Capítulo 75: Second Leg Champions League Round of 16 Part 1
On the evening of March 10th, the historic Highbury Stadium in London buzzed with anticipation. As the match between Arsenal and Ajax entered its 34th minute, the tension on the pitch was palpable. Arsenal, playing on home turf, launched yet another wave of their relentless attack.
Pirés, ever the orchestrator, received the ball near the center line on the left. With a swift glance upfield, he spotted an opening and, without hesitation, delivered a precise long pass, sending the ball soaring towards the left flank.
Bergkamp, who had been a constant thorn in Ajax's side since replacing Reyes, had been floating across the pitch, exploiting spaces wherever he found them. This time, he drifted to the left, catching Ajax off guard. Collecting Pirés' pass with a deft touch, Bergkamp didn't rush forward. Instead, with a veteran's patience, he waited, allowing Ashley Cole to surge past him, overlapping with blistering speed.
With perfect timing, Bergkamp threaded the ball through Ajax's defensive line, placing it perfectly into the path of the marauding left-back. Ashley Cole didn't break stride as he latched onto the pass, driving towards the byline before whipping in a low, curling cross into the heart of the penalty area.
Thierry Henry, always a step ahead, had already found space between Ajax's defenders. The cross met him perfectly, and with the finesse of a seasoned striker, he side-footed the ball with precision. Robont, Ajax's goalkeeper, could only watch as the ball slipped past him, nestling into the back of the net.
1-0!
The Arsenal faithful erupted in celebration, the Gunners taking the lead in this crucial tie.
Despite the setback, Ajax remained composed. The players, though visibly anxious, stuck to their game plan. They reorganized quickly, maintaining their shape and discipline as they prepared to fend off Arsenal's next assault. Ronald Koeman's team had drilled relentlessly for scenarios like this, and now their resolve was being tested.
Just four minutes later, Arsenal surged forward again. The Gunners' quality was evident as they carved through Ajax's midfield with ease, creating another dangerous opportunity. On the right flank, Ljungberg and Bergkamp were combining brilliantly, their interplay slicing through Ajax's defenses like a knife through butter. Twice they breached the penalty area, but Ajax, through sheer determination, managed to hold firm, preventing further damage.
As the first half drew to a close, Arsenal intensified their efforts. In stoppage time, Ljungberg delivered a piercing through ball, threading it between Ajax's backline. Pirés, timing his run to perfection, slipped behind the defenders, seemingly destined to score. But in a rare lapse, his first touch let him down, allowing Escudé to recover and disrupt his balance. Forced to pass instead of shoot, Pirés laid it off to Henry.
This time, Robont reacted instantly, springing off his line to close down the Frenchman. Henry unleashed a shot, but Robont's quick reflexes saw him make a crucial save, denying Arsenal a second goal.
The relentless pressure from Arsenal had left Ajax's defense on the brink. The woodwork had been rattled, and the goal seemed to sway under the strain, yet somehow, Ajax managed to hold on. From the bench, Yang Yang and Van der Vaart could feel their hearts pounding in their chests, the tension almost unbearable. Watching their teammates battle desperately on the field while being unable to contribute was a torment of its own.
During the halftime break, Ronald Koeman chose not to dwell on the conceded goal. Instead, he commended the team for their grit and resilience in the face of Arsenal's onslaught. He urged them to continue in the same vein, reminding them that as long as they kept the scoreline intact, they still had a fighting chance.
"Hold this score, and we still have hope," Koeman's voice rang out with conviction.
Everyone knew that his words were also a message to Yang Yang and Van der Vaart, who were waiting for their moment on the bench.
As the second half began, Arsenal altered their approach, consciously slowing the tempo of the game. They were no longer the whirlwind of the first half, opting instead for measured possession and calculated moves. In the first ten minutes, they only managed a single shot, which posed no real threat. The intensity of the first half had given way to a more cautious rhythm.
