the love of my life - Pablo Gavi

El Classico part 2

The first half of the match did not go well. Barca had few chances and Real Madrid had most of the ball in their possession. But still Real Madrid couldn't score, thanks to Ter Stegen.

As always, things were heated between the players. There is a certain hatred of the clubs towards each other that is indescribable.

It's resttime now and I'm in the locker room with all the players and coaches to discuss tactics. 

You could already tell from some players that they were giving up hope. I walk towards Xavi.

 "Hey Xavi, is it okay if I say something to the players?" "Yes of course, go ahead." I stand up and clap my hands. The voices quiet down. 

"Okay everyone, I know our position is not ideal. Real Madrid is strong today, very strong. But that doesn't mean we should give up now. We are only half way and we can still make up a lot in those 45 minutes. Just like Xavi just said, try to attack, but also play defensively. Show your aggressive side. Make them feel intimidated. This is the only way to win. And think of all the culers. In this stadium, but also at home. They have hope in you, but also trust. Don't let that trust be broken. 

But also enjoy. You are all good football players who deserve to play here. Then show that you are worth it. 

Everyone applauds. Then the resttime is over. We walk back to the field. And somehow I see that the players have more confidence in the team and in themselves. I smile. FC Barcelona is really more then a club. 

I'm happy that the players are listening to the coaches, because you can already see improvement. The ball is in Barca's possession much more and they play attacking. 

Then in the 74th minute, Lewandowski shoots the ball to Pablo and Pablo scores! The whole stage goes wild. All substitute players run onto the field to celebrate.

Pablo does his famous celebration, he kisses the Barca logo. Then he quickly runs to me and gives me a kiss. "This goal is for you." My cheeks turn red. "Love you, ma vie." ''Love you too.'' He walks back onto the field.

In injury time, Real Madrid had a chance, but it didn't work due to the good defense from Barca.

 Then the final signal sounds. All the players run onto the field to celebrate. The coaches and I look on laughing. "We just did it, Xavi." "I really didn't see this coming. Right from the start, Real Madrid were so strong and their technique was so good. Thanks again Tess. Without you it wouldn't have turned out well.'' I smile. ''It's not because of me. The team proved itself today.'' ''That's right, but because of that pep talk you could just see that the players were playing better.'' ''Thanks Xavi, I appreciate it.'' 

Pablo walks towards us and gives me a kiss. "I have to quickly discuss something with Xavi, I'll be back in a minute." "It's okay ma vie, I'll see you soon." 

Pedri walks towards me. "You played so well today hermano!" "Thanks hermana, but without you we probably wouldn't have won. You're a really good coach.'' We hug each other. 

Then Pablo comes back. "You played so well today Pablo." I give him a kiss on the lips. "Love you mi vida." 

"What did you actually want to discuss with Xavi?" "Oh, I had an idea." "What then?" I ask curiously. Pablo smiles. ''And why should you know that?'' ''Because I'm your girlfriend maybe? And I know you're doing this on purpose, so just say it.'' 

Pablo smiles and puts a piece of hair behind my ear. ''I like your curious side. But I'd just tell you. I thought it would be fun to go out with all the coaches, players and their girlfriends or wives. And Xavi is fine with that.'' 

''I'm really looking forward to that!'' ''Me too! We're going to the city with the players bus later.''

 ''I'm suddenly thinking. How are we doing with Hope? Because she can't come along yet.'' ''My parents are in the stadium and I have already asked them if they can look after Hope. And Hope will probably stay over too, because otherwise it will be much too late.'' ''Smart.''