The Secret - Alexia Putellas

45.

Thank you Eliza!!!

There was no doubt that the next time at Camp Nou needed to be better than the last. The mission was clear. Barcelona had set themselves the goal of reaching the finals and bringing the Champions League trophy back home.

Although Alexia still hadn't scored after her comeback, she was even more motivated to get her goal tonight.

That Erin had been teasing her for the past two days wasn't easy, but Alexia decided to let her off with a yellow card, since her wife was just trying to motivate her.

And that actually worked.

Stepping onto the pitch with her left foot during the run-in, all Alexia felt was determination. She was absolutely certained that she would win. And she was just as intent to score a goal tonight.

One at least.

With a proud expression, she glances at Erin, who's standing at the bench with the other staff members, listening to the anthem.

After that, she was in a tunnel.

Similar to the 2021 UWCL final, it took less than a minute for Barcelona to score and take the lead, Aitana being happy one.

And what happened next was something Alexia would've never imagined. About five minutes later, Geyse was tackled just outside the penalty area, the referee deciding on a free kick.

Perfect. A half-right position. Picking up the ball, Mapi walks over to the shooting spot, where Alexia was already waiting for her.

"This is your moment, capitán", the defender smirks and places the ball in front of Alexia with the logo facing upwards.

Meanwhile, there was almost no holding back for Erin on the substitution bench. She grabs Martha's hand, squeezing it tightly and it seemed to take an eternity before Alexia takes a few steps back, the ref finally giving the signal.

Just a few seconds later, the Camp Nou went completely crazy.

That was it.

The Queen's first goal in more than 9 months. And it was perfect. No circling, no tricks. A powerful in-step shot into the upper left corner of the goal. No chance for Zećira Mušovic.

The whole stadium jumps up. Alexia runs to the corner flag and glances at the camera, pointing down to the tattoo on her forearm, before she is lifted up by her teammates.

The athlete didn't give a shit about the rumors that would circulate through the media about this little gesture. That goal was for Erin and she wanted everyone to know that.

Full of pride, Erin jumps to her feet and her eyes meet Alexia's sparkling, hazel ones for a moment, and she couldn't be happier in that moment. The captain quickly points to the bench, dedicating the goal to the person sitting at the side.

Her wife.

And from now on, everything would get even better.

In total, it took Barcelona 15 minutes to make it 4-0, which meant they scored another two goals.

First, Irene puts the score up 3-0 with a beautiful header following a corner, and Alexia takes the penalty kick after a foul on Aitana and makes it 4-0.

That was the score at halftime.

The mood in the locker room was relaxed. Despite the 4-0 lead, it was an intense game and just like in the 2021 final, Chelsea wouldn't admit defeat that easily.

During the break, Martha and Erin, as well as the medics, were extremely busy. An ice spray here, a quick massage there. Several players requested a therapist during the short break, and throughout those 15 minutes, Erin actually wished there would be a third therapist on the team.