Capítulo 26: End of the Points Phase (3)

The sun was still high in the Salvador sky when Vitória's bus pulled up in front of Pituaçu Stadium. The atmosphere inside the vehicle was heavy, though not from a lack of confidence. Every player understood the importance of this match: a decisive step toward the playoffs, but also the frustrating possibility of finishing behind Bahia in the standings, even with a win.

Nathan was the first to step off, followed by the rest of the team. Always charismatic and steady, he gathered everyone for one last talk before entering the locker room.

"Today isn't just about the result," Nathan began, his voice echoing down the corridor. "It's about how we play, how we present ourselves on the field. We want to be remembered as a team that fights until the very end, that never lowers its head. No matter what Bahia does, we're walking out of here as a group that deserves to be champions."

The players nodded, absorbing his words. Cleiton stood among them, fully focused. He knew Nathan was the cornerstone of this team, the undisputed leader, even without wearing the captain's armband.

In the locker room, Cerqueira was waiting with his clipboard in hand and a stern look on his face.

"Listen carefully. Galícia is organized. They won't make things easy. They'll exploit every mistake we make. I want intensity from start to finish. Cleiton, Ricardo, keep the defense airtight. Nothing gets through. Cássio, take advantage of opportunities to push forward, but don't leave gaps on the flank. And you two," he said, looking at Nathan and Claudio, "I need you present in attack and midfield. Trust your instincts."

Cleiton nodded silently, feeling the weight of responsibility. As usual, Cássio grinned. "We've got this, Coach. Just watch."

The whistle blew, and the match began at maximum intensity. As predicted, Galícia displayed a well-organized tactical scheme, making it difficult for Vitória to create plays. Every pass seemed anticipated, every movement closely tracked.

At the 15th minute, a dangerous cross came in from Galícia's right wing. The opposing striker leapt for the header, but Cleiton was ready. Using his strength and the protective belt to hold his ground, he won the aerial duel and cleared the ball. The crowd roared, but Cleiton stayed focused, shouting for the defensive line to reorganize.

On the other side, Cássio was locked in a fierce battle with the opposing winger. At the 30th minute, after losing a challenge, he quickly recovered, intercepting a pass inside the box. With a precise touch, he initiated a counterattack that nearly led to a goal.

Nathan received the ball in midfield and found Pedrinho free on the left. Pedrinho unleashed a powerful shot, but Galícia's goalkeeper made a spectacular save, drawing groans from the crowd.

The rest of the first half remained tight, with both teams creating chances but failing to convert. When the referee blew for halftime, the score was still 0–0.

In the locker room, tension was palpable. Cerqueira spoke firmly but maintained his composure.

"We're on the right track, but we need to be sharper. Claudio, Gabriel, I need you to move faster. Pedrinho, Rodrigo, push for more depth. They're controlling our midfield."

Claudio nodded, but something seemed off. He was quieter than usual, his posture distant, almost disinterested.

After Cerqueira finished his instructions, Cleiton approached him. "Are you okay, Claudio?"

The midfielder took a moment to respond, adjusting his shin guards slowly. "I'm fine, just tired. It's a lot to process sometimes, you know?"

Cleiton frowned. The answer felt rehearsed, but he decided not to press further. "If you need anything, I'm here."

Claudio offered a faint smile before walking away to grab some water.

The second half began with Vitória taking a more aggressive stance. At the 60th minute, following a mistake in Galícia's build-up, Cássio intercepted a pass on the flank. He surged forward, dribbling past a defender before delivering a low cross to the edge of the box.

Nathan received it, spun around a defender, and passed to Claudio Sousa, who was arriving late. Claudio controlled the ball, lifted his head, and curled a precise shot into the bottom left corner. The ball kissed the net, and Pituaçu erupted in celebration.

Cleiton ran to hug Claudio but noticed the midfielder seemed distant. Claudio raised an arm to acknowledge the crowd before quickly returning to his position without much emotion.

In the final minutes, Galícia ramped up the pressure. Cleiton shone in defense, blocking shots and winning crucial aerial duels. At the 85th minute, he executed a precise tackle inside the box, drawing applause from the fans.

On the other end, Cássio remained solid, cutting out crosses and starting counterattacks with quick passes.

When the referee blew the final whistle, Vitória's players gathered at the center of the field to celebrate. The 1–0 victory secured their playoff spot, but relief was mixed with frustration as news came in that Bahia had won both of their matches, finishing the group stage as leaders.

---

With the points phase concluded, the playoff matchups were set. Only four teams remained in contention for the title: Bahia (1st), Vitória (2nd), Barcelona de Ilhéus (3rd), and Serra Preta (4th). The semifinals would follow a two-leg format, with matches on Saturday and Sunday. The first-place team (Bahia) would face the fourth-place team (Serra Preta), while the second-place team (Vitória) would go up against the third-place team (Barcelona de Ilhéus).

