Chapter 7: The Big Match – Atlético Madrid Youth
The tension at La Masia was palpable as the team prepared for their first big match of the season. The training sessions had been more intense than ever, and everyone could feel the weight of the upcoming game against Atlético Madrid's youth academy. Elias woke up early that morning, feeling the familiar rush of excitement that came before any big match. His heart raced as he thought about the opponents waiting for them. Atlético Madrid was renowned for their aggressive style of play, and they had some of the top young players in Spain. This would be no easy task, but Elias had trained for this moment his entire life.
As he walked to the pitch, his teammates already gathered around, warming up with serious expressions on their faces, Elias couldn't help but feel the pressure building in his chest. Ruben, Sergio, and Mateo were all looking focused, as if they could already sense the magnitude of the match ahead. This wasn't just another game—it was a statement. La Masia wasn't just a place to develop players; it was the home of the future stars of football. Elias, although young, felt like he belonged here, but he still had a long way to go to prove that he could stand among them.
---
Coach Antonio called everyone together as the clock ticked down to the start of the match. The players gathered around him in a tight circle. He had a clipboard in his hand, and his usual stern face was set in a look of concentration. The moment had arrived.
"Alright, team," he began, his voice carrying across the quiet pitch. "Today is a big day. Atlético Madrid's youth team is one of the best in Spain, and they'll be tough to break down. But we've trained hard, and we've prepared for this moment. I have no doubt that if you give it your all, we can come out on top."
The players nodded, the collective tension building, but also a shared sense of excitement. Elias's heart skipped a beat, his nerves mixing with anticipation.
Coach Antonio continued, pacing back and forth. "I'm going to walk you through their star players, so you know who to keep an eye on." He pointed to the board where Atlético's team lineup was displayed. "First, we have Diego Castillo, their central striker. He's fast, strong, and has an incredible finishing ability. If you give him space, he'll punish us. And then there's Juan Carlos Delgado, their attacking midfielder. He's the playmaker—don't let him dictate the game, or we'll be in trouble."
Elias listened carefully, his mind racing as he mentally prepared for the battle ahead. Diego Castillo, the striker, was the one Elias feared the most. But at the same time, it sparked something inside him. He would face him head-on. If Castillo wanted to shine on the field, Elias would make sure to shine brighter.
Coach Antonio turned to the starting lineup on the board and called out names.
"Ruben, you're starting in the right wing. Sergio, you'll be in the middle, but you'll need to drop back to help control their midfield. Mateo, you're holding the defensive line with Lucas. Elias—" Coach Antonio paused for a moment, locking eyes with him. "You're starting as our central striker."
Elias's heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name. He had known he was being given a chance to prove himself, but now that it was official, he couldn't help but feel the pressure mounting. This was it. The moment where he would need to show Coach Antonio—and the world—that he was ready.
"You've got the speed, the agility, and the dribbling skills to make a difference up front," Coach Antonio continued. "Your job is simple—get in the box and create opportunities. The moment the ball comes your way, be ready to strike."
---
After the team huddle, Elias jogged to the sidelines and found a quiet spot under the shade of a nearby tree. He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm the swirling thoughts in his mind. This was the moment he had always dreamed of, but now that it was here, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.
He pulled out his phone and dialed his mother's number. The phone rang once, twice—then she picked up.
"Elias! How are you? How's the training?" Her voice was warm, and hearing it made him feel a little more grounded.
"I'm good, Mom," Elias said, his voice slightly shaky. "We're playing Atlético Madrid today. It's a big match... I'm starting as striker."
There was a moment of silence on the other end before his mother spoke again, her tone a mixture of pride and concern. "I know you've been working so hard, Elias. I'm so proud of you, but remember, it's just one game. No matter what happens, you've already come so far. You're doing great."
Elias closed his eyes, taking in the words. He had worked so hard to get here, to be playing at this level, and hearing his mother's support gave him a surge of confidence. "I'll do my best, Mom. I won't let you down."
"You never could," she replied softly, her voice full of love. "I know you'll give it your all."
Elias smiled to himself, feeling a renewed sense of determination. He couldn't afford to let his nerves control him. This match was the beginning of something much bigger. He had a goal, a dream, and he wouldn't let anything stand in his way.
---
As he hung up, Elias took a few more moments to center himself. The voices of the other players filled the air as they continued their warm-up routines. Ruben was on the side, stretching his legs, while Mateo practiced passing with Lucas. Sergio was talking to a few of the other midfielders, strategizing. Elias couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with them. They weren't just teammates—they were a family. And today, they would fight together.
Coach Antonio's voice cut through the noise as he called the team over. "Alright, time to line up. Let's show Atlético Madrid what we're made of."
---
The match began, and from the first whistle, it was clear that Atlético Madrid's youth team was as fierce as they had been described. They pressed high, forcing La Masia to play at a tempo they weren't used to. Elias could feel the pressure as he received the ball in tight spaces, but his dribbling was on point, and he made sure to take on defenders whenever he had the chance. His low center of gravity helped him glide past players, weaving between tackles and keeping the ball close to his feet.
Despite the pressure, Elias was determined to make an impact. His first chance came in the 15th minute, when a perfectly placed through ball from Mateo sent him running toward the Atlético goal. He found himself one-on-one with their goalkeeper, Diego Castillo hot on his heels. Without hesitation, Elias shifted the ball to his left foot and curled it toward the far post. The goalkeeper dove, but the ball slipped just past his outstretched hand, hitting the back of the net.
La Masia's bench erupted in cheers, and Elias felt a surge of pride course through him. He had just scored his first goal in a real match, and it was against one of the toughest teams in the league.
---
As the game went on, the battle between the two teams grew fiercer. Atlético Madrid wasn't going to give up easily, but Elias knew that this was his moment. With every dribble, every pass, and every run, he was making his mark.
---