Chapitre 94: UEFA Champions League Final Part 2
"The boss said, don't panic—just keep playing at the current rhythm. The priority is to stabilize the defense and not give the opposition any openings, especially Deco. Keep a close eye on him."
De Jong nodded in agreement after hearing Yang Yang's message, fully understanding the importance of keeping Deco contained.
"Also," Yang Yang continued, turning to Pienaar and Sneijder, "the boss wants you both to pass immediately after receiving the ball in the backfield. Don't carry it forward yourselves—pass it directly to the fullbacks or behind for me and Sonck to chase. Stay disciplined and don't stray from your defensive positions."
Pienaar and Sneijder exchanged a glance, clearly on the same page. They understood Koeman's instructions—to limit risk and play with caution while still creating opportunities through the forwards.
With his message delivered, Yang Yang quickly sprinted up the pitch to the front line, where he relayed the plan to Wesley Sonck and Ibrahimović. The midfielders then passed the adjustments along to the backline, ensuring the entire team was on the same page.
These tactical adjustments had been drilled into the team during their preparations, so everyone understood Koeman's intentions without needing further clarification. The plan was simple: solidify the defense and strike on the counter. Now, it was up to Ajax to execute it flawlessly.
...
"Yang Yang has entered the pitch to deliver Ronald Koeman's tactical adjustments. It'll be interesting to see what Ajax's next move will be—whether they adopt a more attacking threat against Porto or take a more cautious, controlled approach."
"So far, apart from the early attack in the second half, much of the game has lacked excitement. It's been a tactical battle rather than an open, free-flowing contest."
"While we were somewhat prepared for a more reserved match, there's still a desire from the fans for something more thrilling. Hopefully, the first goal comes soon and injects some much-needed energy into the game, sparking both teams into life and giving us a memorable Champions League final."
...
...
Once Yang Yang stepped onto the pitch, all the anxiety and pressure that had weighed on him in the days leading up to the match vanished. His mind cleared, and he was completely focused on the task at hand.
One of Yang Yang's greatest strengths had always been his ability to zone in and concentrate when it mattered most, and this moment was no different.
As soon as he got his bearings, Yang Yang began making his way towards Porto's defensive line, forcing left-back Nuno Valente and center-back Jorge Costa to pay close attention to him. His movements were more of a calculated harassment, aimed at keeping the defenders occupied, while biding his time to exploit any weaknesses as soon as Ajax transitioned from defense to attack.
Just two minutes after coming on, Yang Yang found himself with a glimmer of opportunity.
As soon as the ball reached Sneijder's feet, Yang Yang readied himself to break forward. However, Porto's defenders quickly closed down Sneijder, forcing him to play a safe pass backward.
Moments later, Ajax had another chance. Pienaar spotted Yang Yang making a run and sent a long pass behind Porto's defense on the right flank. Yang Yang accelerated, pushing himself to reach it, but the pass had just a bit too much weight on it. Despite his best efforts, Yang Yang couldn't catch up, and the ball rolled out of bounds near the edge of the penalty area.
Pienaar raised his hand apologetically toward Yang Yang, acknowledging that the pass had been too strong. He had been cautious, aiming to avoid interception, but ended up misjudging the pace, sending it out of play.
"After Yang Yang's introduction, Ajax have clearly shifted their focus to attacking down the right, particularly targeting the space behind Valente. But Porto, under the guidance of Mourinho, are well aware of the threat. Mourinho is shouting instructions from the touchline, reminding Valente to stay disciplined and not get caught out."
"It's a smart tactic from Mourinho, but Yang Yang is fresh and full of energy. His pace will be a real challenge for Valente, who isn't known for his speed. If Ajax continue to exploit the space behind, Valente will struggle to keep up."
"And look at this—Ajax have just won the ball back, and it's with Trabelsi. He's sending another pass in behind the defense..."
...
