The Last Practice Before the Friendly
The sun hung low over Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, casting golden light across the field as the Barcelona B squad wrapped up their final intense practice before their friendly match against Villarreal B.
Luca Herrera tightened his laces and cracked his neck. He'd been training like a man possessed. His dribbling had become second nature, his ball control poetry in motion, and his stamina—sharpened by countless push-ups, pull-ups, and early morning runs—was higher than ever.
He glided through the pitch in small-sided drills, linking with teammates like Darvich and Moha with effortless chemistry. Every touch, every turn, every pass was sharp. Controlled.
Coach Rafa clapped his hands. "Let's go! Keep the rhythm! Game-speed always!"
Luca received a ball in tight space, pulled off a roulette, and threaded a perfect pass between two defenders to assist a goal.
The players erupted. "¡Vamos, Luca!"
There were glances between the coaching staff. Raised eyebrows. Scribbled notes.
End of Practice – The Announcement
As the players gathered near the sideline to stretch and hydrate, Coach Rafa called for attention.
"I want to say something before you go," he began, his voice steady. "The coaching staff of the First Team has been watching our summer friendlies closely. They've shown interest in calling up one player for a short trial session."
The tension in the air was thick.
"Congratulations to Álex Valle Casadó."
Applause broke out. Luca clapped along with everyone else, hiding the flicker of disappointment in his chest.
Casadó stood up, smiling humbly as his teammates congratulated him.
"You earned it, hermano," Darvich said.
Coach Rafa continued, "This doesn't mean the rest of you aren't being noticed. Everyone here is fighting for something, and this summer has shown incredible growth."
His eyes scanned the group. For a moment, they rested on Luca.
"Keep going. Your moment might be one game away."
Locker Room – A Quiet Moment
The locker room buzzed with talk, but Luca sat by his spot quietly, removing his boots. The congratulations for Casadó filled the air.
"You were amazing this week," Moha said, nudging Luca. "Keep it up, your name's next."
"I'm good," Luca said with a smile, but inside, a fire lit. The kind that doesn't burn out.
He knew he was close. Too close to give anything less than everything.
Later That Night – At Home
Manuel stirred a pot on the stove as Luca walked in. His father turned with a smile.
"How was training?"
"Casadó got called up to train with the First Team," Luca said, sitting at the table. "I didn't."
Manuel placed the spoon down and walked over, sitting beside him.
"And? What did you learn from that?"
"That I'm not there… yet."
Manuel nodded. "Sometimes, yet is the best word you can carry. You're in the fight, mijo. That means it's real."
Luca leaned back. "I won't stop. Not until it's me."
"Good," Manuel said. "Because I didn't raise a quitter. I raised someone whose name they'll chant one day."
Luca looked out the window, the Barcelona skyline shimmering in the distance.
"Next time… I won't just be close."
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
🧠 Mentality Check Passed🔥 Drive Boost Activated
"Being overlooked is part of the story. The greats turn pain into fuel."
🎯 Bonus Unlocked: +3 Grit | +2 Focus | +1 Mental Strength