Before Kay could fully analyze what Busquets had changed, the game took a sudden turn.
In the 48th minute, Watford FC managed to score the equalizer, catching Kay and his team off guard.
It all started with a long, precise pass from Mason to Pereira, who effortlessly dribbled past Turner. Pereira then delivered a low cross into the box, where Watford's striker was waiting, and took the shot.
Stuart, always reliable in defense, rushed to block the shot, throwing himself in front of the ball.
He succeeded, but the ball rebounded off his body and fell perfectly at the feet of Hughes.
With no hesitation, Hughes took his chance, striking the ball hard and low. Ben, Starlight FC's goalkeeper, reacted quickly, diving to his right.
His fingertips brushed the ball, but it wasn't enough. The ball grazed his fingers and slipped into the back of the net.
The supporters cheered celebrating the goal. Their team had fought back, and now the score was 1-1.
On the sidelines, Kay was left feeling frustrated and confused. For the first time in his career, he didn't understand what was happening on the field.
As Watford's players celebrated their goal, Kay opened the system and checked the stats for Pereira and Hughes.
- - -
Player: Hughes
Pace: 45
Shooting: 54
Passing: 55
Dribbling: 47
Defending: 41
Physical: 48
- - -
- - -
Player: Pereira
Pace: 55
Shooting: 47
Passing: 49
Dribbling: 56
Defending: 41
Physical: 46
- - -
As Kay was checking the system, Dragan, stood over the ball at the center circle, ready to restart the match.
He passed the ball back to one of his teammates, but as soon as the ball was in play, the referee blew his whistle, signaling the end of the first half.
The players from both teams began to walk off the pitch, heading towards the locker rooms.
The first half had shown that Busquets was a formidable opponent, capable of making adjustments that could quickly change the flow of the game. Kay knew that the second half would be even more challenging.
As Kay made his way to the locker room, his mind raced with thoughts about how to handle the second half.
The game was evenly balanced, and the pressure was mounting. He knew that whatever he decided next would be crucial for his team's chances.
When Kay stepped into the locker room, he found that all the players were already there, seated and waiting for him.
The room was filled with a tense silence, and all eyes were fixed on him. The players were clearly looking to him for guidance, hoping he had the answers they needed.
Kay took a deep breath and began to speak. "For the second half, we're going to continue with the same tactic, we're not changing anything major."
There was a brief pause as the players were shocked by Kay's answer. It was clear that in the last moments of the first half they were dominated, but Kay this time didn't change anything like he usually did when things are difficult.
Then Kay added, "But we will change one small thing. Desmond, you're going to stop pressing on the right side. Instead, I want you to move to the left and help defend there, especially if they manage to break through our tactic like they did last time."
Desmond nodded, understanding his new role, but before Kay could continue, Anouar raised his hand.
"But sir," Anouar said, with a respectful tone, "if Desmond goes to the left, we'll lose an important player on the right. So, if we leave that space open on the right and they fall into the trap and pass the ball there, it will be hard to win the ball back without Desmond pressing."
Kay listened carefully, appreciating Anouar's observation. He knew the concern was valid, but he had already thought it through.
"You're right, Anouar," Kay replied, nodding. "But I noticed that in the last moments of the first half, Watford wasn't falling into our trap as much. They've started to adapt, and I think they'll continue to do so in the second half."
He paused, making sure the players were following his reasoning.
"That's why I need Desmond on the left for now. We need to prevent them from breaking through again like they did before we conceded the goal. I don't want to give them another chance to score. Once the second half starts, I'll be looking for a solution to adjust our tactic again. But until then, our priority is to stop them from scoring."
The room was quiet as the players took in Kay's instructions. They could see that their manager was thinking several steps ahead, trying to anticipate Watford's next move.
It was clear that Kay wasn't just reacting; he was planning, adapting, and making sure they stayed in the game.
After laying out his plan for the second half, Kay stood in front of his players, feeling the weight of the moment.
He looked around the room, seeing the faces of young players who had fought hard to reach this point. They were talented, but they needed some more motivation to win this match.
After explaining his strategy for the second half, Kay decided it was time to lift his team's spirits. He looked around the locker room, seeing the faces of the players who had fought hard all season.
"Listen up, we scored first, and that shows we can score again. We've already proven we can break through their defense. Now, I need you to believe we can do it again, and again if necessary."
He paused, letting his words sink in. The players were focused on him, hanging on every word.
"This is my last match with you, I've seen how much you've grown, how hard you've worked. All I ask is that you give me everything you've got out there. Let's finish this with a victory, as a goodbye gift. It's been an honor to coach you."
The room was quiet, but the atmosphere had changed. The players were more determined than ever, motivated not just to win the match but to give their manager a fitting farewell.
With that, they all stood up, ready to head back onto the field. Kay led them out, and soon they were back in position, ready to start the second half.
As the referee's whistle blew to signal the start, Kay was already analyzing the game, his eyes tracking every movement on the field.
He was particularly focused on Watford's Mason, who seemed to be the key to their strategy.
Kay doubted that Mason was the central figure in Watford's countertactic, and as the game progressed, his suspicion grew stronger.
Kay noticed a pattern. Every time Mason received the ball, he would position his body as if he was about to make a pass to the right wing, where an empty space was left deliberately by Starlight's tactic.
The players on Kay's team, trained to press the moment they anticipated a pass, would start moving toward that space.
But just as they committed to pressing, Mason would switch directions and pass to Pereira on the left instead.
This repeated over and over, with Watford using the same move to bypass Starlight's defense.
Kay could see that Busquets had found a way to exploit the weak spot in his tactic.
Mason's clever feints were drawing Starlight's players out of position, making it easier for Watford to launch their attacks from the left side, where Pereira was particularly dangerous.
Kay's mind raced as he tried to think of a way to counter this. He knew that if they didn't find a solution soon, Watford would keep creating chances and might take the lead.
See you in the next chapter...