Chapter 71: Against the Odds End
"Ajax is pressing forward with intent. What will they craft from this opportunity?"
"From deep in the backline, a precise, sweeping long pass is launched, arcing gracefully through the air and landing perfectly at the feet of Zlatan Ibrahimović in the front. The Swedish maestro, known for his imposing physical presence and technical prowess, cushions the ball effortlessly, controlling it with the kind of finesse that has made him a feared figure across Europe."
"With a quick glance, Ibrahimović assesses his options and, spotting movement on the left flank, sends a deft pass towards Wesley Sonck."
"Sonck, ever the determined winger, collects the ball and begins to probe the Arsenal defense. He dances along the touchline, searching for a way through the sea of red shirts, but the Gunners' defense is disciplined and quick to react, closing down any space with impressive speed."
"Realizing there's no immediate route forward, Sonck intelligently opts to recycle possession, playing a calculated pass back to his supporting teammates."
"Arsenal's defenders, wary of Ajax's reputation for swift and lethal counterattacks, maintain a vigilant stance. Their lines remain tight and organized, reflecting a mix of respect and caution towards the Dutch side's offensive capabilities."
"The ball is smoothly transitioned to the center of the pitch, finding its way to the young maestro, Wesley Sneijder. With a calm demeanor and the field at his command, Sneijder now has the task of dictating Ajax's next move..."
...
When Ajax launched their counterattack, Yang Yang instinctively moved closer to Ibrahimović. He knew the Swedish striker well; Zlatan would almost certainly secure possession and look to play it back. Anticipating this, Yang Yang positioned himself to receive the ball.
However, Arsenal's defense was astutely aware of the danger this partnership posed. Sol Campbell, a seasoned defender, failed to outmuscle Ibrahimović in their initial confrontation, but he effectively limited the striker's options. The pressure forced Ibrahimović into an awkward pass, directing the ball leftward towards Wesley Sonck.
The counterattack, after a series of exchanges and interceptions, lost its momentum. Arsenal, ever vigilant, rapidly reorganized their defense. By the time the ball found its way back to Sneijder, the Gunners had already reset their defensive lines. Even Robert Pirès, usually a forward threat, had tracked back to bolster the midfield and defense, ready to disrupt any Ajax advance.
Sneijder, positioned centrally in the midfield, sought to exploit an opening on the left by passing to Maxwell, the Brazilian left-back. But with no clear opportunity, Maxwell opted to return the ball, cycling it back to the reliable Escudé in the backline. The ball then moved through Heitinga and found its way back to Sneijder, with Edu now pressing forward, closing down on Sneijder.
Yang Yang, hovering near the right edge of the penalty area, noticed Edu's approach. Sensing the need to create space, he withdrew slightly, raising his left hand to signal for the ball.
Sneijder, initially hesitant, contemplating a safer pass backward, caught sight of Yang Yang's movement. The gesture was familiar—it was a signal the two had practiced extensively, especially against teams like PSV Eindhoven. Without further deliberation, Sneijder angled a precise diagonal pass to the right.
Yang Yang anticipated the ball's arrival, executing a sudden stop to lose Clichy, who had been shadowing him closely. With a burst of speed, he surged forward, reaching the ball before his markers, turning immediately to face the Arsenal goal.
But Clichy, known for his blistering pace, quickly recovered, closing in on Yang Yang. Pirès, too, was fast approaching, determined to support the defense.
Utilizing his skill [God's Vision], Yang Yang had been monitoring the field, particularly noting Pirès's movements. Realizing the imminent threat from both Clichy and Pirès, Yang Yang opted for a rapid shift, pushing the ball further along the right sideline.
Clichy, nearly shoulder-to-shoulder with Yang Yang, maintained his pursuit. His speed matched Yang Yang's, denying any clear path inward. If Yang Yang aimed to cross the ball from the byline, Clichy would surely intercept it. The odds of successfully beating him were slim, with the best outcome being a possible foul or corner—but even that was risky.
Worse still, Pirès was closing in fast, ready to trap Yang Yang between them.
Time was running out. Yang Yang had no luxury to overthink; he relied on his instincts. What would Ronaldo do in this situation?
