The pre-match warm-up was a necessary ritual, a moment to shake off any lingering tension and let muscle memory take over.
The ball moved between players in short, crisp exchanges, loosening their touches, and sharpening their instincts.
Izan controlled a pass from Pedri, rolling it forward with the inside of his boot before flicking it back with ease.
Across the pitch, Germany's players were going through their own drills, but the energy was different.
As the Spanish players rotated through their warm-up routines, Izan glanced up and caught Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz heading his way.
Musiala, a familiar presence flashed a grin as he approached. Wirtz, more reserved, trailed a step behind.
Pedri and Lamine Yamal noticed the approach, slowed their movements, and formed a loose circle.
"Hey," Musiala greeted, his German accent softened by years in England. "Figured we'd come over before the game starts and we're not allowed to be friendly anymore."
