The pre-match roar at Estádio José Alvalade was deafening, a tidal wave of green-and-white passion as 50,000 fans rose in unison. Flags rippled like living things, and drums pounded a heartbeat that echoed in every player's chest. Sporting's return-leg tie against AC Milan had become Lisbon's biggest event in years.
Kai Alexander jogged onto the turf wearing the number 17 on his back, deployed on the left wing tonight. His eyes burned with focus; the past—rumors, rest weeks, even the casual cruelty of social media—had all faded into the singular moment ahead.
0' – Kickoff
Sporting pressed immediately. Kai, hugging the touchline, darted into space as Morita and Hjulmand fed quick passes through Milan's half. The midfield pivot found Kai with a weighted pass 35 yards from goal. He sprinted toward Pulisic's old stomping ground, the left wing, heart pounding.
3' – "Kai on the left! Look at that acceleration!" the commentator roared.
Milan's right-back, Calabria, lunged to block Kai's run, but the American ghosted past him with a stepover and burst down the flank. His low cross was met by Fábio Silva—just off target.
6' – "Sporting's attack buzzing! Milan's defense looks unsettled!"
Kai tracked back to press Calabria, pinning the fullback near the corner flag. Within seconds, he'd turned defense into offense, rifling a first-time cross that skimmed inches above Inácio's head.
9' – A quick counter: Kai collected a pass at midfield, danced between Bennacer and Loftus-Cheek, then lofted a delightful chipped pass behind Milan's back four. Delap chased it down but lost his footing. Sporting earned an early corner.
From the stands, ultras chanted:
"Alegria, Alegria, Sporting é alegria!"
12' – Sporting nearly broke through. Kai exchanged a one-two with Morita on the edge of the box, spun away from a tackle, and unleashed a curling shot toward the top corner—just tipped over by Maignan.
Commentator (Portuguese feed):
"Que grande finalização! Kai mostra todo o seu talento!"
(What a magnificent finish! Kai shows all his talent!)
15' – Milan responded with Gimenez who had replaced Jovic after his first leg disappointing display, flicks and Leão sprints, but Sporting's high line held firm. Kai's relentless pressing forced Fofana into a heavy touch, leading to a turnover.
17' – The breakthrough.
Kai surged down the left once more, drawing Theo and Calabria toward him. Just outside the box, he feigned a cross, then cut inside onto his right foot. With the entire stadium on its feet, he curled a beautiful trivela pass into Fabio Silva's path at the penalty spot. One touch, and it was 1–0 Sporting.
The stadium detonated. Kai raced to the corner, following Fabio as they both did a knee slide. The ultras roared his name in a rhythmic chant:
"Kai! Kai! Kai, Kai, Kai!"
18' – "What a moment! The American youngster's assist to Fabio Silva had given Sporting the lead!" the commentator gasped.
Rio Ferdinand, guest pundit on BT Sport, grinned on live feed:
"Incredible vision and technique—he's just unplayable tonight."
20' – Sporting settled into a dominant rhythm. Kai, now operating between wing and inside-left channel, orchestrated attacks with quick exchanges and penetrative runs. Milan's back four were pinned, struggling to contain his magic.
As the clock ticked past twenty minutes, the scoreline remained 1–0, but the tone was clear: Sporting—and their new star—were in full command.
Meanwhile…
Los Angeles, Evening
Madison Morgan's living room was dimly lit by the glow of her flat-screen TV. Five empty wine glasses sat on the coffee table, remnants of the viewing party that never arrived. Only one person had shown: Jake Turner—the handsome co-star whose lingering gaze made Madison's skin crawl.
Jake slouched on the sofa, one arm draped over the backrest. He took a slow sip of red wine, smirking at Madison.
"Don't tell me you're actually cheering for Sporting," he teased.
Madison adjusted her throw pillow, discomfort making her restless. She had insisted on screening the game here—hoping for friends—but everyone bailed. Now, she sat alone with Jake, the uneven click of her heart mixing uneasily with the Champions League theme. She even suspected that this prick bribed everyone not to show up so he can court her alone.
Kai's curled missed shot replayed on the screen. Madison's lips curved into a faint, proud smile. But Jake leaned forward, eyes gleaming.
"You know, you're really something," he purred. "Talented actress, gorgeous… I'd love to take you out sometime."
Madison's smile faded. "Jake, not now."
He chuckled. "What? You're not interested?"
Madison shook her head, tone firm. "I have someone I'm… talking to. I'm not available."
Jake's grin slipped, replaced by a hint of irritation. He closed distance, as if to block her path. Madison's breath caught—suddenly she didn't feel safe.
"Come on," he whispered, his voice low. "What's one date?"
Madison rose, backing away. "Jake, please. Stop."
Jake lunged to grab her wrist. Madison recoiled in alarm, stumbling backward. A tear slid down her cheek. "I said no," she shouted, voice echoing in the quiet room.
The TV blared—suddenly, in-game commentary pierced the tension:
"Kai with the steal, he drives forward—he feints! Ohh gosh, Silva moving in the box. Will Kai spot… he spotted him. What a pass, GOAL! 1–0 Sporting!"
Madison's attention snapped to the screen as Kai's magic dancing feet has set up the opening goal. The crowd's roar blasted through the speakers.
Jake glared at Madison, enraged by her rejection. He advanced again, hand tightening on her arm.
At that moment, the front door burst open.
"Leave her alone!" bellowed a deep voice.
Madison's cousin, Wilson, strode in, panic etched on his face. He dropped his jacket and lunged at Jake, landing a solid punch across Jake's jaw. Jake staggered, clutching his face, as Wilson stepped between them protectively.
"Get out," Wilson snarled. "Now."
Jake, dazed, spat a curse and retreated, stumbling toward the door. Madison sank to the floor, sobbing, as Wilson knelt beside her.
"I'm so sorry," Wilson whispered, wrapping her in a tight hug. His arms shook slightly, furious adrenaline coursing through him. Madison trembled, tears soaking her blouse.
"It's okay," Madison sobbed. "I… I thought I could handle it."
Wilson pressed his cheek to her hair. "No one hurts my family. Ever."
On the TV, Sporting's lead surged—and Kai, completely unaware of the drama unfolding halfway across the world, sprinted away from Milan's defense, arms raised in triumph. The announcer's voice soared:
"Unbelievable! This boy is just unbelievable. Ladies and gentlemen, Kai Alexander! Sporting are tearing Milan apart on aggregate!"
Madison sat on the floor, cradled by Wilson, watching Kai's celebration. A bittersweet smile trembled on her lips.