The 2-0 victory over West Ham had propelled Aston Villa into 5th place, just one point behind Tottenham for that coveted Champions League spot.
Leon Fischer felt the weight of expectation, but also the exhilarating thrill of being so close to their goal. Only two matches left in the Premier League season.
TV Sports News - Premier League Title Race & European Battle
"What an incredible end to the Premier League season!" the pundit on screen declared, a graphic of the top of the table flashing behind him.
"Arsenal have already clinched the title, a truly dominant performance this year. But the battle for the remaining European spots, and especially that final Champions League qualification place, is absolutely electrifying!"
The league table, updated after the latest round of games:
Arsenal (Champions) - 87 points
Manchester City - 76 points
Liverpool - 75 points
Tottenham - 68 points
Aston Villa - 67 points
Manchester United - 54 points
Newcastle United - 50 points
"It's going down to the wire!" the pundit continued. "Tottenham currently hold 4th place with 68 points, but Aston Villa, with their incredible form under Unai Emery, are just one point behind on 67! With two matches left, it's a direct race between these two for that Champions League dream!"
Then, the focus shifted to individual accolades.
"And looking at the Golden Boot race, it's been a sensational season for goals!"
Premier League Top Scorers:
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) - 30 Goals (Current: 89)
Alexander Isak (Newcastle) - 24 Goals (Current: 86)
Erling Haaland (Man City) - 23 Goals (Current: 92)
Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford) - 21 Goals (Current: 82)
Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest) - 21 Goals (Current: 79)
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) - 18 Goals (Current: 86)
Premier League Assist Leaders:
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) - 19 Assists (Current: 89)
Jacob Murphy (Newcastle) - 13 Assists (Current: 82)
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) - 12 Assists (Current: 88)
Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd) - 12 Assists (Current: 87)
Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) - 12 Assists (Current: 81)
Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford) - 12 Assists (Current: 80)
Anthony Elanga (Nottm Forest) - 12 Assists (Current: 79)
Leon, watching from his dorm room, silently tallied his own stats. He now had 9 goals and 12 assists.
He wasn't on the top scorer list, but he was tied for 5th in assists, right there with the best!
He was truly impacting games, driving the team forward.
The discussion then turned to the biggest club competition in the world.
"And the Champions League final is set!" the presenter announced, an exciting montage of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich goals playing.
"Real Madrid versus Bayern Munich! Two giants of European football! The ultimate showdown! And it's going to be held in Japan next month! What an incredible spectacle that will be!"
Leon felt a thrill. Japan. The Champions League final. Real Madrid with Emre Demir (Current: 86), Jude Bellingham (Current: 89), and Kylian Mbappé (Current: 91).
Bayern Munich with Robert Lewandowski (Current: 89). He remembered his half-joking thought from before: make Villa in 4th, then fly to Japan to see this match. The dream now felt so tantalizingly close.
Later that day, Coach Emery gathered the team in the tactical room. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of excitement and solemnity.
"Lads," Emery began, his voice calm but firm, "two matches left. Tottenham have a difficult away trip next. We have a tough home game. This is our chance.
This is our season. We have pushed ourselves to the limit, and now we are on the verge of achieving something truly special."
He pointed to the screen, which showed their next opponent's crest. "Our next match... at Villa Park. We face Manchester City."
A collective murmur went through the room. Manchester City. The champions-elect. The team with a 'Current' rating average that towered above all others. And, for Leon, the team where his best friend, Byon, now played.
"It will be a monumental challenge," Emery continued, his eyes sharp. "They are fighting for the title. They are a machine. But we are at home.
We have momentum. And we have belief." He looked at Leon, his gaze unwavering. "Leon, your midfield battle with their maestros will be key. You must dictate. You must disrupt. You must inspire."
Leon nodded, his 'Current: 92' pulsing with a complex mix of emotions. He'd face Kevin De Bruyne (Current: 91), Rodri (Current: 89), Phil Foden (Current: 88). And Byon (Current: 85). This wasn't just a game; it was a showdown. A direct confrontation with his best friend on the biggest stage.
After the meeting, Leon headed to the training pitch for an extra session, his mind already running through scenarios. John McGinn (Current: 84) joined him, followed by Ollie Watkins (Current: 86) and Douglas Luiz (Current: 85).
"City, eh?" McGinn muttered, striking a ball. "Always them when something big is on the line. But we can do it. We showed them last time."
"We need all three points," Watkins added, nodding. "This is our final. No draws. No excuses."
Leon felt a surge of camaraderie. This was his team. This was their fight. He pulled out his phone and quickly texted Byon.
"See you tomorrow, Mr. 48 Millionaire. Get ready for a proper battle.
Byon's reply was almost instant: "Oh, you know it, Leo!! No mercy for old friends on the pitch! Just so you know, Pep's got me doing extra sprints. Get ready to eat my dust!" He added a winking emoji.
Leon grinned. It was a friendly rivalry, but the stakes had never been higher. He would be facing his best friend, not just in a FIFA game, but in a real Premier League match, with Champions League football on the line.
It was the ultimate test. The ultimate showdown.