More than a match | Alexia Putellas

The training pitch was quiet again, just Gracie, Marc, and the soft thud of footballs echoing through the air.

Her ankle felt stronger. Not perfect, not explosive, but solid. She'd been running, doing controlled drills, gradually rebuilding her rhythm. It wasn't the international break she had imagined, no England call-up, no Nations League matches, but Barcelona had made the call. Her health came first, and with the Champions League semifinal on the horizon, there was no room for risks.

Still, it stung. Watching her teammates board flights, seeing the England girls post training selfies without her... it left an ache.

Marc called it a blessing in disguise. Gracie called it frustrating. But she smiled through it anyway, lacing up her boots and giving every session everything she had.

That afternoon, after cooldowns and stretches, she collapsed on the locker room bench and reached for her phone. One missed call. Alexia.

She called back instantly, balancing the phone between her shoulder and cheek as she peeled off her socks.

"Hey." Alexia answered with a tired smile in her voice.

"Hi, babe." Gracie grinned. "You good? How was Portugal?"

"Hot. Long. I miss you."

Gracie's chest tugged a little. "I miss you too."

There was a pause, then Alexia's voice softened even more. "How's Nala?"

Gracie laughed. "She's the sweetest dog ever, babe. Don't worry. We had a full conversation this morning while I made coffee."

"Oh no." Alexia chuckled. "You're losing it."

"Losing it over you, maybe."

Alexia groaned. "Stop."

"You love it."

They bantered for a bit, the easy kind of conversation that always made the distance feel shorter. Gracie lay back on the bench, eyes closed, smiling like an idiot.

"You watching the game tonight?" Alexia asked, even though she already knew the answer.

Gracie scoffed. "You know I will. I'm your biggest fan."

Alexia hummed, pleased.

"Good luck, love." Gracie said softly. "I'll see you soon."

"Soon."

The call ended, and Gracie finally dragged herself home, welcomed by an excited Nala who wiggled her entire body at the door.

"There's my favorite girl." Gracie beamed, kneeling to give her scritches behind the ear. "You hungry?"

Nala barked once, a clear yes. Gracie fed her before heading for a shower, the warmth washing away the last of the soreness from training.

Later that day, a knock came at the door.

"Kika." Gracie greeted, grinning as she opened up.

"Hola." Kika replied, maneuvering in with her crutches. "Your apartment is way too clean."

"I had time." Gracie shrugged. "And I wasn't busy with Nations League."

Kika flopped onto the couch, sighing dramatically. "It's so weird not being there."

"I know. I hate it."

"But hey." Kika smirked. "At least we're going to the match tonight. Does Alexia know?"

Gracie shook her head, smug. "Nope. Didn't specify. Just said I'd be watching."

"Oh, she's gonna love this." Kika grinned.