The UEFA Champions League nights were different.Brighter. Louder. Heavier.
As Khali walked into the tunnel of the legendary Santiago Bernabéu, his pulse quickened. Real Madrid. The kings of Europe. The stadium buzzed with history, ghosts of legends, and the roar of 80,000 fans.
Pep rested De Bruyne again — Khali had earned a starting spot.
Amira was in the stands, heart pounding just as fast as his. She wore a navy blue jacket with his name printed boldly on the back:
IBRAHIM — 28
The stadium lights hit the pitch — a galaxy of pressure and glory.
Real Madrid vs Manchester CityChampions League Quarter-Final — First Leg
Haaland gave Khali a playful nudge."Ready to shock the world again?"
Khali took a deep breath."Let's make them remember our names."
Madrid's Warning
Kickoff.
Madrid moved the ball with a cold, ruthless rhythm. Vinícius Jr. danced down the flank, Modrić sliced passes through tiny spaces, and Bellingham — the rising English star — stalked the midfield like a king protecting his crown.
Bellingham locked eyes with Khali after stealing his first pass.
"You're good, kid," he smirked. "But this is my stage."
Khali didn't reply.He set his jaw.Then played harder.
A Heavy Blow
30th minute.Khali drove into space — a burst of speed — until a defender clipped his ankle.
He fell. The whole stadium gasped.
Amira covered her mouth, fear gripping her heart.
Team medics rushed in. Pain shot through his leg like fire. Pep crouched beside him, worried.
"Can you continue?"
Khali tested his weight — it hurt, but not enough to stop him.
"I'm staying."
Pep gave a proud nod.
That choice would change everything.
The Spark of Bravery
Just before halftime, Khali intercepted a pass and launched a counterattack. He sprinted forward despite the pain.
1-2 with Bernardo.Then another with Haaland.
Khali reached the box, defenders closing in. He faked a shot — the defender lunged — and Khali chipped a brilliant pass over the line…
Haaland volleyed it home!
GOOOAAALLLL!!!
The cameras caught Khali collapsing to his knees — half from exhaustion, half from joy.
City 1 – 0 MadridThe away section erupted.
Even the Stars Took Notice
As players walked to the tunnel, Bellingham approached him again — a different tone this time.
"That was world-class," he admitted."But I'm not done. Let's see what you do in the second half."
Khali smiled, determined.
"I came here to write my story too."
A Heart Full of Love
In the stands, Amira wiped tears from her cheeks.
He was hurt. He was tired.But he still fought.
She clasped the necklace he'd gifted her — a tiny silver football pendant — and whispered:
"Allah, protect him."
This Champions League night was testing Khali's body…and proving his spirit.
But the second half would bring challenges he never expected — on the pitch and in the spotlight.