The ball rolled across the pristine grass as Manchester City continued to assert their dominance in possession. Their passes were crisp and precise, each touch calculated, each movement coordinated. The Barcelona players sat deep, maintaining their compact defensive shape, making it difficult for City to find gaps.
Jacob Fletcher, stationed just ahead of the center-backs, controlled the tempo. He shifted the ball from right to left, looking for an opening. With a quick glance up, he spotted Ethan Caldwell making a late run into midfield. A sharp pass followed, zipping across the pitch and into Caldwell's feet.