Yang Yang recalled the countless hours studying Ronaldo's moves, memorizing every feint and flick. With a swift decision, Yang Yang put [God's Vision] to work, evaluating the rapidly shrinking space. Just as Clichy and Pirès moved in, Yang Yang planted his left foot firmly between Clichy and the ball, shielding it. Then, with a sudden change of direction, he executed a quick stop followed by a sharp heel flick with his right foot, sending the ball behind Clichy while keeping it perilously close to the touchline.
Pirès lunged, but his timing was off. The ball rolled just beyond his reach, while Yang Yang, with a nimble spin, shielded the ball from Clichy and accelerated once more, leaving both defenders in his wake.
The entire Amsterdam Arena erupted in a mix of gasps and cheers as Yang Yang emerged from the duel unscathed, the ball firmly under his control. He tore down the right wing, with Pirès and Clichy left scrambling behind him.
As Yang Yang approached the penalty area, Patrick Vieira, Arsenal's towering captain, had already retreated into position. He was the last line of defense before the goal, and he knew he had to act quickly.
Yang Yang locked eyes with Vieira, assessing his options. He had two choices: deliver a cross into the box with his stronger right foot—an expected move that Vieira would likely anticipate—or attempt a more unpredictable play with his left.
Yang Yang silently thanked Van Gaal, who had relentlessly pushed him to develop his left foot over the past six months. This was the moment to put that practice to the test.
As Vieira stepped forward, ready to challenge, Yang Yang made his move. He feigned a right-footed drive toward the byline, dipping his shoulder and drawing Vieira into the trap. Arsenal's captain took the bait, the entire defense reacting to the anticipated cross.
But Yang Yang had other plans. With a deft step-over, he swiftly switched to his left, bypassing Vieira with a fluidity that left the Arsenal skipper flat-footed. The crowd gasped as Yang Yang delivered a perfectly weighted left-footed cross, curling the ball with precision into the heart of the penalty area.
As if on cue, Zlatan Ibrahimović, who had been tracking Yang Yang's movements closely, recognized the signal—Yang Yang's raised left hand indicated he would cross rather than dribble to the byline. The Swedish striker, known for his aerial prowess, halted his run, backpedaling slightly to create space.
Yang Yang's cross met its target perfectly. Ibrahimović, unmarked and with impeccable timing, leaped into the air, his powerful header sending the ball crashing into the back of the net. Arsenal's goalkeeper, Jens Lehmann, caught off guard by Campbell's obstructing presence, reacted too late. The ball had already crossed the line before Lehmann could make a move.
The Amsterdam Arena erupted in a cacophony of celebration. Ibrahimović, losing his balance upon landing, quickly propped himself up on the turf and dashed towards Yang Yang, a wide grin splitting his face. The Swedish striker had scored a brace, and the joy was palpable.
Laughing, Ibrahimović pulled Yang Yang into a bear hug, still teasing. "You nearly messed that one up, you know? That ball was supposed to be on the ground, but you lobbed it over my head! Lucky I was quick enough to adjust, or you'd owe me a goal!"
Yang Yang chuckled, shaking his head. "You wish! That was all part of the plan. You're just mad because you almost missed it."
"Yeah, right," Ibrahimović retorted, still grinning. "You keep telling yourself that. Next time, pass it properly, or I'll start taking your assists for granted!"
The banter continued as Ibrahimović made a beeline towards the Arsenal bench, eager to celebrate in front of Arsène Wenger, the manager who had doubted him. His outstretched arms and broad smile made it clear: this was personal.
Yang Yang watched his teammate go, shaking his head with a smile. "That guy," he muttered, "always looking for a reason to show off."
But beneath the teasing, Yang Yang knew Ibrahimović appreciated the assist. The Swedish striker had a reputation for being tough, but he wasn't ungrateful. If he didn't think the cross was perfect, he wouldn't have been the first to celebrate with Yang Yang.
Turning away from the jubilant scene, Yang Yang suddenly felt the intense gaze of Vieira on him. The Arsenal captain's expression was dark, his eyes full of intent. "Watch yourself," Vieira muttered as he passed Yang Yang, his voice low and threatening.
Yang Yang met Vieira's gaze, unflinching. If he had feared the Frenchman, he wouldn't have dared to take him on one-on-one earlier. Vieira's earlier foul on him hadn't gone unnoticed, and this successful dribble past him was Yang Yang's way of evening the score.
Vieira's warning didn't rattle him; it only fueled his resolve. He had faced tough opponents before, and he wouldn't back down now.
