Chapter 173 - Dying Climax

The atmosphere on the pitch slowly shifted from chaotic urgency to a controlled, almost somnolent tension as the first half drew toward its end. After the flurry of attacks and near misses, Barcelona's relentless pressure began to wane. Santos, whose spirit had been visibly broken by the earlier disallowed goal and the subsequent failed attack, now moved with a slower, more hesitant pace. His once-aggressive energy had dimmed, leaving him with a defeated look as he trudged back into position. The Barcelona players, sensing his faltering spirit, attempted to press forward, but the intensity in their runs had dropped to a subdued urgency.