Chapter 54 – A Wild Extra Time
61st minute.
Bruno slipped a pass into the box.
Nathan was there—sharp movement, magnetic control. He dropped a shoulder, faked left, and brought it to his right.
Tap—thud!
A snapshot finish!
Clang!
The post screamed.
Nathan staggered slightly with the motion, then turned, fists clenched.
So close.
"Next one," he murmured. "I'll bury the next one."
74th minute.
A turnover in midfield. Casemiro fed it wide to Bruno. Bruno flicked it forward.
Nathan peeled off his marker and slid into the pocket between the lines, just as he'd practiced.
Valverde saw it, screamed—"GO, NATHAN!!"
Nathan caught the pass in stride.
One touch.
Two.
He glanced up. Zirkzee was making the run—shoulder to shoulder with Matip, carving a path .
Slip—
The pass threaded through.
Zirkzee didn't hesitate.
Boom!!
Low. Left. Past Alisson.
GOAL!!
2–2!!
The stadium lost its mind.