As Ibrahimović celebrated near the Arsenal bench, Ronald Koeman made his move on the sideline, signaling for a substitution. It was time for Yang Yang to come off. But instead of Victor Sikora, it was Thomas Vermaelen who was preparing to enter, indicating Ajax's shift to a more defensive setup, likely a three or five-back formation to protect their lead.
The crowd at the Amsterdam Arena rose to their feet, their applause and cheers echoing through the stadium. Over 50,000 fans chanted Yang Yang's name, showing their appreciation for his performance as he made his way off the pitch.
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"You did great!"
Vermaelen, grinning widely, embraced Yang Yang as he prepared to enter the pitch. The Belgian defender patted Yang Yang on the back, his admiration for his teammate growing by the day.
Vermaelen couldn't help but marvel at Yang Yang's relentless dedication. Whether it was his tireless work ethic or the rapid pace at which he was improving, Vermaelen was in awe. Sometimes, he wondered, was Yang Yang truly a genius?
If not, then what explained his extraordinary work ethic? Yang Yang was known to train tirelessly, squeezing in extra practice even during school hours, often seen tapping the ball with his toes under the desk. If this wasn't a sign of genius, then what was?
Yet, despite his admiration, Vermaelen knew Yang Yang wasn't flawless. His first touch was still inconsistent, and there were moments when his ball control left much to be desired. Vermaelen himself felt his own touch was superior in some ways—a basic skill for any footballer, let alone a so-called genius.
More intriguingly, Yang Yang didn't fit the mold of a typical football prodigy. He rarely exhibited the kind of spontaneous, imaginative flair that people often associate with natural-born talents. The heel flick that had just wowed the crowd seemed more like an anomaly than a regular display of brilliance. He didn't have the effortless magic that some geniuses possessed.
Yet, there was no denying that Yang Yang was constantly improving, and at an astonishing rate.
Vermaelen, who had shared countless hours with Yang Yang both on and off the field, was well aware of his relentless pursuit of perfection. On one hand, Yang Yang continued to hone his strengths—his one-on-one dribbling and blazing speed down the flanks. On the other, he worked tirelessly to improve his weaknesses, particularly his first touch and passing accuracy.
His method of improvement was simple yet demanding: train, and then train some more, never allowing himself to slack off, even for a moment.
Yang Yang, oblivious to the thoughts running through Vermaelen's mind, simply felt the fatigue setting in.
"I'm completely spent. The rest is up to you. Hold onto this score, and we've still got a chance," Yang Yang said, encouraging his teammate with a tired but determined look.
Vermaelen nodded with resolve, silently promising Yang Yang that he would do everything in his power to maintain their lead.
As the Belgian center-back jogged onto the field, Yang Yang slowly made his way to the home team's bench, his chest heaving with exertion. Head coach Ronald Koeman approached him, disregarding the sweat-soaked shirt, and pulled Yang Yang into a strong embrace.
"Tonight, you've made all of us—every Ajax fan and me—proud," Koeman whispered in Yang Yang's ear, his voice full of genuine admiration.
"Thank you, boss," Yang Yang replied, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.
Ruud Krol, watching from the sidelines, could hardly believe his eyes. He vividly remembered the first time he had seen Yang Yang more than six months ago—a raw, unpolished youngster who had shown flashes of brilliance on the right wing. But no one, not even Krol, could have predicted how quickly Yang Yang would develop into such a lethal weapon for Ajax.
Yang Yang had been instrumental in their victory over Club Brugge, and tonight, against Arsenal, he had once again risen to the occasion. Whether the team ultimately won or not, Yang Yang was undeniably the hero of the night, even outshining Ibrahimović, who had scored a brace.
The fans in the Amsterdam Arena were fully aware of this as well. As Yang Yang, having embraced Koeman and Krol, turned to walk back to the bench, the stadium erupted in thunderous applause once more.
Yang Yang raised his hands above his head, clapping in gratitude, and bowed to the fans around him, expressing his deep appreciation for their unwavering support.
His teammates on the bench stood to shake hands with him, their respect and admiration evident. Among them, Victor Sikora's reaction was the most telling. As the team's usual starting right-winger, Sikora had watched as Yang Yang, originally brought in as his substitute, steadily claimed his position. Yang Yang's performance had been so exceptional that he was now the undisputed starter.
Tonight, Yang Yang had not only taken Sikora's place but had also set a new Champions League record with a goal, a brilliant assist, and an indirect contribution to another. Without a doubt, he was Ajax's standout player.