The moment Trabelsi sent his pass down the right flank, Yang Yang sprung into action. He used his remarkable pace to flick the ball past Nuno Valente and began racing down the sideline. With Valente desperately chasing behind him, Yang Yang was already focused on the next phase of play.
Employing his ability, God's Vision, Yang Yang scanned the pitch. He noticed the defensive setup as he sprinted after the ball, taking control of it just as it hit the ground. Valente continued to chase from behind, while Jorge Costa blocked off the inside of the penalty area, trying to corner Yang Yang into a difficult position.
But just as Valente and Costa seemed to have him trapped, Yang Yang executed a sudden pull-back, shifting the ball between them. With a quick glance, he saw the open space at the edge of the box—a gap that only God's Vision could have identified so swiftly. And there, rushing into the perfect position, was Zlatan Ibrahimović.
Yang Yang played a sharp pass to the front of the penalty area. Ibrahimović read the play beautifully, rushing onto the ball. The Swedish striker unleashed a powerful shot, striking the ball like a cannon toward goal. The stadium held its breath as the shot sailed through the air.
But the ball smashed against the outside of the post, just inches away from giving Ajax the lead. The opportunity was agonizingly close.
Ibrahimović, visibly frustrated, reached up, grabbing his hair in disbelief. He knew how close he had come, and the weight of the missed opportunity was written all over his face. If only he had struck it slightly better, it could have been the game's first goal.
Yang Yang, panting from the effort of the sprint and the play, jogged back to offer words of encouragement as he passed his teammate. "It's alright, Zlatan, there's still time. We'll get another chance," Yang Yang said, trying to lift his spirits.
Ibrahimović, though clearly still frustrated, gritted his teeth and nodded. "Don't worry, I'll find the gap again, and next time, it's going in."
His shooting efficiency had long been a point of criticism from both the media and fans since his arrival at Ajax. Despite his technical brilliance and physical presence, converting chances consistently was a weakness that continued to follow him. In contrast, Wesley Sonck, though tightly marked by Porto's defense, was known for his clinical finishing. But on this night, Porto's defenders had managed to nullify Sonck's usual threat.
The game marched on, with Ajax continuing to press, and Yang Yang knew that the next chance had to count.
...
...
Despite not scoring from the earlier attack, Ajax had posed a real threat, and their fans responded with applause, encouraging their team. The pressure was mounting on Porto, and it showed as Mourinho erupted on the touchline, shouting furiously at Nuno Valente. His frustration was palpable, likely reminding Valente of his pre-match instructions—though Yang Yang couldn't be sure what they were.
One thing Yang Yang did know was that Valente's focus had shifted to him completely. This wasn't surprising. Since Yang Yang's rise to prominence, teams had increasingly adopted tight defensive strategies to neutralize his impact. Valente was now closely marking his every move.
Yang Yang responded by expanding his movement across the pitch. He pulled Valente along, forcing him to follow as he dropped deeper to receive passes, sprinted forward to chase the ball, and pressed aggressively when Porto had possession. His relentless running was taxing on his stamina, but it was a calculated effort to wear down his marker. Valente, frustrated and clearly fatigued, found it difficult to keep up with the fresh-legged youngster.
As the game neared the 80th minute, Yang Yang dropped back to midfield to collect the ball. In a flash, Valente, unable to outpace or outthink him, resorted to a reckless challenge. As Yang Yang moved to control the ball, Valente charged from behind. When it was clear he wouldn't win the ball cleanly, Valente delivered a dangerous tackle. His right foot made contact with the ball, but his left leg followed through, slamming into the back of Yang Yang's right knee.
The foul happened so fast that the referee, Kim Milton Nielsen, didn't see the full extent of it. Valente's follow-through was subtle enough to appear accidental, but Yang Yang felt the full force of the challenge as pain shot through his leg. Losing his balance, he crashed hard to the ground, clutching his right leg in agony.
Ajax's players were quick to react, immediately calling for the referee. Valente, meanwhile, put on an innocent act, extending a hand toward Yang Yang as if to help him up, all while dismissively saying, "Come on, stop pretending! It was just a bit of contact."