It wasn't until the 64th minute that Arsenal mustered another clear opportunity. Bergkamp, ever the creative force, received a sharp pass from Vieira just outside the penalty area. With a quick swivel, he fired a shot towards goal, but his effort sailed high over the crossbar, much to the relief of the Ajax defense.
The game settled into a slow, tactical battle. Both sides probed cautiously, neither willing to overcommit and risk leaving themselves exposed. The tension in the stadium was thick, the match finely balanced as the minutes ticked away.
...
...
Yang Yang sat quietly on the bench of the visiting team at Highbury Stadium, his eyes locked onto the unfolding drama on the pitch. Except for the moments when he had to run out to warm up, his focus was entirely on the game. As he watched, the more he appreciated the meticulous preparation that had gone into Ajax's strategy for this match.
It was clear that Ajax's coaching team had done their homework. Their research on Arsenal was exhaustive, and the tactical deductions they had made were proving to be impressively accurate. They had anticipated not just the Gunners' lineup, but also their formation and game strategy. Every detail had been scrutinized and planned for.
However, as Yang Yang knew all too well, having accurate intelligence and making spot-on predictions didn't guarantee success on the pitch.
The first half had demonstrated this painfully. When Bergkamp unexpectedly drifted from the right to the left flank, it had caught Ajax off guard. The shift in position led directly to the goal that now separated the two teams. It was a stark reminder that even the best-laid plans could be undone by moments of individual brilliance.
Similarly, in the first leg of their encounter, the seamless one-two interplay between Henry and Pirés had been nearly impossible to predict, much less defend against.
Yet, despite the setback, Ajax remained very much in the game. They were trailing by a single goal, but the situation was far from desperate. The match was still within their control.
Yang Yang reflected on the detailed analysis the coaching staff had provided. Arsenal's gameplay, they had explained, was like a human life: it began with a burst of energy, full of creativity and youthful exuberance. Then came the maturity phase, where their overall strength was fully displayed, steady and dominant. But eventually, like all things, they would begin to fade—this was the final 20 minutes of the game.
According to the coaching team's calculations, if Ajax could hold firm for 70 minutes, they had a real chance to pull off an upset. It was in these final minutes that Arsenal would likely start showing the cracks in their armor, revealing the weaknesses that had been hidden by their earlier dominance.
For instance, their stamina would begin to wane, and Wenger's typically conservative approach to substitutions could play into Ajax's hands.
As the second half progressed, the accuracy of Ajax's analysis became evident. Arsenal's relentless first-half pressure had eased, their tempo slowing as they began to conserve energy.
"When do you think Wenger will bring on Gilberto Silva?" Yang Yang mused aloud, his eyes scanning the field for signs of the Brazilian's imminent arrival.
"Who knows?" Van der Vaart replied, shaking his head.
Vieira and Edu, Arsenal's current midfield enforcers, were both adept at pressing high, but this left gaps when Arsenal were caught on the counter. If Ajax could break quickly and advance into the penalty area, Arsenal's lack of cover at the top of the box would leave them vulnerable.
But that vulnerability would vanish if Gilberto Silva were introduced. His presence would shore up Arsenal's midfield, plugging the gaps and providing an extra layer of protection that would make it much harder for Ajax to exploit any openings.
"We've been giving them too much space on the right," Van der Vaart continued, his tone reflective. "Sikora hasn't been able to keep Ashley Cole in check, and it's letting Arsenal dominate down the left. With Ljungberg and Bergkamp combining on the right, Arsenal's wings have been flying all game."
He paused, then turned to Yang Yang with a smile. "So, how do you plan to play if you get on?"
Yang Yang didn't hesitate. "What's there to think about?"
He knew his role in the team was clear and straightforward: open up the right channel.
Since breaking into the first team, this had become his specialty. Game by game, he had honed his ability to break down defenses on the right flank, improving with each match.
