gündoğan have bossed the midfield.

They’ll look to maintain control and not let Valencia gain any momentum.”

Jorge Savina: ”The first few minutes of this half will be crucial. If Valencia can hit back early, we’ll have a real fight on our hands. But if Barcelona finds a third goal, it could be game over.”

Juan Hernan: ”The players are back on the pitch, the crowd is roaring, and the second half is about to get underway. Strap yourselves in, folks—this is going to be a thrilling 45 minutes at the Mestalla!”

After the players got into position, the referee blew his whistle to signal the start of the match.

Jorge Savina: ”The referee checks his watch… and there’s the whistle! The second half begins!”