God's Striker
Chapter 18 – Return of the Maestro
January 19th, 2008 – Bundesliga Matchday 18: Borussia Dortmund vs Hannover 96
The winter break was over, and snow lined the edges of Signal Iduna Park like a crown of cold glory. A sharp wind cut through the city, but inside the stadium, 80,000 strong buzzed with anticipation. Borussia Dortmund sat 6th in the table—just a few points from Champions League contention. Every match would count now.
For Nico Valen, the break had been a gift. Two weeks without games, followed by an intense training schedule with the coaching staff. Under the guidance of Doll and technical advisor Zorc, he honed his new hybrid role—part Zidane, part Henry. The poise of the midfield general now fused with the explosiveness of a forward. His balance, touch, and vision had ascended to another level.
> System Notification:
Template Progress: Zinedine Zidane (90% Complete)
Template Progress: Thierry Henry (Trial Stage – 12/17 Assists, 9/15 Goals)
> New Perk Unlocked: Henry's Acceleration – Short Burst Over 5m Radius: +30% Boost
Zidane's Spatial Awareness (Tier 1 Active): Anticipate player movement with 0.5s foresight in possession.
Coach Doll pulled Nico aside before the match.
"Today, you're our free 10 again. I want you linking play, pulling defenders, but if you see space on the wing or up top—go. You're unshackled."
Nico gave a small nod, tugged on his gloves, and stepped out into the crisp air as the roar of the Yellow Wall shook the skies.
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Starting XI – Borussia Dortmund:
Weidenfeller – Dede, Wörns, Subotić, Kringe – Sahin, Tinga – Kuba, Nico, Federico – Valdez
Starting XI – Hannover 96:
Fromlowitz – Tarnat, Vinicius, Haggui, Cherundolo – Huszti, Balitsch – Rosenthal, Stajner, Lauth – Hanke
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First Half – Matchday 18
Minute 4: Nico receives the ball on the half-turn. His first touch is flawless, gliding between two midfielders. A flick of the outside boot sends it to Sahin, who immediately returns it with a lofted chip.
Nico's run is perfect. He dashes into the space behind Haggui.
Volley!
GOAL! Borussia Dortmund 1 – 0 Hannover 96
"THAT'S WORLD CLASS FROM VALEN!" the commentator shouted over the stadium's thunder. "First touch like Zidane, movement like Henry!"
The crowd surged forward, scarves swinging in unison.
Minute 11: Hannover responded. Hanke spun past Subotić, fed Huszti on the edge of the box. Quick one-two with Rosenthal—
GOAL! Borussia Dortmund 1 – 1 Hannover 96
Doll shouted for more compactness in midfield.
Minute 19: Nico dropped deeper to dictate. He saw Kringe making an underlapping run and split two midfielders with a surgical ground pass. Kringe zipped it into the box.
Valdez rose. Header! Blocked!
Rebound to Nico—he lets it bounce once, then volleys it sideways to Federico.
Shot—
GOAL! Borussia Dortmund 2 – 1 Hannover 96
> System Notification:
Assist Registered – Bundesliga Total: 11
Minute 33: Dortmund controlled possession. Nico drifted wide to the left, dragging Balitsch out of position. He played a disguised pass down the line to Dede, who overlapped and returned the cutback.
Nico dummied it. Ball fell to Kuba—
Blast! Just wide.
Minute 44: Hannover pressed. Stajner picked off Tinga's pass, drove forward, and cracked a shot.
Saved by Weidenfeller!
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Halftime: Borussia Dortmund 2 – 1 Hannover 96
> System Match Stats (HT):
Passes Completed: 28
Key Passes: 5
Goals: 1
Assists: 1
Match Rating: 8.6
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Second Half
Minute 48: Dortmund kicked off with purpose. Nico now took more central positions, connecting with Sahin and Tinga with constant triangles. Hannover couldn't track his movement.
Minute 55: Ball recycled to Nico at the top of the box. He lifted his head, saw Valdez making a diagonal run.
Perfect through-ball—
Valdez with the finish!
GOAL! Borussia Dortmund 3 – 1 Hannover 96
> Assist Registered – Bundesliga Total: 12
> System Notification:
Half-Henry Trial Progress: 12/17 Assists, 9/15 Goals
Minute 63: Nico now pulled out wide and faced Cherundolo. Quick stepover, drop of the shoulder, and a lightning-quick cut inside.
He broke through the line and fired a curving shot—
Off the post!
Crowd groaned in unison.
Minute 78: Doll signaled for caution. Nico dropped deeper, linking play calmly.
Minute 86: Late pressure from Hannover, but Weidenfeller held strong. Final whistle.
Full-Time: Borussia Dortmund 3 – 1 Hannover 96
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> Man of the Match: Nico Valen
Goals: 1
Assists: 2
Rating: 9.4
Touches: 84
Key Passes: 9
Dribbles Completed: 6
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Bundesliga Standings – After Matchday 18:
1. Bayern – 41 pts
2. Schalke – 38 pts
3. Bayer Leverkusen – 37 pts
4. Dortmund – 36 pts
> System Quest Update:
Half-Henry: 12/17 Assists
Goal King: 9/?? Goals
Legendary Template Progress: Zidane (90%), Henry (43%)
> Season Quest – Rise of the Champion:
If Nico finishes as top assist provider by Matchday 34, Half-Henry will evolve into Full Henry.
> Season Bonus Quest – Silver and Glory:
Win Bundesliga, DFB Pokal, or UEFA Cup – Reward: "Divine Foot – Broken Ability"
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Post-Match Interview:
Reporter: "Nico, a goal and two assists today. How do you feel after the winter break?"
Valen: "Refreshed. Focused. I'm learning to play between the lines better now—there's more to come."
Reporter: "There's talk you're becoming one of Europe's best teens. Thoughts?"
Valen (grins): "We'll see. The season's long. I'm just getting started."
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To be continued in Chapter 19 – Clash at Leverkusen...