Chapter 88: First Leg Demi-Final UEFA Champions League
On the evening of April 21st, the atmosphere at the Amsterdam Arena was electric. Both Ajax and Monaco had fought hard to reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Each side understood the magnitude of the match, and both managers—Ronald Koeman for Ajax and Didier Deschamps for Monaco—had prepared specific, well-thought-out tactics to counter the other's strengths.
Monaco, despite playing away, began the match on the front foot, using the pace and individual skill of Ludovic Giuly to create early threats. Within the first four minutes, Giuly had already caused two moments of panic in the Ajax defense. On one occasion, a precise through ball sent Giuly one-on-one with the keeper, but just as he prepared to strike, Julien Escudé made a last-ditch sliding tackle inside the box to clear the danger.
Ajax quickly regained their composure, using their home advantage and their superior ball control to dictate the pace. The team's famous passing game gradually suffocated Monaco's initial momentum, especially on the flanks, forcing their opponents into less dangerous positions. The offside trap, drilled repeatedly by Koeman's staff in training, began to pay dividends as both Morientes and Giuly found themselves flagged offside twice in quick succession.
The first ten minutes were cagey, with Ajax managing only a single attempt—a shot from Rafael van der Vaart that didn't trouble the Monaco goalkeeper. But as the match progressed, both teams' tactical discipline became more apparent. Monaco's trident of Rothen, Morientes, and Giuly struggled to find space, with Ajax defenders like Trabelsi expertly cutting off the supply lines, particularly restricting Laurent Lanteri on the left wing.
The match, while intense, was turning into a tactical battle, with neither side able to break through the other's defense. The crowd watched on, eager for a moment of magic to lift the game from its tense stalemate.
That moment arrived in the 31st minute.
Ajax launched a swift counterattack. Left-back Maxwell surged down the wing, passing the halfway line with intent. Spotting Van der Vaart's movement in the middle, he delivered the ball sharply to the Ajax captain. Van der Vaart, sensing the opportunity, drove forward with purpose, his eyes scanning the field. With a sudden shift of play, he slid the ball to Wesley Sonck on the left flank.
Sonck, marked tightly by Monaco's right-back Ibarra, struggled to create space but managed to whip in a cross. The ball took a slight deflection off Ibarra's foot and veered away from its intended target, Ibrahimovic, falling awkwardly to the edge of the penalty area. But Van der Vaart, following up the play, seized the moment. He sprinted forward and, with immaculate control, took the ball on the half-volley with his left foot.
The shot was a thunderbolt.
It flew past the helpless Monaco goalkeeper and crashed into the back of the net. The stadium erupted in wild celebration as Van der Vaart sprinted towards the corner flag, his teammates rushing to join him. The fans, on their feet, chanted his name in unison, their voices echoing around the stadium.
On the bench, Yang Yang jumped up, clapping and cheering with pure admiration. "That was brilliant!" he exclaimed, his eyes locked on Van der Vaart.
He couldn't help but marvel at the skill involved. While the Monaco defense had made a slight mistake in allowing Van der Vaart the space, it was the captain's technical ability that made the goal possible. His first touch had been perfect, controlling the ball under pressure and striking it cleanly before the defenders had time to react.
"It's all in the first touch," Yang Yang said, still in awe. "That was incredible."
Beside him, Thomas Vermaelen chuckled. "Don't worry, you'll get there too. Just keep working on it."
Yang Yang nodded, determined. Vermaelen was right. Van der Vaart's first touch was renowned throughout Europe, and his technical skills were second to none. It was something Yang Yang aspired to—being able to control the ball with such ease and precision.
Over the past few months, Yang Yang had been tirelessly working on his game. With the guidance of Zax in the Dream Training System, his skill level had risen considerably. His abilities, honed through relentless practice, had brought him up to Eredivisie standards. Yet, as his training progressed, he noticed that his improvements were coming slower.
This was expected. In the beginning, when he was still developing his foundational skills, the leaps in progress were noticeable. But as he reached higher levels, it became harder to make significant strides. Moving from mediocre to good had been manageable; going from good to great, however, required much more.
It reminded Yang Yang of the school analogy: It's easy to improve from a zero score to a passing grade, but the jump from 80 to 90 or even 100 is exponentially more difficult. Now, Yang Yang was striving for that higher level—the mastery that separates good players from great ones.