But tonight would be different. Tonight, he would face one of the best left-backs in the world—Ashley Cole.
The challenge ahead was immense, and Yang Yang knew it. Cole's speed, intelligence, and defensive prowess made him a formidable opponent, one who could neutralize even the most talented wingers.
But Yang Yang wasn't one to shy away from a challenge. If anything, the prospect of going up against a player of Cole's caliber only fueled his determination. This was his chance to prove himself on one of the biggest stages in European football.
As he sat on the bench, his mind began to race through scenarios, visualizing the moves he might use to outmaneuver Cole, the angles he could exploit, the spaces he could find. He knew that when his moment came, he would need to be ready to make every opportunity count.
The match was far from over, and Yang Yang knew that his time on the pitch could be the difference between victory and defeat.
...
...
As the match clock ticked into the 70th minute, tension gripped Highbury Stadium. Ajax head coach Ronald Koeman finally called Yang Yang and Van der Vaart over from their warm-up routine. The two players quickly moved to stand beside the coach, their hearts pounding with anticipation.
"The right flank is yours!" Koeman commanded, his voice resolute as he addressed Yang Yang. "No matter what it takes, you must break through on the right. Ashley Cole's energy levels are dropping, and I trust you can exploit that and pose a real threat."
Yang Yang nodded firmly, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the slightly shorter left-back. This was the moment he had been waiting for—a chance to make a decisive impact.
Koeman then turned to Van der Vaart. "The area just outside the box is yours, Raphael. You'll be replacing De Jong. I need you to support Sneijder in the midfield, link up play, and drive forward to create scoring chances."
Van der Vaart, his expression set with determination, nodded as well. He knew the significance of this moment.
De Jong had been solid but was carrying a yellow card, making his substitution a tactical necessity.
Koeman's voice carried a sense of urgency as he delivered his final instructions. "You two are my last cards to play—the team's final hope. If we can't equalize, our Champions League run ends here. Do you understand?"
Both players nodded again, fully aware of the stakes. According to UEFA Champions League knockout rules, the aggregate score over the two legs stood at 3-3, but Arsenal had the crucial advantage of two away goals. If the match ended in a draw on aggregate, Arsenal would advance on the away goals rule. For Ajax, this meant they needed to score—they had to find the back of the net to keep their European dream alive.
Yang Yang and Van der Vaart took Koeman's instructions to heart as they made their way to the sidelines, awaiting the next stoppage in play to enter the fray.
All eyes in Highbury Stadium were drawn to the activity by the Ajax bench. Wenger, ever the tactician, noted the impending substitutions, recognizing the threat posed by Yang Yang and Van der Vaart. But he had anticipated this move.
Arsenal responded swiftly, with Wenger signaling for his own substitution. Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva was ready to enter the match, a move clearly designed to reinforce Arsenal's defensive midfield and protect their lead.
"The two teams are making simultaneous adjustments," the commentator's voice crackled over the stadium's loudspeakers. "Ajax is bringing on two players—Captain Van der Vaart is replacing De Jong, who has had a solid game in midfield. This is a clear signal that Ajax is pushing for more offensive firepower."
The commentator continued, his excitement growing. "The other substitution sees the introduction of the number 99, Yang Yang, who replaces Victor Sikora on the right flank. This is a tactical change aimed at countering Arsenal's left side."
The crowd buzzed with recognition and anticipation. "Fans who watched the first leg won't forget this number 99. Yang Yang scored Ajax's first goal in that match, becoming the youngest goal scorer in Champions League history. He also played a key role in setting up two more goals—an outstanding performance from the 17-year-old."
Meanwhile, Wenger's counter-move was also highlighted. "Arsenal's substitution is a direct response—Gilberto Silva replaces his compatriot Edu, a clear attempt by Wenger to bolster the midfield and address the gaps in front of the penalty area that Ajax might exploit."
The strategies were now laid bare—Koeman seeking to exploit Arsenal's vulnerabilities, and Wenger moving quickly to shore up his team's defenses.