Had Yang Yang not experienced the foul himself, he might have been fooled by Valente's innocent demeanor. But he knew the left-back had intended to hurt him. The pain in his leg was intense, and the muscles in his right leg were tight and inflamed.
The Ajax players surrounded the referee, pressing him to take action, especially Escudé, who demanded a yellow card for the challenge. Meanwhile, Yang Yang lay on the ground, the pain so severe that he couldn't stand. The referee eventually called for the team doctor and a stretcher, which only heightened the tension on the pitch.
"If you look at the slow-motion replays," the commentator said, "it's clear that Valente's challenge was reckless and intentional. Yang Yang was completely upended, losing his balance, and the pain is evident. This should be a yellow card, at the very least."
The crowd watched in nervous silence as the referee approached Valente. However, with Valente already sitting on a yellow card from earlier, and without having seen the full incident, the referee hesitated. After a stern warning, he allowed Valente to remain on the pitch, refraining from issuing a second yellow card.
"This is a controversial decision," the commentator continued. "It's clearly a mistake from the referee. That was a challenge that deserved a booking, and Valente should be sent off. But the referee didn't see it in real time the way we did on the replay, and unfortunately for Ajax, they don't get the call."
To make matters worse, Yang Yang was now being carried off the pitch on a stretcher, his face etched with pain. Coach Ronald Koeman stood on the sideline, his expression tense, clearly worried about his young player's condition. The Ajax fans, who had been so full of hope moments earlier, were now anxiously watching, unsure of how serious the injury was.
Yang Yang's substitution had brought new life to Ajax's attack, and his performance had been promising. If he was forced to leave the game due to injury, not only would Ajax lose their main attacking threat on the right, but they would also be down a substitution, severely limiting their options as the game reached its final moments.
The atmosphere in the stadium shifted, as both teams and their supporters awaited the outcome of Yang Yang's injury assessment, with Ajax's hopes hanging in the balance.
...
As Yang Yang was lifted off the pitch, the atmosphere inside the Arena AufSchalke shifted dramatically. The stadium, once filled with the deafening cheers of passionate fans, suddenly fell into a hushed silence. All eyes were on the young Ajax winger, and a wave of concern swept through the stands.
Ajax fans, who had been riding on the energy of Yang Yang's performance, now watched with bated breath, worried about the severity of his injury.
In the stands, Yang Yang's father, Yang Yongqiang, and his uncle Shen Ming sat frozen with worry, their faces etched with fear. The entire family was gripped with anxiety, as were Wei Zheng and Wei Zhen, who stood helplessly, their distress evident. Even the girl sitting next to Shen Lifang, though unfamiliar with Yang Yang personally, could feel the tension and concern radiating from those around her.
The worry was palpable. It spread through the crowd like a ripple, touching not only those closest to Yang Yang but all the Ajax supporters who had come to admire his rapid rise. He had become a beacon of hope for the team, and his potential injury cast a long shadow over the game.
"I hope he's alright," the girl whispered softly to herself, her gaze fixed on the stretcher as it moved along the sidelines. Her eyes, like many others in the crowd, were filled with concern, reflecting the collective anxiety that had gripped the stadium in that moment. The silence spoke volumes, as everyone waited, hoping for good news about the young player's condition.
...
...
"You ask him if there's something wrong with his eyes! It was a clear foul tackle, and he didn't even give a card? My player is injured now—he's only 17 years old! He was on the pitch for just a few minutes, and he gets taken out by an opponent!" Ronald Koeman was livid, his anger directed at the fourth official on the touchline. His voice carried his frustration; the normally composed coach was visibly outraged.
Koeman hadn't realized how much Yang Yang meant to the team until the moment he saw the young player being stretchered off. Over the past six months, Yang Yang had become integral to Ajax's plans, and the thought of losing him in the final filled Koeman with dread. If the injury was serious, it wouldn't just be a blow to Yang Yang—it could end Ajax's hopes in this final.