Despite his focus on the Ronaldo and Beckham star skills, Yang Yang realized that his first touch was another area he needed to elevate. Whether it was controlling difficult passes, like Van der Vaart had just done, or maintaining composure under pressure, mastering this aspect of his game was essential.
Yet, Yang Yang knew that while he pursued these new challenges, the foundation of his game—the skills he had developed from the Dream Training System—must not be neglected. "One day off, one day lost," Zax had often reminded him. The consistency in his training, both physically and mentally, was what would ultimately push him to the next level.
As he watched the match unfold, Yang Yang's thoughts remained focused on the future. He understood that he was on the right path, but the journey was far from over. The cheers of the crowd, the sight of his teammates celebrating, and the thrill of competition—all of it fueled his determination to continue improving.
He smiled to himself. "I'll get there," he thought, watching the game with renewed focus. "One step at a time."
...
...
Ajax went into the break with a one-goal lead, and the mood in the locker room was optimistic. Ronald Koeman, standing before his team, was full of praise for their first-half performance. His voice carried a tone of encouragement, emphasizing how well the players had executed the game plan. "Everyone's putting in the work, and we've kept Monaco under serious pressure," he said, his eyes sweeping across the room. But, as any good coach would, Koeman knew there was room for improvement.
The left side had been particularly effective, with Maxwell and Van der Vaart combining brilliantly to create opportunities. However, Koeman turned his focus to the right flank. "We've got to do better on the right," he urged, addressing his midfield.
The problem lay in Trabelsi's dual responsibility. Tasked with containing Monaco's most dangerous playmaker, Jerome Rothen, Trabelsi had been forced to play more conservatively. Rothen's ability to whip in crosses and combine with Morientes was a known threat, and Trabelsi was focused on cutting off that supply. At the same time, Giuly was lurking, always ready to exploit any gaps.
On the other hand, Victor Sikora, Ajax's right-winger, had struggled to capitalize on the opportunities presented. With Monaco's left-back Patrice Evra often pushing forward to support Rothen, there were moments when Sikora could have attacked the space behind him. But those moments went unused. Koeman did not mince his words as he addressed Sikora. His criticism was sharp but constructive, a wake-up call for the winger to step up.
Monaco, trailing after conceding in the first half, made adjustments during the break, and it was clear they were growing impatient. Deschamps had reminded his right-back Ibarra, who had been involved in the mistake that led to Ajax's goal, to focus more on his defensive duties. Meanwhile, Evra was given more freedom to surge forward, and Monaco's plan was clear: they would attack down the left and attempt to exploit Ajax's defensive frailties.
The second half began with renewed intensity from the visitors. In the 56th minute, Evra made a blistering run down the left flank, cutting inside dangerously. Ajax's young defender, Heitinga, made an uncharacteristic error when attempting to clear the ball, and suddenly chaos ensued in the box. Morientes, sensing an opportunity, darted towards the ball, but Heitinga managed to use his body to block the striker's shot at the last moment.
Though the shot didn't find the net, it was a close call. The Amsterdam Arena collectively held its breath as Ajax narrowly avoided a disastrous equalizer. It was a stark reminder of the threat Monaco posed, particularly with Evra surging forward.
Just four minutes later, Evra was at it again. This time, after a slick one-two with Rothen, he charged into Ajax's box. Rothen, arriving just outside the penalty area, floated in a precise cross towards Morientes, who had positioned himself perfectly to challenge Heitinga once more. Morientes leaped, meeting the ball with a powerful header from ten yards out. The ball grazed the underside of the post and spun wide, leaving Ajax's defense rattled.
The momentum was shifting, and Koeman could see that Ajax's backline was beginning to falter under the constant pressure from Evra. The left side of Monaco's attack was finding more and more space to exploit.
"Evra is tearing us apart," Koeman muttered, shaking his head in frustration. He turned to his assistant, Ruud Krol, who nodded in agreement.
"Do we bring on Yang Yang?" Krol asked, concern etched on his face. The young winger had shown promise in recent weeks, but this was a high-pressure situation.
Koeman glanced out at Sikora, who had not lived up to expectations. Despite his earlier success at Vitesse under Koeman's management, Sikora's performances for Ajax had been inconsistent. Brought in as a replacement for Van der Meyde, Sikora had never fully rediscovered his sharp form from earlier in his career. Meanwhile, Yang Yang's rapid rise was making Sikora's position more uncertain.