What made it even more astonishing was that Yang Yang was only seventeen years old.
Sikora couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. There was embarrassment, of course, realizing that the entire club—from the head coach to the fans and even the management—was eagerly awaiting Yang Yang's continued growth and maturity. Sikora, on the other hand, was beginning to see himself as merely a transitional figure, someone who held the position until Yang Yang was ready to take over.
But alongside the embarrassment, Sikora felt genuine admiration. He couldn't deny the outstanding performance Yang Yang had delivered that night. And so, despite the sting to his pride, he heartily praised Yang Yang, acknowledging that the young prodigy had more than earned his place in the team.
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...
In front of the visiting team's bench, Arsène Wenger observed Ibrahimović's exuberant celebration with a mixture of irritation and grudging respect. The French manager remembered the Swedish striker all too well—reckless, arrogant, and seemingly unmanageable. Years ago, when Ibrahimović was still an unproven talent, he had boldly declined Wenger's invitation for a trial at Highbury, a snub that left a lasting impression on the seasoned coach. At the time, Wenger had dismissed the young Swede as someone likely to be undone by his own hubris. But tonight, Ibrahimović had proven otherwise, silencing his critics with two well-taken goals that underscored his immense talent and value.
However, Wenger's attention soon shifted to another player on the pitch—the young man wearing the number 99 shirt.
Yang Yang, just seventeen years old, had burst onto the scene with a rapid rise that was impossible to ignore. He had emerged from the Almere Youth Camp in the summer of 2003, securing a spot at Ajax through a talent day selection. Under the guidance of the legendary Marco van Basten, Yang Yang had honed his skills, and by December, he was already making appearances for Ajax's first team. His debut had come in the final group stage match of the Champions League against Club Brugge.
That match had left a lasting impression on many, as Yang Yang, coming off the bench, had turned the game on its head. Rumor had it that Ajax's technical director, Louis van Gaal, had insisted on including Yang Yang in the squad, recognizing the youngster's potential. The gamble paid off, as Yang Yang's performance that night had not only helped secure a crucial victory but also catapulted him into the spotlight.
In the weeks that followed, Yang Yang continued to impress. He scored his first goal in the Eredivisie, becoming the third-youngest goalscorer in the league's history. And tonight, in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of a Champions League knockout match, he had netted his first goal in Europe's most prestigious club competition, setting a new record as the youngest scorer in the tournament's history.
There was no doubt in Wenger's mind—after tonight, Yang Yang would be a name on everyone's lips. The media across Europe, and perhaps the world, would be buzzing about this new sensation. But while others marveled at the headlines, Wenger focused on what really mattered: the young man's performance on the pitch.
According to the statistics provided by Arsenal's technical team, Yang Yang's running distance on the right flank was second only to Ajax's tireless midfielder Nigel de Jong and their dynamic left-back Maxwell. Remarkably, he had covered more ground than even Wesley Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart, two of Ajax's most celebrated talents. What stood out even more was his explosive sprints, especially when facing off against Gaël Clichy and Robert Pirès. His stamina was impressive, to say the least.
But what truly caught Wenger's eye was Yang Yang's intelligence on the field, particularly his off-the-ball movement. Almost every run he made seemed to find a gap in Arsenal's defense, a skill that required not just physical ability but also a deep understanding of the game. It was this game intelligence, combined with his technical skills, that made him so dangerous.
Before the match, Wenger had instructed Clichy to play with more freedom, pushing forward to support Thierry Henry and Pirès in attack—a role Ashley Cole often excelled in. However, Yang Yang's presence on the right wing had forced Clichy to abandon those offensive ambitions, as he was fully occupied with containing the young Ajax winger. Even then, in the second half, Yang Yang managed to exploit a moment of hesitation, delivering a pinpoint assist that allowed Ibrahimović to score.
Wenger prided himself on his rationality and calm demeanor. He didn't believe in luck; for him, goals were either the result of defensive errors or the brilliance of the opposition. In the case of Yang Yang's assist to Ibrahimović, it was clearly the latter.
"Pat, make sure our scouts keep a close eye on this lad," Wenger said, frowning slightly as he turned to his long-time assistant, Pat Rice.
Rice, who had worked alongside Wenger for years, immediately knew who he was referring to.