As Yang Yang and Van der Vaart took their positions on the pitch, Ajax's offense began to shift more towards the right. It was clear they intended to utilize Yang Yang's pace and dribbling ability to break down Arsenal's left flank. But Arsenal was ready. Ashley Cole, though tiring, tightened his focus, bracing for the fresh challenge.
Yang Yang's initial touches were cautious. He felt the weight of the moment—the pressure of expectation. The crowd, the stakes, the legendary status of the opponent—all of it was on his mind. He knew he needed to find his rhythm, but Ashley Cole was an imposing presence, making it difficult for him to get into one-on-one situations.
Arsenal, sensing the shift in momentum, made another substitution just three minutes later. Wenger sent on the young Spaniard Reyes to replace Pirés, adding a fresh injection of pace and energy to counter Ajax's growing threat on the right.
"Wenger is clearly wary of Ajax's right side," the commentator observed. "Reyes' speed and directness could keep Ajax's focus away from pressing forward."
With both teams having made two substitutions, the tactical chess match continued, but for the moment, neither side could claim a decisive advantage.
...
After coming off the bench, Yang Yang found himself approaching the game with a degree of caution. He was up against one of the world's best left-backs, Ashley Cole. Despite having played over seventy minutes, Cole still commanded the left flank with a mixture of speed, intelligence, and tenacity that made Yang Yang wary of taking any unnecessary risks.
Yang Yang knew this was no ordinary challenge. When he had faced Clichy, Arsenal's other left-back, in previous encounters, he hadn't been able to dominate as he usually did. Now, against Cole, the task was even more daunting. The night before, during a session in the Dream training system, Yang Yang had specifically simulated scenarios against Cole. Despite his best efforts, he found it nearly impossible to gain a clear advantage over the Arsenal defender.
This experience had reinforced what he already knew: going one-on-one against Cole wasn't going to be enough.
Yang Yang needed support to make a breakthrough, but finding the right partner on the pitch wasn't straightforward. Ibrahimovic, with his imposing presence, needed to stay up front to lead the attack and press Arsenal's central defenders. Trabelsi, the right-back, couldn't afford to venture too far forward either—Ajax's defensive solidity depended on him maintaining his position and focus.
This left only one viable option: Sneijder.
Sneijder, with his vision and passing ability, could be the key to unlocking the left side of Arsenal's defense. He could provide the quick, incisive passes that would allow Yang Yang to exploit any momentary lapses in Cole's concentration or positioning. Yang Yang knew that if they could coordinate effectively, they might be able to outmaneuver Arsenal's left flank.
Yang Yang's mind raced as he positioned himself on the right wing. He needed to time his movements perfectly, find the right angles, and anticipate when Sneijder would look for him. The challenge was immense, but the stakes were even higher.
...
...
"Ajax is shifting their offensive focus to the right flank again," the commentator's voice echoed through the stadium, the tension palpable.
Yang Yang received the ball near the touchline, his eyes scanning for options. With Ashley Cole closing in, he knew he needed to act quickly. A swift pass back to Sneijder allowed him to make a darting run forward, hoping to outpace Cole.
"Sneijder plays a clever pass into the space behind the defense..."
But Ashley Cole, ever alert, tracked back with remarkable speed. As Yang Yang surged forward, Cole slid in with precision, timing his challenge perfectly to knock the ball out of play.
"Brilliant recovery by Ashley Cole, who not only got back in time but also managed to clear the ball safely out of bounds."
Yang Yang, slightly frustrated, gestured towards the sideline referee, indicating that Cole had made contact with his shoulder during their sprint. It was a subtle nudge, a common tactic in high-stakes duels, but the referee waved off the appeal, deeming it too minor to warrant a foul.
"Yang Yang's appeal falls on deaf ears as the sideline referee remains unmoved," the commentator noted.
