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Chapter 6 - Chapter 6: Becoming Quaresma

The tension in the air felt different this week. After four tough rounds, Sporting finally had a chance to turn things around in their upcoming match against Gil Vicente at home. For Eric, who had been living as Ricardo Quaresma, the pressure was immense. The past few games had been rough, with the team struggling to find their rhythm and the weight of expectations growing heavier with every disappointing result.

But today felt different. There was a renewed sense of focus in the locker room as the players prepared for the match. The home crowd, still hopeful despite the rocky start to the season, had filled the stands at Estádio José Alvalade, their chants echoing through the stadium. This game felt like a turning point—a chance to prove that Sporting could still be a dominant force.

Eric, sitting on the bench, watched as the starting eleven lined up. Marius Niculae, the Romanian striker who had been one of the team's bright spots, was starting up front alongside the ever-reliable Jardel. Sá Pinto, back from his brief injury, took his place in the midfield, ready to link up with the attackers. And João Pinto, the team's creative force, was pulling the strings from the center of the park.

The first half kicked off with Sporting immediately taking control of the game. The midfield dominated possession, moving the ball with fluidity and confidence that had been missing in previous matches. Eric watched as Niculae and Sá Pinto combined beautifully, weaving through the Gil Vicente defense with slick one-twos and clever movement. The energy on the pitch was infectious, and the crowd responded with growing excitement.

Then, in the 18th minute, the breakthrough came. Sá Pinto received the ball on the edge of the box, spun past a defender, and delivered a perfectly timed pass into the path of Niculae. Without hesitation, Niculae slotted the ball past the Gil Vicente goalkeeper, sending the fans into rapturous celebration. 1-0 to Sporting.

Eric couldn't help but smile as he watched the team celebrate. It was the first time in weeks that things seemed to be falling into place. The players were clicking, and the confidence that had been lost was returning.

As the game progressed, Sporting continued to press. Gil Vicente's defense was struggling to cope with the relentless attacks, and in the 35th minute, they made a crucial mistake. A clumsy challenge on Jardel inside the penalty area left the referee with no choice but to point to the spot. Jardel, cool as ever, stepped up to take the penalty. With a smooth strike, he sent the keeper the wrong way and buried the ball in the bottom corner. 2-0 Sporting.

The halftime whistle blew, and the team walked off the pitch to a standing ovation. For the first time in what felt like ages, Sporting had control of a match from start to finish. Eric could feel the energy shifting—the belief returning.

In the second half, Gil Vicente attempted to claw their way back into the game. Their efforts paid off briefly when they won a corner in the 55th minute. The ball was whipped into the box, and amidst the scramble, one of Gil Vicente's players rose highest to head it home. 2-1. The goal was a blow, but the team didn't let it shake their focus.

As the game wore on, the coach made his first substitution. Eric watched as the signal was given—his moment was coming. João Pinto, the veteran playmaker, jogged off, and Eric rose from the bench to replace him. The familiar roar of the crowd accompanied him as he stepped onto the pitch, the bright lights of the stadium making him feel alive in a way he hadn't felt in weeks.

As he jogged into position, Eric took a deep breath. He wasn't just Eric anymore—he was fully embracing the role of Ricardo Quaresma. This was his chance to contribute, to make a difference.

Sporting continued to dominate possession, and Eric found himself linking up well with the rest of the team. He could feel the game flowing through him, his movements sharp and instinctive. Every touch of the ball felt precise, every decision calculated. The pressure was still there, but it was no longer a burden—it was fuel.

Then, in the 73rd minute, the moment came that sealed the match. Niculae, who had been a constant threat all game, received a perfectly weighted pass from Sá Pinto just inside the box. With one touch to control, Niculae unleashed a powerful shot into the bottom corner, beating the goalkeeper for the second time. 3-1 Sporting.

The stadium erupted once again, and Eric couldn't help but feel a rush of pride as he celebrated with his teammates. This was what he had been waiting for—a game where everything clicked, where the team worked as one cohesive unit. As the clock ticked down, Sporting remained in control, managing the game professionally until the final whistle blew.

Full time: 3-1 Sporting.

The victory felt like a release—a much-needed return to form after weeks of struggle. As Eric walked off the field, high-fiving his teammates and acknowledging the cheers from the crowd, he felt a sense of calm wash over him. This was only one match, but it was the start of something bigger. The pieces were falling into place, and with each passing game, he was becoming more and more comfortable in Quaresma's skin.

In the locker room after the match, the atmosphere was jubilant. The players were all smiles, relieved to finally have a convincing win under their belts. The coach gave his congratulations, but also reminded them that the season was long, and there were still plenty of challenges ahead.

As Eric sat down to untie his boots, he couldn't help but reflect on how far he had come. The doubts and frustrations from the past few weeks seemed distant now. He had been given a second chance, and he wasn't going to waste it.

The journey ahead was still full of unknowns, but for the first time in a while, Eric felt ready for whatever came next. He had fully embraced this new life as Quaresma, and as long as he continued to believe in himself and his team, there was no limit to what they could achieve.