The fourth official, bearing the brunt of Koeman's fury, tried to remain calm. "The referee enforces the law on the pitch, and no one clearly saw what happened. No card was issued because of that. I understand your frustration, but I'll communicate with the referee," he reassured, though it did little to placate Koeman's anger.
Fuming, Koeman stomped back to the dugout, approaching the medical team as they tended to Yang Yang. "How is he?" he asked, his voice tense with worry.
The team doctor looked up from treating Yang Yang. "He took a hard hit to the thigh. It must have been painful, but thankfully, there's no serious damage. He should be fine after a little while."
The doctor then applied a cold spray to Yang Yang's thigh, the numbing sensation immediately working its magic. The sharp pain began to subside quickly.
"Stand up and test it," the team doctor said, gently patting Yang Yang on the back.
Yang Yang stood, flexing his right leg cautiously. There was still some discomfort, but nothing he couldn't handle. He hopped a few times in place, testing his mobility. Feeling confident, he nodded, "I'm good, I can go back."
Koeman approached and clapped Yang Yang on the shoulders, his face a mixture of relief and lingering anger. "That Valente is playing dirty, and he clearly tried to take you out. You've got to be careful out there. If you need to, avoid him."
Yang Yang, determined, nodded firmly. "I know what to do, boss. He won't get away with it. I'll make sure he regrets it."
Koeman nodded. "I already protested to the fourth official and the referee—they know what happened. Valente escaped a card this time, but next time, he won't be so lucky. I doubt he'll try anything reckless again."
Yang Yang's eyes lit up with determination. "Good. I'll keep my focus."
...
As Yang Yang stood on the sideline once again, waiting for the next dead ball to allow him back into the game, the Ajax fans erupted into a wave of thunderous applause. The stadium roared with renewed energy, sensing that their young star was ready to return.
"We can see that Yang Yang is about to re-enter the pitch, and it looks like he's shaken off the injury," the commentator noted. "From the slow-motion replays, Valente's tackle was indeed rough, hitting Yang Yang hard on the right thigh. But fortunately, it seems there's no lasting damage."
The Ajax fans, hopeful and energized, began chanting Yang Yang's name in unison, urging him on. With just six minutes left in regular time, the tension was palpable. The game seemed destined for extra time, possibly even penalties, with neither side able to break the deadlock.
"With so little time left, both teams are preparing for the possibility of extra time or penalties," the commentator continued. "But the real question is, can Yang Yang come back and produce something special for Ajax? Could he be the one to deliver an unexpected twist before the final whistle?"
As the crowd's anticipation grew, all eyes were on Yang Yang, waiting to see if the young winger could turn the tide and bring Ajax the breakthrough they so desperately needed.
...
When Shen Lifang saw Yang Yang re-enter the pitch under the referee's signal, she couldn't hold back her tears of relief. She had seen her son get injured on TV before, but witnessing it in person was an entirely different experience. In that moment, she had wanted nothing more than to rush onto the field to check on him herself. Thankfully, Yang Yang had gotten up soon after the incident, and now, seeing him back on the pitch brought her a mix of joy and lingering worry.
"Auntie, he's going to be fine. He's strong," the girl sitting next to her said softly, offering a handkerchief and a gentle smile of reassurance.
Shen Lifang nodded, dabbing her eyes, though the fear and concern still flickered in her gaze. Despite the comforting words, her mind raced with questions.
Is he really alright? Can he truly continue playing at full strength?
The joy of seeing Yang Yang back in action was undeniable, but the mother in her couldn't shake the fear of another injury. She could only watch, heart pounding, and hope that her son was as strong as everyone believed him to be.
...
...
When Yang Yang stepped back onto the pitch, his eyes immediately locked onto Nuno Valente. Anger flickered in his gaze, but there was also a sneer curling at the corner of his mouth.
"You really are a hypocrite," Yang Yang muttered under his breath, eyes never leaving Porto's left-back.
