The stadium came into view now, rising from the grey like a lit beacon, every corner of it buzzing.
Up front, Lamine Yamal leaned back with headphones on, one leg bouncing to a rhythm only he could hear.
Nico played with a stress ball while defensive leader, Le Normand was jotting something in a notebook again—maybe a prayer or maybe a reminder.
"Spain's young stars have been front and center this campaign," the broadcast continued.
"Izan especially—after his game-changing cameo against Serbia—is under the spotlight again tonight. But so is Lamine Yamal. So is Nico. Pedri. Rodri. There's a spine forming here… and tonight will test just how strong it really is," the host ended.
The bus slowed.
Fans pressed up against the barriers lining the road, some holding signs, others just phones. Flash after flash blinked against the windows.
A group chanted Izan's name before breaking into song—his name stretched into melody, "Izaaan, Izaaaaan…" as the engine died.