Ajax prepared for the throw-in. Trabelsi stepped up, scanning for his teammates' movements.
"Trabelsi with the throw... finds Yang Yang, who quickly returns the ball... back to Trabelsi... another pass forward..."
But Arsenal's defense was impenetrable, their players closing down spaces swiftly, leaving Ajax with few options.
"Ajax forced into another throw-in as Arsenal's defense shows no signs of cracking."
With Gilberto Silva now anchoring the midfield, Arsenal's defensive structure had tightened considerably. The Brazilian's presence added an extra layer of protection, making it difficult for Ajax to find any gaps.
"Gilberto Silva's introduction has solidified Arsenal's midfield. Ajax is finding it tough to break through."
This time, Ajax decided to reset the play, opting to send the ball all the way back to their defense, hoping to stretch Arsenal's formation and create new angles for attack.
"Ajax sends the ball back to the defense... a long ball launched forward... Yang Yang is off and running..."
The ball sailed through the air, aimed towards the space beyond Arsenal's backline, but it carried too much pace. Yang Yang, sprinting at full speed, realized it was out of his reach.
"It's a good idea from Ajax, but the pass had just a bit too much on it... even Yang Yang, with all his speed, couldn't catch up to that one."
As the ball rolled out for a goal kick, Yang Yang took a moment to catch his breath, the relentless pace of the game taking its toll.
"Arsenal will restart with a goal kick," the commentator concluded, as the Gunners prepared to regain possession.
...
Despite failing to catch up with the long pass from Heitinga, Yang Yang still flashed a thumbs up towards his teammate, acknowledging the intent behind the play. He quickly turned and sprinted back towards his own half, mentally preparing himself for Arsenal's upcoming goal kick. The clock was ticking, and every second counted.
In just the five or six minutes he had been on the pitch, Yang Yang had come to fully appreciate the reputation of Ashley Cole as one of the world's elite left-backs. The Englishman's performance in the first half had been a display of both defensive solidity and offensive flair. He had operated almost like a winger, constantly pushing up the left flank and delivering dangerous crosses. But now, in the second half, Cole's focus had shifted entirely to defense, and he was proving to be an immovable object.
Yang Yang felt the challenge keenly. Every time he tried to make a positive impact, Cole was there to meet him, calm and composed. Even when Yang Yang managed to find a momentary advantage, Cole's defensive prowess quickly nullified it. The small, subtle nudge during their sprint was a perfect example—a minor infraction that disrupted Yang Yang just enough without catching the referee's eye. It was infuriatingly effective.
The more Yang Yang pressed, the more he understood the gap in experience and skill. Ashley Cole's defensive awareness, honed through years of top-flight football, was on full display. He had the ability to anticipate plays, positioning himself perfectly to intercept or challenge at just the right moment. Yang Yang couldn't help but admire his opponent, even as he struggled to find a way past him.
The same could be said for Arsenal as a whole. The first leg and the first half of this match had showcased the Gunners' potent attack, but now, Yang Yang was witnessing their defensive discipline and tactical acumen. Arsenal wasn't just a powerhouse in the Premier League—they were a European giant with the capability to suffocate an opponent both offensively and defensively.
Wenger's substitutions had been masterful. Reyes' introduction for Pirés had pinned Trabelsi back, preventing him from supporting the attack. Meanwhile, Gilberto Silva's replacement of Edu had fortified the area in front of the penalty box, making it nearly impossible for Ajax to create meaningful threats in that zone.
Ajax had prepared thoroughly for this match, but Wenger's tactical adjustments had countered their plans at every turn. Both of Arsenal's substitutions had been perfectly timed to neutralize Ajax's efforts, leaving even Ronald Koeman on the sidelines with limited options.
At this tactical level, where player quality and strategy collided, Ajax found themselves outgunned. They had few cards left to play, and the clock was not on their side.
