Chapter 83 – The Match That Changed
The morning air in Lisbon carried a different kind of energy — sharp, tense, and expectant. From the bus window, Jota could see the sprawling complex of Benfica's youth academy, its red-and-white banners fluttering proudly in the wind. The facility gleamed with modernity — a stark contrast to the humble dirt field back in Penedono where his journey had restarted.
He leaned his forehead against the glass, his reflection half-shadowed by the rising sun.
This was it — the stage he'd been waiting for.
The kind of stage that could change everything.
Around him, his teammates whispered nervously. Rui kept adjusting his gloves. Miguel hummed softly to calm himself. Even Coach Manuel, usually full of easy smiles, was silent, his focus unbroken. When the bus stopped, the sound of the doors opening seemed to echo like a drumroll before battle.
