Chapter 173

The Mestalla buzzed with anticipation as the referee blew the whistle to start the match.

Valencia had opted to rest Izan, their young superstar, as part of a rotational strategy making the fans a bit unsatisfied but the match still went on.

Despite his absence, the team burst out of the gates with intent, pressing high and forcing Cádiz onto the back foot.

Cadiz had most of the ball but it was all Valencia for the first few minutes of the match with them having two shots, both on target.

Valencia continued to press for an opener and nearly scored after Almeida’s deflected shot was headed for goal but Ledesma proved vital, punching the ball out for a corner.

After the ball went out for a corner, Hugo Guillamón approached the ball and floated it into the box. The ball was perfectly weighted, curling toward the penalty spot.

Amid the chaos, Cenk Özkacar rose highest, his header thundering past the helpless Cádiz goalkeeper, Jeremías Ledesma.

The crowd erupted into a deafening roar, hugging each other and waving flags as the Turkish defender sprinted to the corner flag, pumping his fists while his teammates mobbed him.

Valencia were 1-0 up, and they weren’t done yet.

Cádiz tried to claw their way back, but Valencia’s midfield trio of Pepelu, Javi Guerra, and André Almeida outclassed their counterparts.

They zipped the ball around with precision, exploiting gaps in Cádiz’s defence faster than the Cadiz players could react.

Hugo Duro, leading the line, was relentless in his movement, dragging defenders out of position. After relentlessly attacking Cadiz’s goal, Valencia’s second breakthrough came.

The second goal came in the 37th minute. A quick and fluid transition down the right saw Thierry Correia flying down the flank.

Almeida who had the ball released him with a perfectly timed through ball. Getting to the byline, Correia whipped a cross into the box, where Duro met it with a powerful shot.

Ledesma made a spectacular save once again but the ball spilled loose. Correia, who had continued his run, pounced on the rebound and smashed it into the net. 2-0 sending the Valencia fans into pure bliss.

"Valencia are relentless today. Even without their star man, they are proving formidable. 38 minutes played here at the Mestalla and its Valencia 2, Cadiz nil".

After the commentary, the referee restarted the match but it wasn’t any better as Valencia continued to dominate the first half.

The halftime whistle blew with Valencia firmly in control still. Cádiz trudged off the pitch, visibly frustrated, while the home side basked in the adoration of their fans.

Halftime: Inside the Valencia Dressing Room

The atmosphere in the dressing room was lively but focused.

Coach Rubén Baraja congratulated the team on their intensity but reminded them not to get complacent. "Two goals mean nothing if we lose focus. Stay sharp, stay aggressive."

Izan sat quietly in a corner, headphones around his neck, watching the patterns of the Cadiz defenders.

Pietro who had some gummy bear packs in his hand sat beside Izan, while Sosa sat quietly, glancing through his phone.

On the other side of the room, Özkacar and Correia shared a light moment, joking about who would score next.

"If I score again, drinks are on you," Correia teased. Guillamón chimed in, "Don’t get carried away, lads. Let’s finish the job first."

The second half began with Cádiz showing renewed vigour. Their coach had clearly given them a stern talk, and it showed in their play.

Álvaro Negredo, the veteran striker, started pressing higher, unsettling Valencia’s defence.

In the 53rd minute, Cádiz pulled one back after a swift counterattack saw Brian Ocampo breaking down the left wing.

He delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Negredo met it with a powerful shot that left Mamardashvili rooted to the spot. 2-1.

The goal energized Cádiz, and for the next 15 minutes, Valencia struggled to regain control. Their midfield, so dominant in the first half, started losing duels, and the Mestalla grew nervous.

In the 68th minute, Baraja turned to his bench. "Izan, Pietro get ready," he called. The teenager stood, removing his tracksuit top with a calm determination with Pietro who was warming up, so turning to the touchline.

The fans erupted as Izan’s name echoed around the stadium after the announcer said it.

"Let’s have fun," Izan said as he stuck his hand out. Pietro, who stood beside Izan bumped the latter’s fist before they both entered the match.

Coming on, the impact of both players, particularly Izan was immediate. Within minutes of coming on, Izan orchestrated a dazzling move.