Earlier in the week, Sikora had approached Koeman, requesting a transfer. The winger felt that his future lay away from Amsterdam, where he had been unable to break into the starting lineup regularly. Koeman hadn't made any promises but had left the door open for discussions with the club's technical department.
Tonight, Sikora's struggles were evident from the start. His inability to capitalize on space and his lack of defensive contribution had left Ajax exposed.
By the 65th minute, Koeman had made up his mind. After a quick discussion with Krol, Yang Yang was called to the touchline. The 17-year-old rose from the bench, full of energy and eager to prove himself. As he made his way onto the pitch, the crowd in the Amsterdam Arena erupted in applause. They had seen glimpses of Yang Yang's potential, and they knew he could be the spark Ajax needed.
Yang Yang took his place on the right wing, full of confidence, while Sikora walked off, his head low, dejected. Watching him, Koeman couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Perhaps bringing Sikora to Ajax had been a mistake. Maybe he would have been better off staying at a smaller club where he could have been the focal point of the attack. But there was no time for regrets now.
Koeman turned his attention back to the game, hopeful that Yang Yang could make the difference. He needed the young winger to contain Evra and, just as importantly, to use his pace and creativity to exploit Monaco's left side.
And Yang Yang did not disappoint. Within minutes of coming on, he was making dangerous runs down the right wing, putting Monaco's defense under immediate pressure.
...
...
In the build-up to the game, Ajax had placed a heavy emphasis on their offside tactics and high pressing. One of the key elements of their pressing strategy was to disrupt Monaco's horizontal passing game. Monaco relied heavily on moving the ball laterally to maintain control and organize their attacks. If Ajax could intercept those passes, they knew it would severely disrupt the flow of Monaco's play.
It became evident that Ajax's tactical preparation was paying off.
In the 67th minute, Ajax successfully intercepted one of Monaco's horizontal passes in the center of the park. Maxwell, ever alert, pounced on the loose ball, cutting off Giuly's pass before it could reach its intended target. Without hesitation, he surged forward, launching a swift counter-attack down the left flank. As a Monaco defender closed in, Maxwell quickly shifted his focus and found Van der Vaart in the middle.
Van der Vaart, however, was tightly marked by his opponent. With no space to advance, he had to shield the ball, waiting for support. Sensing an opportunity, he passed it back to Sneijder, who immediately sent the ball across to the right side.
Yang Yang, already anticipating Sneijder's pass, intercepted the ball on the right wing. He noticed Trabelsi pressing forward from the back, ready to join the attack. Yang Yang seized the initiative, cutting inside before making a sudden move toward the byline, drawing the attention of Monaco's defense. Trabelsi, sprinting forward, latched onto Yang Yang's perfectly timed pass.
However, Monaco's left-back, Patrice Evra, was quick to react. He tracked back with impressive speed, closing down Trabelsi before the Ajax right-back could send in a dangerous cross or cut inside. Evra's defensive effort forced Trabelsi out wide, into a less dangerous position near the right edge of the penalty area. With no space to maneuver, Trabelsi calmly played the ball back to Yang Yang.
Yang Yang, positioned just outside the box, stopped the ball with precision and glanced up at the scene unfolding in the penalty area. Ibrahimović was sandwiched between Monaco's two central defenders, Julien Rodríguez and Sébastien Squillaci, but the Swedish striker was gesturing toward the space behind him, signaling where he wanted the ball.
Yang Yang didn't wait for the Monaco defenders to close him down. With a quick adjustment, he whipped in a low, fast cross that sliced through the penalty area. The ball was perfectly placed, headed directly toward the penalty spot, where danger loomed for the Monaco defense.
...
"Ajax attacks down the right, Trabelsi couldn't find an opening and plays it back to Yang Yang."
"Yang Yang takes a moment to adjust before delivering a precise cross into the penalty area, aiming for Ibrahimovic."
"Ibrahimovic, using his imposing frame, holds off the two Monaco center-backs, expertly controls the ball, and with a quick turn, fires a shot straight into the net!"
"GOAL !!!!!!!"
"GOOOOOOOOOOOAL !!!!!!!"