As Yang Yang caught his breath, Sneijder, who had been battling on the pitch for eighty grueling minutes, jogged over, his face etched with exhaustion. "You can't get through on the right. What now?" he panted, the weariness clear in his voice.
Yang Yang wiped the sweat from his forehead, his mind racing. He knew there was no easy answer. "We just have to keep trying," he replied, shaking his head. "There's no other way."
Sneijder's expression tightened at the thought of pushing on. He had given everything he had, and the idea of continuing this uphill battle was daunting.
Sensing his teammate's fatigue, Yang Yang attempted to lift his spirits. "Don't worry, I'll keep running. I refuse to believe they can keep everything watertight. There has to be a crack somewhere," he said with a determined edge, the fire of desperation sparking in his eyes.
Yang Yang knew the odds were stacked against them, but he also knew that giving up wasn't an option. If there was even the smallest chance to break through, he was going to find it.
...
...
When Yang Yang received specialized one-on-one training, John van 't Schip had imparted a piece of advice that had stayed with him: "When you're restricted by the opponent's defense and find no way through, the best solution is to run more. Keep moving, keep running, and force the defender to chase you."
That lesson had left a lasting impression on Yang Yang. He understood that while running might not always create an opportunity, not running would certainly leave none.
More recently, Ruud Krol had taught him the intricacies of the Champions League knockout stages, emphasizing why it was the pinnacle of technical and tactical football. The targeted strategies were exceptionally sharp; every team meticulously studied their opponents, identifying and neutralizing potential threats before they could even materialize.
"Earlier in your career, the team could create one-on-one situations for you through teamwork and tactics on the flanks," Krol had explained. "But in the Champions League knockout stages, against top-tier teams, you'll find that this approach doesn't work. They won't easily let you face a defender alone."
"What do I do then?" Yang Yang had asked.
"You learn to create those opportunities yourself."
And how does one create opportunities? By running.
Van Basten, another legendary mentor, had also stressed the importance of movement without the ball. "An exceptional off-the-ball runner can disrupt any defensive system," he had told Yang Yang.
"If you can start running from the very first second and keep running until the final whistle, while maintaining your technique and precision, then congratulations—you've reached the level of a first-class European star."
Van Basten had gone on to share the evolution of football: "In our time, forwards ran about six kilometers per match, then it increased to seven, and now it's closer to eight. If you can push yourself to run nine kilometers, ten kilometers, or even more, no defensive system will be able to contain you."
These lessons from van 't Schip, Krol, and Van Basten had all hammered home one of football's most fundamental truths: the importance of running.
Offense requires running. Defense requires running. Even the goalkeeper must run.
In any given match, there are 22 players on the field but only one ball. The key to winning isn't just about the player with the ball, but also about how the other 21 players move without it.
Yang Yang had often wondered why he could dribble past three players and score easily in amateur games, but struggled to do the same in professional matches. Why was it that he could find one-on-one opportunities in the Eredivisie but was stifled against Arsenal tonight?
Was he weaker than before? No, in fact, he was stronger—much stronger than when he played in amateur leagues. The difference lay in the quality of the other players. The professional game was filled with players whose strength, skill, and tactical understanding were far superior.
Running, something that seemed so simple, was actually incredibly complex. In a high-intensity 90-minute match, managing your stamina, outsmarting your opponents with clever movement, and timing your runs to perfection were all skills that took years to master.
But there was another, more insidious challenge that every player faced: themselves.
The more energy you expend, the closer you push yourself to your physical limits. As you near exhaustion, your willpower becomes vulnerable, teetering on the brink of collapse. It's during these moments that a player's resolve is most likely to falter.
Yang Yang, however, had an edge. With his ability [God's Vision], he could spot defensive weaknesses more quickly and clearly than others. But knowing where to run was only half the battle. He had to keep running, relentlessly.
Sometimes he would make the perfect run, only for his teammate's pass to arrive late—or not at all. Other times, he would make the run, but the ball would be played too early, forcing him to sprint at full speed just to reach it, often in vain.
