Chereads / Rewriting Destiny: The Legend / Chapter 7 - The Calm Before the Final

Chapter 7 - The Calm Before the Final

Part 1: Reflections of a Champion

The days leading up to the Champions League final were a strange mix of excitement and anxiety for Abeer. After Real Madrid's stunning victory over Manchester City, the entire footballing world was buzzing. Abeer had once again proven himself to be a game-changer, but as the final loomed large on the horizon, he couldn't help but reflect on his journey so far.

Sitting in his Madrid apartment, Abeer replayed his past victories and struggles in his mind. He thought about his early days at the Real Madrid youth academy, his transition to AC Milan, the years at Manchester United, and his eventual return to Madrid. Every victory, every setback, every injury—it had all shaped the player he had become today. But there was still one final mountain to climb.

Abeer knew that if he could win the Champions League this time, it wouldn't just be another trophy. It would cement his place among the all-time greats. As much as the world compared him to the likes of Messi and Ronaldo, Abeer didn't care about comparisons anymore. This final was about leaving his mark, his legacy.

Part 2: Preparations Begin

Training resumed, and the atmosphere in the Real Madrid camp was electric. The players were focused, determined, and united by a single goal—winning the Champions League. Abeer, despite his usual cool demeanor, felt the pressure mounting. He was now one of the team's leaders, and everyone looked to him for inspiration.

Coach Pérez called a team meeting on the first day back at training. "We're here because we've earned it," he said, his voice steady but firm. "But the final is different. It's about heart. It's about pushing beyond your limits."

Abeer sat quietly, absorbing the words. He knew what was expected of him, and he knew that every teammate would be giving everything. The next two weeks would be crucial, both physically and mentally. The team needed to prepare, but they also needed to manage the pressure of the biggest game of the season.

Part 3: The Weight of Expectation

Abeer couldn't escape the media frenzy surrounding the final. Headlines screamed his name, with articles comparing him to footballing legends and debating whether he could lead Real Madrid to another European triumph. While Abeer had learned to tune out most of the noise, it was impossible to ignore completely.

Every interview, every press conference brought the same questions: "How does it feel to be compared to Messi and Ronaldo?" "Do you feel the pressure to deliver on the biggest stage?" "What's your mindset heading into the final?"

Abeer's answers were always calm and measured. He talked about focusing on the game, on the team's preparation, and on staying grounded. But deep down, he knew that this final would be a defining moment in his career. Anything less than victory would be a disappointment, not just to the fans, but to himself.

Part 4: A Moment of Solitude

As the final approached, Abeer found himself craving moments of solitude. He had always been someone who thrived on reflection and quiet moments, and with the weight of the final pressing down on him, he needed time to clear his head.

One evening, Abeer drove to a quiet spot outside of Madrid, far from the noise and chaos of the city. He parked his car near a hill and climbed to the top, where he could look out over the horizon. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Abeer sat down on the grass, the cool breeze brushing against his face.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. This was what he needed—a chance to escape, even if only for a short while, from the pressures of being Abeer, the footballing superstar. For a moment, he wasn't thinking about the final, about his legacy, or about the expectations. He was just a 28-year-old man, enjoying the beauty of a quiet evening.

Part 5: A Message from an Old Friend

Later that night, as Abeer returned home, his phone buzzed with a message. It was from Taylor Swift. They had kept in touch throughout their respective careers, their friendship forged in the early days of their rise to stardom. Despite the different paths they had taken, they always made time to check in with each other.

"Hey superstar, how are you feeling? The big game's almost here!" Taylor's message read.

Abeer smiled as he typed back. "Nervous, but ready. It's strange, you know. The closer it gets, the more calm I feel."

Taylor responded quickly. "That's how you know you're ready. It's like when I'm about to go on stage for a huge concert—the nerves never go away, but you learn to embrace them."

Abeer thought about her words. They had both faced enormous pressure in their careers, but they had always supported each other. Taylor understood the weight of expectation better than anyone, and her encouragement gave Abeer a sense of calm.

Part 6: Training Intensifies

With just a few days left until the final, Real Madrid's training sessions became more intense. The focus was on tactical drills, set pieces, and fitness. The players were locked in, knowing that every detail could make the difference between victory and defeat.

Abeer pushed himself harder than ever, determined to be at his peak for the final. He worked on his speed, his finishing, and his ability to read the game. Every minute on the training pitch was a step closer to the biggest game of the season.

The coaching staff paid special attention to Abeer's conditioning. They knew that he would be a target for the opposition, who would look to neutralize his threat. But Abeer was ready for it. He had faced tough challenges before, and this final would be no different.

Part 7: The Final Countdown

The night before the final, Abeer lay in bed, unable to sleep. His mind raced with thoughts of the game, of the years of hard work that had brought him to this point. He thought about the sacrifices, the injuries, the countless hours of training. Everything had led to this moment.

Abeer closed his eyes and visualized the game. He saw himself on the pitch, the roar of the crowd, the ball at his feet. He imagined the movements, the passes, the goals. It was a technique he had learned early in his career, and it helped calm his nerves.

As the hours ticked by, Abeer eventually drifted off to sleep, knowing that tomorrow would be the biggest day of his career.

Part 8: Match Day

The day of the Champions League final had finally arrived. The city of Istanbul was buzzing with excitement as fans from both teams filled the streets, waving flags and chanting songs. The Atatürk Olympic Stadium, where the final would be held, was a sea of color and energy.

Abeer arrived at the stadium with his teammates, the mood in the dressing room both tense and focused. As they changed into their kits, Coach Pérez gathered the players for one last talk. "This is it," he said. "All the hard work, all the sacrifices—it all comes down to tonight. Trust in each other, trust in yourselves, and go out there and make history."

The players nodded, each of them feeling the gravity of the moment. Abeer slipped on his boots, his mind clear and focused. This was his moment, the culmination of everything he had worked for.

Part 9: The Opening Whistle

As Abeer stepped onto the pitch, the noise of the crowd hit him like a wave. Tens of thousands of fans filled the stadium, their chants and cheers creating a deafening roar. The energy was electric, and Abeer could feel it coursing through him.

The referee blew the whistle, and the Champions League final was underway.