"In the 68th minute, Ajax doubles their lead with a second goal!"
"Ibrahimovic, the Swedish giant, has scored an absolute beauty!"
As the roar of the crowd filled the Amsterdam Arena, the commentators marveled at the precision of the play. "Looking at the slow-motion replay, you can see the quality of Yang Yang's delivery. His cross was perfectly weighted, landing just near Ibrahimovic's right foot. The Swedish striker used his strength to shield Julien Rodriguez and Sébastien Squillaci, setting himself up perfectly for the shot."
"The turn and shot came so quickly that Monaco's goalkeeper, Flavio Roma, was left stunned. He didn't expect Ibrahimovic to pull off such a quick move between two defenders, but that's the brilliance of the Swedish striker."
"And we can't overlook the contribution from Yang Yang! He came off the bench and has already made an impact. That cross—perfect in both timing and accuracy—reminded me of Beckham's trademark deliveries. There's been talk about Yang Yang studying Beckham's crossing techniques, and you can definitely see the influence here."
...
After Ibrahimovic scored, his excitement was palpable. He burst out of the penalty area, rushing toward Yang Yang with uncontainable energy. Grabbing Yang Yang's hand, the two sprinted side by side toward the edge of the pitch, celebrating with the roaring Ajax fans in the stands.
2-0!
Ajax had extended their lead, and the atmosphere in the Amsterdam Arena was electric. The fans, now in full carnival mode, continued to chant the names of Ibrahimovic and Yang Yang, their heroes of the moment. On the sidelines, head coach Ronald Koeman stood, his arms raised in applause, acknowledging the brilliance of the play.
No one expected Yang Yang to make such an immediate impact after coming off the bench, but there he was, delivering the perfect cross that led to Ajax's second goal.
Who could have predicted this?
Not even Yang Yang himself.
Reflecting on the goal, Yang Yang knew that while his cross had found its mark, it was Ibrahimovic's skill and control that truly made the difference. The Swedish striker's first touch, turning between two defenders, was a moment of brilliance.
To outmaneuver two center-backs of Monaco's caliber was no small feat. Apart from Ibrahimovic, there was no one else in the Ajax squad who could pull off such a move with such composure and strength.
...
...
Having conceded yet another goal, Monaco looked rattled. Deschamps' side, desperate to get back into the game, immediately launched a counter-attack. After all, they had recently created several dangerous chances in front of the Ajax goal and were just inches away from scoring themselves.
Ajax, however, adjusted quickly. The defense stabilized, focusing on absorbing Monaco's pressure and looking for opportunities to counter.
Barely six minutes had passed since Ajax's second goal when Monaco tried to attack again. This time, their forward pass was intercepted by Galásek, who quickly transitioned play. His pass found Sneijder, who spotted Ibrahimovic further up the field and sent a long ball forward.
Ibrahimovic, with the ball at his feet, began to push forward. The Ajax trident came alive as Yang Yang sprinted down the right flank, while Van der Vaart surged through the middle. Sensing the opportunity, Ibrahimovic knew his dribbling speed wasn't his strongest asset, and with Evra having committed to the attack, Monaco's left side was left wide open.
Without hesitation, Ibrahimovic sent a well-placed pass out to the right, where Yang Yang was already in motion. Yang Yang collected the ball just outside the Monaco penalty area, and with a quick feint, pulled Squillaci out of position. In a split second, he cut the ball back into the box, delivering it perfectly to the feet of Ibrahimovic, who had drifted into space unmarked.
Ibrahimovic, always calm under pressure, stopped the ball with precision. After a slight adjustment, he unleashed a low, right-footed shot aimed at the bottom left corner of the net.
3-0 !
The entire Amsterdam Arena erupted into wild celebration, a sea of fans cheering with unbridled joy. In less than ten minutes, Ajax had scored two goals, both created by the connection between Yang Yang and Ibrahimovic.
"Monaco's overall strength just doesn't match up to Ajax's tonight," the commentator exclaimed. "The Dutch giants have the clear advantage in terms of experience and quality. This is a team that reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League last season and is building on that experience. The lineup hasn't changed much since then—Chivu was replaced by Escudé at the back, and Van der Meyde's departure opened the door for Yang Yang on the right."
