Boca Juniors' team structure followed a 4-3-3 formation across all youth squads. Yu Ji-woo, competing as a winger, found himself in one of the most competitive positions, with ten players vying for the wing-forward roles in the U-20 team.
"The left wing-forward role should go to Diego Rossi," someone suggested.
"No doubt about that. He's practically a lock, given his performance last season and his imminent promotion to the reserves."
If Nizzareno was the defensive ace, then Diego Rossi was the offensive ace, acknowledged by all.
"The problem lies with the right wing-forward. Who should we choose?"
The discussion among the leadership revolved around forming the lineup for the upcoming Mini Superclásico match.
"Paulo Garcia is the natural choice. He's been consistently reliable for the past two years."
For the past two years, the U-20 team's attacking trio had remained unchanged: Diego Rossi, Guillermo Darin, and Paulo Garcia, considered fixed starters. However, the deputy director appeared unsatisfied with repeating last year's strategy, which had resulted in a 3–1 loss.
"I believe we need a fresh approach to secure victory," the deputy director said.
Rodolfo Pinti then made a bold suggestion.
"Why not replace Paulo with Yu?"
The proposal sparked debate. Yu Ji-woo had only been with the team for a week, raising doubts about his readiness for such a critical match.
"He's only been here a short time. He should focus on adapting first," argued one coach.
"He has exceptional ball-handling skills. Testing him in a real match wouldn't be a bad idea," Rodolfo countered.
The deputy director, curious, asked,
"Is this the same player who beat Nizzareno in a bet? The one that made him run around in just his underwear?"
"Yes," Rodolfo replied.
"Interesting. For a 15-year-old to overcome Nizzareno, who's poised to join the reserves, is no small feat."
Rodolfo was eager to see Yu's true abilities, particularly in a high-pressure match like the Mini Superclásico. Despite some opposition from coaches like Astor Mine, who leaned on traditionalist views and doubted Yu's readiness due to his age, Rodolfo remained firm.
"The younger they are, the more we should challenge them. That's how you foster growth," he insisted.
After deliberation, the deputy director finally agreed.
"Let's field him. If it doesn't work out, we can substitute Paulo in."
With that, Yu Ji-woo was officially included in the lineup for the Mini Superclásico.
---
The next day, the news reached Yu Ji-woo in the coach's office.
"You'll be starting as the right wing-forward in the Mini Superclásico. Prepare yourself," the coach informed him.
"Yes," Yu replied calmly, though internally, he was thrilled.
The coach chuckled.
"You can smile, you know."
"I'm actually celebrating inside."
"I've never seen someone so stoic about good news. Most players would be jumping for joy."
"I'll try to be more expressive next time," Yu said with a slight smile, leaving the room.
---
That evening, during dinner at home, Yu shared the news with his father.
"A match?" his father asked, startled.
"Yes. It's called the Mini Superclásico—a match between Boca Juniors' youth team and River Plate's youth team," Yu explained.
His father, unfamiliar with the "Mini" version of the famous rivalry, looked puzzled. Aunt Alicia chimed in to explain the significance, and as realization dawned on him, his father exclaimed,
"You're a starter in that match?"
"Yes, I'll be playing as the right wing-forward."
Overcome with pride, his father hugged him tightly.
"I knew you'd make it! This is huge!"
He immediately picked up his smartphone to call someone, while Aunt Alicia and Uncle Marcio congratulated Yu warmly.
"Playing in that game means the club acknowledges your skills—amazing!"
"I'll definitely come to watch. Every Christmas, we spend the day at the Mini El Superclásico."
The couple promised to bring their family to watch, while my dad, halfway through dinner, busily typed away on his phone.
Is it the family group chat?
Curious, I sneaked a glance at the conversation.
Mom: What? Really? Our son already?!
Dad: I'm telling you! The club recognizes how amazing our son is!
Mom: (crying emoji) I want to go so bad ㅠㅠㅠㅠ I want to see it so much ㅠㅠㅠ
Dad: Hahaha! I'll be right in the front row, watching once, twice, maybe even three times!
Mom: You better send me videos! If you don't, I might just fly to Argentina myself!
Dad: ...I'll edit and send clips piece by piece.
Mom: Oh! Someone left the chat. Was it our son? Jiwoo! Did you read this? Son!!! I miss you!
Me: I miss you too.
Mom: ㅠㅠㅠㅠ I really want to see my son's game ㅠㅠㅠ
Me: The trip is tough. Let's save it for when I make my pro debut, okay?
Mom: If my son says so, I'll wait! But when you make your pro debut, don't try to stop me!
Me: I'll send you tickets for that game, so come with my sister then.