The winners on aggregate at the end of the second match would advance to the grand final, which would be held as a single match, with a one-week break between the semifinal and the final. The losing teams would compete for third place, also in a single match. This meant that Vitória would need to face two tough opponents and play three high-stakes matches to lift the trophy.

---

In the locker room, while most of the players chatted excitedly, Cleiton noticed Claudio sitting alone, scrolling through his phone. Something was wrong, but he knew this wasn't the time to press the issue.

The Vitória locker room was full of voices, but the tension was almost tangible. The narrow victory against Galícia had secured their playoff spot, but finishing second in the standings was a sore point for many.

Nathan stood in the center of the group, his posture firm and expression serious.

"Listen up," he said, his voice echoing in the confined space. "It doesn't matter if we're first or second. Our goal was never to lead the group stage. Our goal is the trophy. What matters now is that we're in the fight. Let's focus on what lies ahead."

Nathan's words resonated with some players, who nodded with conviction, but others seemed weighed down by frustration. Gabriel Costa shook his head silently, while Jaime Filho, whose performance had been pivotal in the win, murmured something to Ricardo Rocha about the pressure he still felt.

Sitting near Cássio, Cleiton watched his teammates. He noticed that even in this moment of unity, Claudio Sousa remained isolated. In the corner of the locker room, the midfielder was fiddling distractedly with his boots, his head down and shoulders slumped.

While Nathan continued to motivate the team, Cássio did what he did best: lighten the mood with jokes. Pointing at Jaime, he said with a wide grin, "Jaime, that dive in the last minutes… I thought I was watching Michael Phelps himself! Are you sure you're playing the right sport?"

The laughter that followed helped break the tension, but Cleiton couldn't ignore Claudio. Something was definitely off.

After the group began dispersing for the showers, Cleiton approached Claudio. He hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Claudio," he said quietly, "be honest, man. Are you okay?"

Claudio glanced up briefly and forced a smile. "I'm fine, Cleiton. Just tired. It was a tough match, and I don't think I'm in my best rhythm."

Cleiton studied his teammate's face, sensing that the answer wasn't entirely truthful. But before he could press further, Claudio looked away and began packing his things.

"I've said this before, but I'll say it again: if you need anything, even just someone to talk to, I'm here," Cleiton said at last, stepping back. He knew there was more going on, but he also understood that pushing too hard could drive Claudio further away.

Later that night, Cleiton sat on his balcony, staring at the starry sky. Cerqueira's words echoed in his mind, but it was Claudio's demeanor in the locker room that lingered most. The midfielder, who had always been the heart of the team, seemed to be pulling away.

"Is he overwhelmed? Or is something else going on?" Cleiton murmured to himself. He knew he would need to find a way to help Claudio but also understood that sometimes, waiting was the best course of action.

The next day, the team returned to training. The atmosphere was focused, with Nathan once again taking the lead.

"Alright, everyone, this is where things get serious. There's no room for mistakes. Let's work on every play, every detail. These games will be decided in the smallest moments."

Cerqueira was more demanding than ever, stopping players individually to give instructions. During a break, he called Cleiton over.

"I want you to keep leading the defense, but pay close attention to their quick movements. And remember: if you make a mistake, recover. Don't let it get to you."

Cleiton nodded, feeling the weight of the expectations but also a renewed determination. He knew the playoffs were an opportunity to cement his place on the team.

Meanwhile, Cássio kept the group lively, chatting and joking with his teammates. Even so, Cleiton noticed that even he seemed a little more serious than usual.

"Cleiton," Cássio said after practice, "have you thought about the fact that we're just three games away from lifting the trophy?"

Cleiton looked at him for a moment before smiling. "Three games. It feels so close yet so far."

"Yeah, but I can already feel it," Cássio said, closing his eyes as if imagining the moment. "It's going to be incredible."

Cleiton chuckled, but inside, he felt the weight of reality. The playoffs were imminent, and he knew the team would need far more than optimism to win.

At the end of practice, Nathan gathered the team in a circle at the center of the field.

"We're in this together, guys. No matter what comes, we'll face it as a group. Because that's who we are—a team."

Hands came together, and a rallying cry echoed across the field. Cleiton looked around at each face. They were more than teammates. They were a family. And he was ready to do whatever it took to ensure they were prepared for what lay ahead.

From a distance, Claudio watched the group but didn't join in. Cleiton noticed but decided not to act on it then. He knew Claudio would have to choose the moment to rejoin the group on his own.

The playoffs were starting, and Vitória was about to face its greatest challenge.