"For the second consecutive season in the Champions League, Ajax's young stars have shown incredible potential. Players like Van der Vaart and Ibrahimovic have emerged as true leaders. With time, they could develop into Europe's top players, perhaps even global superstars."
"However, Deschamps and Monaco can't lose hope. This is only the first leg, and there's still a second leg to be played at home. But they'll have to overcome this 3-0 deficit and somehow rebuild their morale."
...
...
In the chairman's box at the Amsterdam Arena, China's national team coach Arie Haan kept a close eye on Ajax's progress. His focus sharpened even more after Yang Yang's introduction in the second half, and he had clearly noticed the impact it had on Ajax's right-wing attack.
"This is a tactic perfectly suited to him," Haan remarked, his gaze fixed on the field. "It really plays to his strengths."
Sitting next to him, Louis van Gaal nodded in agreement. "Exactly. His speed and dribbling are his key assets. In this system, he can exploit those strengths. He gets the ball, drives forward, and creates opportunities for others to finish."
While Ajax hadn't necessarily built their entire strategy around Yang Yang, he had seamlessly filled the role previously occupied by Van der Meyde. In fact, his crosses had arguably become even more accurate and dangerous than his predecessor's.
As a result, Ajax's attack seemed to flow more freely when Yang Yang was on the pitch. The team had spent two or three seasons fine-tuning this system, and Ronald Koeman had made it even more refined since taking over as head coach. The players knew it like the back of their hands.
Last season, Ajax had reached the Champions League quarter-finals before being knocked out by eventual winners AC Milan. There was no doubt about the team's overall strength, and with an additional year of experience, the players had matured both mentally and physically. They were more competitive and cohesive than ever before.
The struggles in the first half could largely be attributed to the absence of Van der Meyde. Without a proper replacement for him, Trabelsi had been left isolated, unable to make an impact on the right flank. The lack of offensive threat caused their overall play to suffer. With Escudé now in place of Chivu at the back, the defense also experienced a few lapses early on.
But after Koeman's halftime adjustments, especially following Yang Yang's introduction, Ajax returned to the form that had brought them success in previous seasons. The results in the second half spoke for themselves.
Of course, Ibrahimovic's raw talent was undeniable. Wesley Sonck, a former Belgian First Division Golden Boot winner, also possessed an impressive goal-scoring ability, making the Ajax front line lethal. In midfield, Van der Vaart and Sneijder not only distributed the ball well but also orchestrated the flow of the game. Pienaar, De Jong, and Galásek provided a solid balance, ensuring the midfield could support both the attack and defense.
Trabelsi, a Ballon d'Or nominee and regarded as one of the best right-backs in Europe, added further strength to the team. On the left, Maxwell, who had earned comparisons to Roberto Carlos, offered his own attacking prowess. Overall, Ajax's strength was clearly superior to Monaco's.
"Both Arsenal and Real Madrid were left embarrassed when they faced Ajax, and Monaco is feeling the same tonight," one of the analysts remarked. "Especially after Yang Yang came on, Ajax have shown their real strength."
"He's developed such a great understanding with the forwards," observed De Yang, noting Yang Yang's synergy with Ibrahimovic and Sonck.
Van Gaal smiled knowingly. "They're good friends, actually. They live across the street from each other and often train together outside of official practice. Their understanding on the pitch reflects that."
Arie Haan and De Yang exchanged thoughtful glances, now beginning to understand why Yang Yang had been utilized so effectively at Ajax. Not only did he have the individual skill to make a difference, but Ajax's system was perfectly suited to his talents.
For Haan, it also presented ideas on how Yang Yang might be used for the national team. Yang Yang was clearly a sharp weapon—used correctly, he could be an unstoppable force in the upcoming Asian Cup.
However, Haan's concern for the national team wasn't just about wing play—it was about finishing. His strikers had struggled to score, and that remained the persistent issue plaguing the team. How to resolve that problem would be a crucial challenge.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
GxDesailly
GxDesailly Yang Yang vs Lamine Yamal. Comment who is better in the comment since they just have one year difference. who has the best first professional season.
Me, l think for the moment yamal first full season is better since he won the Euro but if Yang Yang win the champions league and also the Asian Cup, Yang Yang first season would be considered better. What do you think?
Don't forget to review the those who didn't. We 60 fans who gave me stones so normally we need to have 60 comments reviews don't you think?
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone