Rain drifted across the Stade de la Meinau like fog in motion. The lights buzzed overhead, humming against the darkness pressing in from the edges of Strasbourg. On the touchline, Jake Wilson stood with one hand gripping the drawstring of his coat, the other resting in his pocket. Beyond the white line, twenty-two men scattered into position. The hum in his bones had nothing to do with the cold.
BT Sport's commentary team faded under the roar of the home crowd.
"Welcome to the fortress of Strasbourg," Ian Darke began, voice tight with tension. "The stakes? First place in Group F. And tonight, the pitch might just tell the truth Harrell's been whispering all season."
Bradford moved into their shape with calm deliberation—Okafor in goal, a back four of Rojas, Barnes, Min-jae, and Taylor forming the first line of resistance. Ibáñez anchored the midfield, Vélez drifting beside him, Chapman further right. Up top: Silva wide left, Roney right, and Richter leading the line.
