Barcelona locker room
All the players were gathered in the locker room after a training session. Head coach Valverde entered and said calmly, " Our next match is a big one. Juventus. Although it is in Camp Nou they are not a side to be taken lightly. Rest properly, Training is off for tomorrow. See you on the matchday."
CAMP NOU two days later.
The stadium was packed with fans for both the teams. In the locker room Valverde was still discussing the various tactics we went through. Messi and Alex, the entirety of the frontal attacks will depend on you. Iniesta and Rakatic will control the midfield with Busquets. Pique and Mascherano, focus on cutting off all the through balls they pass. Dybala and Higuain will be blocked by you. Alba will take runs when the flank will free up. Dembele, I want you to roam behind the high line and shoot if you have opportunities."
Seeing everyone nod he said, " This is the first Champions league game of the season. I want to win it of course but I also want to see good football. you all are world class players and now is the time to show it to the world. Let's go."
Right when the clock struck nine, the referee blew the whistle indicating the start of play. I kicked off the ball towards Messi who passed in the the back towards Iniesta. The first offensive play was initiated by Juventus in the 21st minute. Matuidi won the ball from Rakatic to initiate the attack. He passed the ball to Costa who was just outside the penalty box. receiving it cleanly, Costa faked a cross and cut in by faking Alba who committed to block the cross. Inside the box, Costa tried to shoot the ball but it was blocked by Mascherano. The ball landed in front of Dybala who shot it again but was blocked by Ter Stegen. Holding the ball tightly the goalie looked up and saw Iniesta in the clear. He threw the ball directly to Iniesta to start the counter. Iniesta picked up Dembele near the Back line and passed it to him. Instead of receiving the pass Dembele chipped the ball with his heel towards the incoming Messi. Messi dribbled past one defender and was going to go past the second but the right back came in with a low tackle. The contact was clean and the ball bounced out from Messi. But the threat was not clear as the ball came straight towards me. Picking up the loose ball I looked up and saw only the right back and Buffon guarding the goal. Using a simple stepover I crossed the defender and lined up my shot. But before I could shoot, I saw the center back trying to block my shot.
I simply faked the shot and watched as the defender slid past to block. Now it was only me and Buffon. Without wasting a second I kicked the ball directly to the top left corner. Buffon dived to save but the shot power was too much. The ball nestled in the net before he could reach.
1-0 (21')
I ran to the sidelines to celebrate with my teammates. Up in the commentary box ,
"Amazing goal to start his champions league career."
" Yes, first match against the Italian Giants, and he nets it past Buffon, one of the worlds' best. "
" Yes he was always present to pick up the loose ball. And when he did he stayed calm under the pressure. Dribbled passed one, faked the other and into the net passing the worlds' best. beautiful goal."
The next opportunity came in the 37th minute. I was in possession of the ball near the midfield. Starting my run , I was challenged by Matuidi. I implemented a simple La Croqueta to gest pass him. Seeing Iniesta near me I played a one-two pass to get behind Pjanic. Dribbling past Pjanic I passed the ball to Messi who took it pass two defenders before passing it back. I did not receive the ball but went straight in the motion to shoot. Using my right foot I shot towards the left corner. Buffon jumped to his right block the ball. But he was a step to realize that the ball was not where he jumped. Looking back he saw me chip the ball in the empty right side with my toes.
Commentary box
" Ohh.. brilliant deception. Buffon read it wrong and now Barcelona lead by two. Brilliant from the young man."
" Yes. Every time you watch him play you can't help but wonder if this boy is just 16. The coolness the composure and the sheer quality he has brought to this barcelona lineup is magnificent. many thought that without Suarez Barca will struggle badly but this young enigma has proved everyone wrong. Barcelona have never lost when this kid has played and even today they continue to dominate."
2-0 (37')
The rest of the first half went by without much Action from both teams. Dybala tried to break through with a curved pass for Higuain but it was cut off by Busquets. As the clocked ticked by, the Referee blew for half time, signaling end of the play for now. Both teams headed towards the dressing room.
The stands were full of cheers for Alex and Barca with the slogan of " Speed, Swagger, Skill, Alex for the kill." " Speed, Swager, Skill, Alex for the kill."
The first half ended with Barca leading with two goals, and the second half will begin shortly.