God Of football-Chapter 245: Five finals [1]

With the euphoria of winning the Copa del Rey having started to settle, reality began to creep back in for Valencia CF.

The players had celebrated, the city had rejoiced, and the trophy was now proudly displayed at the club’s headquarters. But football never stops.

With five crucial games left in La Liga, Valencia’s focus had to shift quickly.

Their battle for a Champions League spot was far from over, and with Athletic Bilbao breathing down their necks, there was no time to relax.

Training resumed at Ciudad Deportiva de Paterna, and the atmosphere was a mix of excitement and determination.

The squad was still riding the high of their cup triumph, but they knew that a tough road lay ahead, starting with Deportivo Alavés.

For Izan, the days following the final had been frustrating and slightly dull. His injury meant that, instead of joining his teammates in full training, he was stuck in a cycle of recovery and rehabilitation.

Every morning, he made the trip from home to Paterna, where Luis Navarro and the medical staff oversaw his treatment and sometimes it was the other way round.

Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE)—that was the plan for now. His swelling had gone down, but he still had a slight limp, and the doctors had ruled him out for three to four weeks.

"Honestly, it’s a miracle you’ll be back so soon," Navarro had told him once again during one of his sessions.

"We thought you’d be done for the season. But you’re young. Your body heals fast. Just don’t rush it."

Izan sighed. He had prepared thoroughly for moments like this after picking up that injury before but the injury now was horrendous to the extent that it would still take 3-4 weeks to heal even after taking in the injury fluid.

"With how things are going, I should probably work on my physicality in the next upgrade," Izan thought silently as the doctors went about their business.

- - - - -

Out on the training pitches, Rubén Baraja put the players through their paces, preparing them before throwing them into the heat of things.

The session started with light rondos before transitioning into tactical drills.

With Izan unavailable, Valencia had to adjust. Andre Almeida, Diego López, and Fran Pérez as well as Sosa were all expected to step up in his absence.

As the players ran through their drills, the usual banter filled the air.

"Feels weird not seeing Izan running around, right?" said Hugo Guillamón as he jogged alongside José Gayà.

"Yeah. The first time he missed a game, I felt it and now that he’s injured again, I still feel his absence. But at least, no one is here to torment me with those mazy runs" Gayà replied with a grin.

"The kid’s a machine. Now that he’s not here, we finally get a break from his nonsense."

They laughed, but deep down, they knew how much Izan’s absence would affect the team.

On the other side of the pitch, Javi Guerra and Diego López were discussing the upcoming match.

"Alavés are going to park the bus, aren’t they?" Guerra muttered.

"Obviously. Every team does that against us now. Sit deep, wait for us to make a mistake, and counter."

"Which is why we need to be sharp," interrupted Baraja, who had overheard them.

"If they sit back, we’ll break them down. No excuses. We’re better than them. We play like a Champions League team. Understood?"

"Yes, coach!" the players responded in unison

...

While the starters from the final went through light gym sessions and stretching, the rest of the squad trained on the pitch, with coaches overseeing possession drills and positional work.

After sessions, Rubén Baraja gathered his players inside the meeting room for a video analysis session.

A large screen displayed footage of Alavés’ recent matches, and the players listened as their coach dissected their opponent’s tactics.

"They sit deep in a compact 4-4-2," Baraja pointed at the screen. "They don’t press high, but they’re disciplined. They’ll look to frustrate us. If we get too impatient, they’ll pounce on the counter."

The players nodded. They had seen this pattern before. Against smaller teams, Valencia often found it difficult to break through packed defenses. Without Izan’s creativity, it was going to be even tougher.

"That’s why we need width," Baraja continued. "Use the flanks. Stretch them. Make them uncomfortable. If we play through the middle, they’ll suffocate us."

As the session ended, the players left with a clearer picture of what to expect.

"Basically, we’re gonna have to run a lot, huh?" Fran Pérez muttered to Diego López as they walked out.

"Welcome to football, hermano," Diego replied with a smirk.

The intensity ramped up midweek. With Alavés expected to defend deep, Baraja designed training sessions to break down low blocks.

The squad split into two teams for small-sided games, where one side defended deep while the other was forced to create chances. Baraja constantly stopped play to give instructions.

"No! Too slow! Move it faster!" he shouted after a sluggish attack.

When Hugo Duro tried forcing a pass into traffic, Baraja blew his whistle again.

"Not through the middle, Hugo! Use the wings! Stretch them! Make space!"

Duro nodded and jogged back into position.

On the sidelines, Izan who was done with his recovery for the day watched quietly, analyzing the drills as he stretched his legs.

He wished he could be part of it. He could already see spaces and movements where he would have made a difference.

With Izan missing, someone else had to take free kicks and corners. Baraja made sure to dedicate a full session to set pieces, knowing they could also be the key to unlocking Alavés’ defense.

Pepelu and Andre Almeida stepped up to deliver crosses from dead-ball situations, while Hugo Duro and Cenk Özkacar positioned themselves to attack the deliveries.

"More pace on the ball, Pepelu! Whip it in!" shouted one of the assistant coaches.

On one occasion, Pepelu’s cross found Gayà, who rose above his marker and buried a header into the top corner.

The team cheered, knowing that against a team like Alavés, a set-piece goal might be the difference.

...

The day before the match was all about fine-tuning details. Baraja had his final meeting with the squad, confirming the starting XI and tactical plan while revising with the team on what to expect.

"They will try to slow the game down. We don’t let them. High tempo, quick passing, and we use the wings. We need control. We need discipline."

The players then went out for a short, sharp session, running through attacking patterns and defensive shapes. The mood was focused, but there was quiet confidence among the group.

Later in the afternoon, Baraja faced the media.

"With Izan out, will Valencia struggle to create chances?" one journalist asked.

Baraja smirked. "Izan is an incredible talent, but we are a team, not just one player. Others will step up. I have full confidence in my squad."

Most of the questions asked of Baraja were either about Izan or related to Izan with some even asking about his personal life.

"Valencia really is Izan" Baraja muttered under his breath as he looked at the reporters in front of him.

.....

Saturday arrived, and Mestalla was buzzing. Fans gathered outside the stadium hours before kickoff, chanting and waving their scarves. Despite Izan’s absence, the optimism was high.

Izan on the other hand arrived at the stadium in casual wear, walking carefully as he made his way inside. As he entered the dressing room, his teammates were already getting ready.

"Look who decided to show up," Hugo Guillamón teased as he entered. Seeing who Guillamon’s voice was directed at, the players quickly surrounded Izan.

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Izan grinned. "Someone has to keep you guys in check," he said, responding to Guillamon’s earlier question.

...…

As the final preparations were made, Baraja gave one last speech.

"This is a game that will test us. No Copa del Rey hangover.

We go out there, play smart, and take the three points. Champions League football is in our hands—let’s not throw it away."

The players nodded, focused. Baraja nodded back at the players where he met Izan’s gaze before he walked off.

After Baraja left, the players talked a bit before they were told to join the others in the tunnel.

" Well guess I’ll see you from the stands. You guys have to start by winning this so I can get a shot at the Champions League next season okay" Izan said with a slight laugh as he walked out.

With that, the players all exited the room, joining the Alaves players in the tunnel where the roar of the crowd reverberated.

" This isn’t going to be easy," Pietro who stood behind Gaya said causing the latter to turn to face him.

"Football never is so let’s go out there and pour our hearts out on the pitch," Gaya said before looking ahead once more.

" Guess your ready gentlemen" the official’s voice sounded as he joined the players in the tunnel.

" lets get this match underway" he added before looking at the entrance and with that, they stepped onto the pitch.