"Ferguson snapped up Ronaldo from the Portuguese Super Liga when nobody else was paying attention," Wenger mused, his tone thoughtful. "But I think this Yang Yang might be even more promising."
Wenger replayed the entire sequence of Yang Yang's breakthrough in his mind—how he had weaved his way down the sideline, cut into the penalty area, and left Patrick Vieira, one of the most formidable midfielders in the world, grasping at thin air. The heel flick, the sudden step-over—each move was executed with the kind of flair that was reminiscent of Ronaldo. But what impressed Wenger even more was the young winger's ambidexterity. Yang Yang's left foot was almost as proficient as his right, and the quality of his crossing was exceptional.
Pat Rice could tell that Wenger was genuinely excited about this player. It wasn't often that someone captured the Frenchman's attention so completely. But Yang Yang had done just that, and with good reason
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...
After Yang Yang was substituted, Ajax switched to a five-man defensive line, clearly signaling their intent to protect their narrow lead and rely on counterattacks. Meanwhile, Wenger chose not to make any substitutions, keeping the Gunners in their familiar 4-4-2 formation as they pressed relentlessly against Ajax's defensive wall.
From his seat on the bench, Yang Yang watched with a mixture of awe and apprehension as Arsenal launched wave after wave of attacks. The Gunners were relentless, pouring forward with intent, and each time they breached Ajax's penalty area, Yang Yang felt his heart race. The contrast between the two teams' strengths became starkly apparent now that he was observing from the sidelines. On the pitch, the intensity of Arsenal's play had been palpable, but watching from the bench, Yang Yang could truly appreciate the overwhelming pressure the English side was exerting.
Ronald Koeman, sensing the growing threat, made his final substitution in the 78th minute. He brought on American utility player John O'Brien, a versatile and defensively-minded midfielder, to replace Ibrahimović, who had visibly tired after his heroic efforts. The Swedish striker, having scored twice, had given everything, but now his legs were heavy, and he could no longer cover the ground needed.
As Ibrahimović made his way off the field, the fans at the Amsterdam Arena erupted into applause, their appreciation for his performance clear. The Swedish star had been instrumental in securing Ajax's lead, scoring twice to put them ahead after being pegged back twice by Arsenal. The ovation was well-deserved.
Ibrahimović, grinning from ear to ear, took a seat next to Yang Yang on the bench. The frustration and tension that had clouded his demeanor the previous day had completely vanished. He was now all smiles, his joy infectious. Yang Yang couldn't help but chuckle—Zlatan was truly a man of contrasts, wearing his emotions openly, yet always rising to the occasion when it mattered most.
On the pitch, Ajax had fully committed to their defensive strategy, leaving no space for Arsenal to exploit. Vermaelen, who had been brought on to shore up the defense, was particularly impressive. Though not the tallest of center-backs, his experience—gained from countless training sessions against the formidable Ibrahimović—made him well-equipped to handle the aerial threat posed by Kanu. The Belgian defender was relentless, using his agility and tactical awareness to disrupt Arsenal's attacks, repeatedly intercepting crosses and making crucial clearances.
Wesley Sonck, now positioned at the forefront of Ajax's defense, was tasked with leading any potential counterattacks. However, with Arsenal applying constant pressure, there were few opportunities to break forward. Instead, the focus remained on maintaining a solid defensive shape, repelling Arsenal's increasingly desperate attempts to find an equalizer.
Wenger, sensing the urgency, waited until the 87th minute to make his final substitutions. He brought on fresh legs, hoping to break down Ajax's resolute defense in the dying moments of the match. Yet despite these changes, Ajax held firm, their defense standing tall against the onslaught. The minutes ticked by, and the tension in the stadium grew palpable.
In the end, Ajax secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. The result sent shockwaves through the football world, but it wasn't the first surprise of the tournament's knockout stage. Earlier that evening, Porto, under the watchful eye of José Mourinho, had stunned Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United, overturning a deficit to win 2-1 at home. Meanwhile, Deportivo La Coruña managed a narrow 1-0 victory against Juventus, and Lokomotiv Moscow pulled off a surprising 2-1 win over Monaco.
Elsewhere, Lyon edged past Real Sociedad with a 1-0 victory, Chelsea secured a similar result against Stuttgart, while Milan played out a goalless draw with Sparta Prague. Bayern Munich also drew 1-1 with Real Madrid in a tightly contested match.
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