Dropping deep to collect the ball, he turned sharply, evading a defender with a deft touch.

Spotting Hugo Duro’s run, he delivered a perfectly weighted through ball under the watchful eyes of the Cadiz defenders but that was all they could do, Watch!

Duro positioned himself well but his shot was parried by Ledesma. The Cadiz Fans celebrated but Almeida suddenly appeared and followed up to slot the ball home.

"Cadiz was running back into the game but Valencia’s Almeida has shot them in the foot. It’s now Valencia 3, Cadiz 1"

After the restart, Cádiz tried to respond, but couldn’t. Izan’s presence was overwhelming. His next contribution came in the 81st minute.

Picking up the ball near the halfway line, he slipped past three defenders with a combination of speed and sudden halts.

As he approached the box, Izan slipped a pass to Correia, who squared it to Guerra for an easy tap-in.

Valencia were now in complete control, and Izan wasn’t done yet. In the 89th minute, he received the ball on the edge of the box.

With his back to the goal, he feinted right, creating just enough space to unleash a curling shot toward the top corner after he dummied an opponent player.

The crowd held its breath, but Ledesma made an acrobatic save, tipping the ball onto the bar.

In stoppage time, Izan delivered one final moment of brilliance. Driving down the left, he skipped past a defender and whipped in a low cross.

Duro flicked it on, and Pietro, joined in on the fun as he smashed it into the roof of the net.

The final whistle blew, sealing an emphatic victory for Valencia. Izan was mobbed by his teammates, who celebrated his game-changing impact.

As he walked off the pitch, the fans chanted his name, acknowledging the star in their midst.

In the post-match interview, Baraja praised his young star. "Izan has a unique ability to change games.

His vision, his creativity—it’s something special. But today was a team effort, and I’m proud of everyone."

Back in the dressing room, Izan was greeted with a round of applause. Özkacar handed him a bottle of water, grinning.

"All right, kid, maybe you’re buying the drinks tonight." Izan laughed, shaking his head." I would but let’s put it off till I’m 18 okay."

"Oh, my bad. If forgot" Cenk said as he rubbed his head. The other players laughed at Cenk’s reaction while Izan took his washbag before heading into the shower.

Izan woke the next day to the soft rays of sunlight filtering through his bedroom curtains, the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air.

He stretched, the memory of yesterday’s triumph against Cádiz flickering in his mind like a highlight reel.

His body felt both exhilarated and slightly sore. Although he didn’t play the full 90 minutes, the kicks he received after coming on were enough to make him feel sore.

He sat on the edge of his bed for a moment, soaking in the quiet morning before shuffling to the bathroom to freshen up.

The splash of cold water against his face jolted him awake. He stared at his reflection, running his hand through his hair.

"Not to be narcissistic or anything but Mom and Dad did a great job. Don’t you think so Max?" Izan uttered.

"Okay, okay don’t respond," Izan said as he got out of the shower.

A quick brush of his teeth, a swipe of deodorant, and a comb through his dark hair later, Izan felt ready to face the day.

Descending the staircase, the sound of a lively sports debate greeted him. In the living room, his sister Hori lounged on the couch, a bowl of cereal balanced on her lap.

Her eyes were glued to the TV, where pundits animatedly dissected Valencia’s performance against Cádiz.

Clips of Izan’s brilliant positioning and his relentless runs down the opponent half played in slow motion, accompanied by effusive praise.

"They can’t get enough of you, big shot," Hori teased, her gaze flicking toward him as he walked in.

"When do I get to start spending your money" Hori smirked, clearly enjoying her brother’s rising fame.

Izan chuckled, his face flushing slightly. "When you’re good?" He made his way to the kitchen, where the comforting aroma of oats and fresh fruit greeted him.

A bowl of healthy oatmeal topped with bananas, chia seeds, and a drizzle of honey awaited him on the table.

As he sat down to eat, their mother, Komi, appeared from the hallway, a warm smile lighting up her face.

She leaned down to kiss his forehead, a gesture filled with maternal pride and affection. "Good morning, champ," she said.

Izan, with his mouth full, couldn’t respond and just smiled sheepishly. The trio went about the house, doing their business as the morning gave way to the afternoon light.