The football field is a place of constant flux, where no one can predict what will happen in the next second. Running non-stop not only drains physical strength but also tests a player's mental fortitude. After countless fruitless runs, even the most determined player can grow weary, their confidence eroding with each failed attempt, until they finally give up.
Yang Yang had experienced this feeling more than once.
For a full year, during his time at the Almere youth camp, he had endured the grueling rondo drills—a nightmare for him back then. He had felt like a monkey, constantly chased in circles by his teammates, over and over again, day after day. That experience had been nothing short of torture, but it had also been a profound learning experience.
Now, his status had surpassed that of Henk Dimer and others, and his relationship with his former Almere teammates had mellowed. But that grueling year had left a deep, indelible mark on his soul.
It was that experience that had taught him the value of endurance—both in mind and body. It was what allowed him to endure long, monotonous training sessions and, more importantly, to keep running, even when it seemed pointless.
At the very least, every run offered a glimmer of hope.
...
...
In the 83rd minute, Arsenal made their final substitution. Wenger, with a clear intent to seal the match, replaced Bergkamp with the towering striker Kanu. The message was unmistakable—Arsenal was going for the kill. They wanted that second goal to extinguish any remaining hope Ajax might have had and to send the Dutch team packing.
The substitution sent a wave of excitement through the Highbury faithful, who erupted in applause for Bergkamp as he made his way off the pitch. Although he hadn't found the back of the net, his presence had been instrumental, constantly threatening the Ajax defense and reminding everyone why he was still considered one of Arsenal's finest attacking players.
Ronald Koeman, standing on the sidelines, observed the change but had no substitutions left to counter with. His strongest and most attacking lineup was already on the field. There was nothing more he could do but place his trust in the players out there. Strengthening the defense wasn't an option; at this point, it was all or nothing. Whether they conceded one more goal or three more, the result would be the same if they didn't score.
Koeman's strategy was clear: fight for the equalizer. If Ajax could level the score at 1-1, they would take the aggregate lead at 4-3, putting them in a winning position. Once that crucial goal was secured, Koeman's focus would shift to guarding the lead—strengthening the defense to protect the advantage and see out the match. Until then, however, the team's efforts were entirely focused on finding that all-important equalizer.
As Bergkamp took his seat on the bench, Ronald Koeman couldn't help but offer a respectful clap. The Dutchman had been a thorn in Ajax's side throughout the match, even without scoring. However, Koeman's mind quickly returned to the pitch, where the situation was growing more desperate by the minute.
With the introduction of Gilberto Silva, Arsenal's midfield had become even more fortified. Van der Vaart found himself stifled, unable to find the space to create. Ajax, increasingly pressed, had to rely on their wings to push forward. But on the left, they were effectively pinned down by Arsenal's relentless pressure. On the right, Trabelsi was struggling to break free, leaving Yang Yang as the lone warrior, tirelessly running, searching for any opening in Arsenal's defense.
Yang Yang's perseverance was evident. He was a fighter—Koeman had known that from the start. Facing one of the world's best left-backs, Ashley Cole, and up against the might of Arsenal, it was an almost impossible task to ask a 17-year-old to rescue the team. Yet, despite the odds, Yang Yang was giving everything he had.
The minutes dragged on, each second feeling like an eternity. Yang Yang continued to run, to press, to pass, and to transition the play whenever he could. Though he hadn't yet delivered the standout moment that could turn the tide, his relentless effort and the stability of his technical execution were a testament to the hard work he'd put in during his long hours of basic training.
But could this be enough to penetrate Arsenal's steel-like defense?
Just as Ronald Koeman was beginning to lose hope, his head shaking slightly in resignation, something shifted. Out of nowhere, Ajax found themselves with a sudden counterattack opportunity. The pace of the game changed in an instant, and Yang Yang, with all his energy and determination, was at the heart of it.
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