The group chat didn't show any signs of calming down after that.
Dad kept teasing Mom about seeing the game in person, Mom kept threatening to come to Argentina, and my sister casually posted pictures of her cooking amidst the chaos.
As always, the family group chat was a mess.
And I loved it.
---
A month later, December 20th, my birthday passed, and I turned sixteen.
On December 25th, at a small stadium in the Villa Crespo area of Buenos Aires.
The stadium, which could hold about 5,000 spectators, began to fill with fans wearing blue and yellow jerseys, while others donned white jerseys with red stripes.
"Smells like dung around here—guess the manure cleaners showed up!"
River Plate fans, known for being from wealthier backgrounds, often mocked Boca Juniors fans, calling them manure cleaners or pigs.
"And what's this? A bunch of chicken-heads wandering around? Beat it before we twist those stiff necks of yours, you cowards!"
On the other hand, Boca Juniors fans, predominantly working-class, taunted River Plate fans as cowards and called them chickens.
The rivalry and banter began long before entering the stadium.
Beep!
The police worked hard to keep things in check.
Even though this was just a youth derby, nobody knew when chaos might erupt, so law enforcement remained on high alert.
"Back off!"
Police officers aggressively subdued rowdy fans to prevent any incidents.
Spit.
Die-hard fans of both clubs glared at each other as they entered the stadium.
Inside, the police kept the two factions separated.
The east side filled with Boca Juniors supporters, while River Plate fans took the west.
The stands were also packed with local journalists and other notable spectators.
The crowd was so overwhelming that some fans couldn't find seats and had to stand on the stairs.
"There are so many people here!"
For Hanwoo Yoo, who had never been to a stadium in Argentina before, it was a new and thrilling experience.
"They're passionate, no doubt."
Standing next to him was Alicia and her family.
Alicia and her husband, Marcio, had brought their children, in-laws, and eight grandchildren along.
"Where did you get that jersey?"
"Hehehe. I made it myself."
"That's Jiwoo's initials on the back, isn't it?"
"Yes! That's correct!"
Hanwoo Yoo was wearing a custom Boca Juniors jersey with YOO JI WOO printed on the back.
"Should I make one for you?"
"Let's save it for later. When he makes his pro debut, let's all wear matching jerseys to cheer him on."
"Wow! That's a great idea! I'll take care of it!"
Though the 5,000 seats were full, fans kept pouring in.
As time passed, the warm-up session began, and both U-20 squads took to the field.
"Wooooooaaaaahhhhh!!!"
The deafening cheers made Hanwoo cover his ears for a moment.
"Wow."
"Boss, if you plan on attending your son's games regularly, you'll need to get used to this. The real El Superclásico is on a whole different level."
"I can't wait to see it."
"Think of this as just one-tenth of the intensity."
While they talked, Alicia pointed toward the field.
"Boss, look! There's your son!"
On the field, Jiwoo Yoo, dressed in a Boca Juniors U-20 uniform, was warming up.
"Jiwoo! Dad's here!"
No matter how loudly he shouted, his voice was drowned out by the roaring crowd.
Among the players warming up, Jiwoo stood out, drawing attention due to his distinct appearance.
"Who's that kid?"
His relatively smaller frame compared to the others made him even more noticeable.
"I heard he joined in October. They brought him over from Korea."
"What does nationality matter? As long as he can play, that's all that counts."
"You're right about that. Let's go, guys! Time to wring some chicken necks!"
---
Jiwoo was warming up with Diego Rossi.
Starting with short passes, they gradually increased the distance for long passes to get a feel for the ball.
"Jiwoo! Let's do something fun!"
Diego suddenly used his back to trap the ball and began juggling it effortlessly before launching it high into the sky.
The ball soared like a tiny dot against the sky.
"Can you even catch that?"
All eyes were now on the ball that Diego had kicked high into the air.
It was an almost impossible height for anyone to control.
As the ball descended like a falling star, Jiwoo calmly calculated its trajectory, extending his foot.
Thump.
The ball landed perfectly on his foot, sticking to it like glue.
"Wow, kid! That was amazing!"
"What's your name, huh?!"
Fans erupted in excitement.
As Jiwoo stood there, slightly bewildered by the sudden cheers, Diego approached him with a grin.
"How's the atmosphere? Not bad, right?"
Diego had deliberately kicked the ball that high to ease Jiwoo's nerves before his first official start in Argentina.
"Listen closely!"
Placing an arm around Jiwoo's shoulder, Diego turned to the crowd and shouted,
"This kid here is going to burn down that chicken coop today!"
The declaration was bold, the kind that every Boca Juniors fan wanted to hear.