Virtual Love | Antoine Griezmann

onze

Game day; the only thought that ran through everybody's head.

The players were focused and Carmen was feeling something much stronger than nervousness. She questioned her emotions since she wasn't the one going onto the pitch to play a crucial game.

She sat alone in the stadium. Fernando had introduced her to the group of people next to her when she sat down, but the truth was she didn't listen. Carmen was intent on watching the game and as rude as it sounded, she didn't want to be bothered by any other people.

Her heart pounded as the kick off to the first half was about to take place. The environment was wild, people jumping up and down, cheering so loud it hurt her ears, some fans already drunk before the match had even begun.

Carmen felt a bit out of place since she didn't support any if these teams, but Fernando had a plan for that. It seemed like he really did live up to his name, the "Love Whisperer". Fernando had an Atletico jersey ready for her, but more importantly, Antoine's jersey. His last name was written in bold letters above the number seven and Carmen felt a sense of pride wearing it, knowing she could be the one to fix him.

Atletico Madrid came into the game already up 1-0 from the previous game, but a free kick goal, half an hour in, equalized the score.

Both teams now were playing fiercer than ever due to the circumstances. The ball was travelling from left to right and being passed from player to player, until finally resting at the penalty spot where Thomas Müller would take the kick. The referee stood by his decision and left an unsatisfied Fernando Torres to move on from trying to change the call for a penalty kick and await the outcome. Antoine anticipated a goal from the opposing team, but the ball was miraculously kept out of the net.

It was a relief for Atletico Madrid and a sign if hope that they could still take this match. Later on, Antoine found himself jogging around on the pitch, not going anywhere in particular. His head wasn't completely in it today. All his pregame attempts to get him ready for this match had failed miserably and here he found himself wondering why he was still selected in the starting eleven.

However, a shout from Fernando allowed him to concentrate for one second. Antoine ran as directed by his teammate and received a perfect ball which he controlled right at his feet. It almost surprised Antoine to be put in such a great position. It was easy for him and he calmly capitalized and took a shot that resulted in his team leading once again. The Frenchman celebrated his favourite way by showing off a little dance he found funny before being embraced by his teammates.

It was all it took for him to temporarily forget about the girl who had flew miles to see him in person.

The second goal from Bayern Munich didn't do much since Atletico had the away goal and the missed penalty from Torres was soon forgotten after the final whistle.

The finals were next for the victorious team as they made their way to the change room to celebrate.

Fernando was the only one absent at the time due to his promise he made before the match. He met up with Carmen at her seat and swiftly escorted her through the crowd and outside of the tunnel entrance.

He stopped her before entering, "How'd you like the game?"

"It was intense. Everyone was so good, I couldn't believe more people didn't score."

"I was the best though, right?"

"Not quite. Sorry to say, but you were the one to miss a penalty."

"Not the only one," he countered, "besides, what matters is that Antoine's back on his game!"

"Yeah... that's just what we wanted."

Carmen lied about how she felt towards Antoine's performance. The main goal here was to fix Antoine, but what if he had already patched himself up? He scored again and seemed to be back to normal which worried her. Antoine wasn't the emotional mess Fernando made him out to be. If he really was all better then would he even want to meet with her?

The pair stopped midway through the tunnel when Fernando shook hands with two players.

"You guys pumped, or what?"

"The guys are going crazy in there," one of the unknown players told them, pointing in the direction of the change room.

Carmen didn't feel left out and was glad these two were Spanish like herself and Fernando. It made it easier for her to feel included in the conversation.

"These are the best guys around," Fernando joked, "Carmen, these are my teammates."

"Saúl Ñíguez."

"Koke, nice to meet you."

Carmen smiled and congratulated them on their win to be polite. She didn't want to come across as mean or rude.

"The guys are just celebrating, but come on in."

Carmen was unsure, so Fernando had to put an arm around her and practically drag her inside. The two guys she had just met earlier followed. Behind the door revealed a shirtless Antoine Griezmann who was swinging around his jersey in his hand. He danced and cheered with another teammate in the centre of the room.

Carmen felt her eyes glued to the Frenchman, despite the other shirtless players in the room. His strong build was obviously what she noticed first. But slowly her eyes diverted to his face, which didn't look sad at all. He had certainly changed from when she saw him last night. This Antoine had a huge smile. It looked like he hadn't shaved in a few days and the front part of his hair stuck to his forehead. But nonetheless, it was still a sight to see.

"Who's this?" Antoine questioned once seeing Fernando with his arm around a girl he had never seen before, "Is she your new girl?"

If any word could describe this moment, it would be awkward.

Carmen felt Fernando drop his arm and shift his weight from foot to foot, "No, Antoine, she's yours."