The referee's whistle blew, signaling the start of the match, and FC Goldtal erupted into action. From the first touch, it was clear they weren't holding anything back. The ball moved quickly from player to player, each pass sharp and purposeful. Goldtal's plan was simple: press hard, attack with aggression, and try to score as soon as possible. They weren't going to let FC Eisenstadt settle into the game.
For years, FC Goldtal had been underestimated. It wasn't due to a lack of skill or talent—quite the opposite. The young club was new, only on its fourth generation of A-juniors, also known as U-18/19. Compared to other established clubs, Goldtal lacked history, but what they had was talent and hunger. They were more than ready for this league, and today they were going to prove it.
The opening minutes were a whirlwind of action. Goldtal pressed high up the pitch, forcing Eisenstadt back into their own half. They attacked every loose ball, their intent clear—to dominate, to overwhelm. The Eisenstadt players struggled to maintain possession, their attempts to clear the ball met with relentless pressure from Alex and his teammates.
Alex, moving like a predator on the hunt, stayed just behind the pressing line, waiting for his moment. The ball eventually made its way to Lars, who controlled it with a deft touch before spotting Alex making a run down the center. Lars didn't hesitate—he sent a perfectly weighted pass across to the left, allowing Alex to step into it.
The pass was smooth, the ball rolling toward Alex's feet. He let it glide through his legs, allowing it to reach his stronger right foot as he positioned himself at an angle. He wasn't quite in line to take a straightforward shot on goal. A normal player might have passed it back or tried a safer option, but Alex wasn't interested in safe. He was hungry. His eyes flicked up, assessing the keeper's position.
With a quick shift of weight, Alex swung his right foot around the ball, striking it with the outside of his boot—a trivela. The ball curled beautifully, a sharp bend that bypassed the defender's outstretched leg and caught the goalkeeper by surprise. It sailed toward the goal and smacked the inner side of the junction between the crossbar and the goalpost before rocketing into the net.
The stadium seemed to pause for a heartbeat, then exploded into cheers. The scoreboard lit up—1:0 for Goldtal. Alex barely had time to celebrate before his teammates piled onto him, congratulating him on the incredible strike.
"That's gotta be a record!" Lars shouted, patting Alex on the back, his face flushed with excitement.
Indeed, Alex had just set a record—he'd scored the fastest goal in the Bayernliga for their age group. The game had barely begun, and Goldtal was already in the lead, leaving FC Eisenstadt stunned and on the back foot. The whispers and murmurs from the crowd were already starting; this wasn't just an opening goal, it was a statement.
But for Alex, one goal wasn't enough. He could see the uncertainty on the faces of the Eisenstadt players, a flicker of hesitation that hadn't been there at kickoff. He knew that if they could strike again quickly, they could crush the opponent's will to fight entirely.
Twenty minutes passed, and Goldtal maintained possession comfortably. They kept up the pressure, their passes clean and their movements precise. Lars had a go from distance, a long shot that soared over the crossbar, and Eisenstadt scrambled to reset their defense for the corner kick that followed.
Alex jogged over to take the corner, his eyes on the goalkeeper. He saw an opportunity—a gamble, but one he couldn't resist. He placed the ball carefully, stepping back, his eyes calculating the distance and angle. The wind was light, perfect for what he was about to attempt.
He took a deep breath and launched himself forward, striking the ball with the inside of his foot, imparting a powerful curve. The ball soared into the air, high above the crowded penalty box, and then began to dip in a looping arc. The goalkeeper's eyes widened in realization as the ball curved toward the goal. He leaped, but it was too late. The ball curled just under the crossbar, smashing into the net.
The crowd erupted again, a mixture of disbelief and awe. 2:0 for Goldtal, and it wasn't even halftime. The players on the opposing team looked deflated, the will to fight already slipping away from them. Alex raised his fist in triumph, a grin on his face. His teammates rushed over, disbelief and joy written across their faces.
"Did you just score from the corner?!" Julian asked, shaking his head with a laugh. "Unreal, Alex!"
Coach Fischer, standing at the sidelines, couldn't help but smile. He knew Alex had the potential to do something special, but seeing it play out on the pitch was something else. His gamble on Alex's newfound confidence and hunger was paying off. Goldtal was not just competing in the Bayernliga—they were dominating.
The remainder of the game was a one-sided display of pure control. FC Eisenstadt seemed unable to find any rhythm, their attempts to break Goldtal's defense were repeatedly cut off. The Goldtal players moved as a unit, transitioning seamlessly between attack and defense, never letting up the pressure. Two more goals followed, both a product of relentless teamwork, but Alex's influence was unmistakable. He moved with purpose, always hungry for more, creating space and chances for his teammates as well.
By the time the final whistle blew, the scoreline read 4:0. The Eisenstadt players looked defeated, their coach shaking his head as he exchanged a wordless nod with Coach Fischer. It wasn't that Eisenstadt had played poorly—it was simply that Goldtal had been unstoppable, led by an Alex who had decided that nothing but total domination would satisfy him.
The ball had spent most of its time comfortably in Goldtal's possession, and FC Eisenstadt had never stood a chance. It was a true one-sided massacre, and the entire Bayernliga would know by now—Goldtal was here to stay, and Alex was leading the charge.
As Alex walked off the field, his teammates surrounding him, he felt the weight of what they had accomplished settle in. His name would be in the local newspapers tomorrow. He'd set a record, made an impression, and shown everyone what FC Goldtal was capable of. But to Alex, this was just the beginning. His hunger wasn't close to being satisfied yet.
There were many more games to play, more goals to score, and more victories to claim. And Alex intended to devour them all.