Camp Nou stretched before him like a coliseum, the roar of ninety thousand voices crashing down onto the pitch. The scent of burnt grass from pre-match fireworks still hung in the air as Ibukun adjusted his gloves. The weight of the moment settled on his shoulders—his first Clásico, his first true test as a Galáctico.
The System's golden text burned in his vision:
***EL CLÁSICO PARAMETERS***
**Mission:** Outperform Araújo in direct duels (Min. 70% success rate)
**Secondary Objective:** Silence the crowd with early goal
**Reward:** €120,000 + 3 SP + "Big Game Mentality" permanent trait
**Failure Penalty:** -15% first touch accuracy (Next 3 matches)
Araújo stood across from him at the center circle, his dark eyes locked onto Ibukun like a hawk tracking prey. The Uruguayan defender cracked his neck and grinned.
*"Welcome to the real stage."*
---
### **The Opening Gambit**
Barcelona came out swinging, their press suffocating, their tackles sharp. Gavi's third-minute challenge on Tchouaméni set the tone—a bone-rattling collision that left the Frenchman staggering. The referee waved play on.
Ibukun's first real involvement came in the 9th minute. A quick one-two with Rodrygo sent him streaking down the right flank. Araújo matched him step for step, their shoulders crashing together as they fought for control of the ball. It skittered out for a throw-in.
***SYSTEM FEEDBACK***
**Duel #1:** Lost (Araújo physicality superior)
The Uruguayan smirked. *"You'll have to do better."*
---
### **The Moment of Brilliance**
25th minute. Kroos intercepted Pedri's lazy pass and immediately looked up.
Ibukun was already moving.
Araújo reacted a fraction too late—just enough. The ball arrived at Ibukun's feet as he hit full stride. One touch to kill its momentum, another to cut inside. Araújo lunged, his tackle coming in like a scythe.
***DECISION POINT***
**Option 1:** Take contact, win penalty (Risk: Injury 40%)
**Option 2:** Evade and shoot (Success probability: 38%)
Ibukun chose audacity.
A feigned shot froze Araújo just long enough for a sharp chop back onto his left foot. The curling effort bent around Koundé's outstretched leg and kissed the far post before rippling the net.
**0-1.**
The roar of the Madrid fans drowned out the stunned silence of the Catalan faithful.
***MISSION UPDATE***
**Crowd Silenced (Objective Complete)**
**Duels Won:** 3/5 (60% - Below Threshold)
---
### **The Battle Rages**
Barcelona's response was relentless.
Lewandowski's equalizer came from a set-piece—a towering header that Courtois could only palm into the net. **1-1.**
The second half became a war of attrition. Araújo grew more aggressive, his challenges bordering on reckless. Ibukun's muscles burned, his lungs aching with every sprint. The System's fatigue warnings flickered at the edge of his vision, but he pushed through.
63rd minute. Another duel.
Ibukun dropped his shoulder, selling a cut inside before exploding down the line. Araújo stumbled—just for a second—but it was enough. The cross found Rodrygo at the far post, but Ter Stegen's outstretched leg denied the winner.
The rebound fell to Ibukun.
Araújo recovered like a man possessed, his last-ditch block sending the ball spiraling into the stands.
***SYSTEM FATIGUE WARNING***
**Muscle Efficiency:** 72% (Critical Threshold)
**Recommended Action:** Conserve energy
But there was no time.
---
### **The Final Blow**
Barcelona's winner came against the run of play.
A quick counter, a missed interception, and Gavi arrived unmarked at the edge of the box. His strike deflected off Alaba, leaving Courtois stranded.
**2-1.**
The final whistle blew. Defeat.
---
### **The Aftermath**
The locker room was silent. Ancelotti's voice cut through the gloom.
*"This is football. You learn, or you drown."*
Valentina waited outside, her usual smirk absent. She handed him a folded piece of paper—a bank transfer slip.
*"At least you got paid."*
The System's final analysis scrolled before him:
***POST-MATCH REPORT***
**Duels vs Araújo:** 5/9 (55% - Mission Failed)
**Penalty Applied:** -15% first touch accuracy (Next 3 matches)
**Fatigue Accumulation:** 88% (Mandatory Recovery Period Required)
Jay-Jay's hologram appeared in the dim light of the tunnel, his voice a low growl.
*"Now you know what it takes. The question is—can you handle it?"*
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