Valente glared at him, snorting in contempt. "That's professional football, kid. If you can't handle it, go home and breastfeed. Complaining here won't help."
Yang Yang knew all too well how ruthless professional football could be, but that didn't stop him from despising Valente's dirty tactics. He didn't bother responding further, choosing instead to fix Valente with a cold, mocking stare.
Despite Valente's years of experience and the countless battles he'd faced in his career, being stared down by a 17-year-old unsettled him. A part of him couldn't shake the irritation that came with Yang Yang's calm defiance. The boy's sneer burned into his mind, igniting a rage inside him.
Who does he think he is?*Valente fumed, but just as the thought crossed his mind, Yang Yang took off at full speed.
Valente reacted instantly, spinning around to chase after him, but Yang Yang was already ahead. Unable to catch up, Valente was forced to track back inside, allowing Yang Yang to receive the ball.
With the ball under control, Yang Yang began cutting diagonally into the penalty area. Valente quickly recovered his position, preparing for a one-on-one duel with the young Ajax winger. As the two faced off, Valente knew that his best option was to stall. Time was on his side—if Maniche or his teammates could get back in time, they could trap Yang Yang.
But Yang Yang had anticipated this. His God's Vision ability allowed him to track the positions of every player on the pitch. He knew exactly where Maniche was and how much time he had before being double-teamed.
As Valente continued to backpedal, nearing the edge of the penalty area, Yang Yang slowly advanced with the ball. Just as Maniche closed in, Yang Yang made it seem as though he would drag the ball laterally across the front of the penalty area, tempting both Valente and Maniche to step in for the interception.
Valente lunged, followed closely by Maniche. But just before making contact, Yang Yang pulled the ball back sharply with his left foot, slipping it behind Valente while spinning toward the byline. He had left Valente flat-footed with a brilliant piece of skill in a tight space.
By the time Valente could shift his balance and turn, Yang Yang had already gained a step on him. Sprinting at full speed, Yang Yang crossed the ball with precision, sending it curling past Ibrahimović and the central defenders, finding the back post.
Wesley Sonck was there, ready for the half-volley. The ball dipped perfectly toward him, but at the crucial moment, his timing was off. The Belgian striker's effort crashed into the side netting, missing the target.
A collective groan echoed through the stands, and the crowd began to boo in disappointment. Sonck slammed his fist into the turf, frustration etched on his face. He knew how close he had come.
On the touchline, Ronald Koeman jumped to his feet, furious. "That was the chance!" he shouted, exasperated. No one was marking him. A simple finish, and it's in!
Ibrahimović gestured toward Yang Yang, clearly frustrated. "You should have passed to me!" he shouted.
Yang Yang, shaking his head, calmly explained, "I saw Jorge Costa and Ricardo Carvalho blocking you. If I had passed it to you, they would have cleared it."
Porto's center-backs had been impenetrable throughout the game. Costa's experience and Carvalho's consistency made them a formidable wall, and Yang Yang had made the smarter play.
As he jogged back, Yang Yang glanced once more at Valente, who stood nearby, seething. A sneer tugged at Yang Yang's lips again, knowing how much he had gotten under the defender's skin.
Valente could only stare daggers at him, boiling with anger, as Mourinho's shouts rang out from the touchline. The Porto coach had instructed Valente to mark Yang Yang relentlessly, and for the most part, Valente had done a solid job. But in the key moments, Yang Yang was slippery—like a loach that kept slipping away, just when Valente thought he had him under control.
...
...
"What a troublesome kid!" Porto's assistant coach, André Villas-Boas, muttered as he watched Yang Yang sprint back onto the pitch, his eyes narrowed with concern.
Mourinho nodded slightly, silently agreeing with Villas-Boas's assessment. Yang Yang had become a persistent thorn in Porto's side.
"He's fast, he's active, and he's smart," Villas-Boas continued. "Whether he's pressing high up the pitch or dropping back to help defensively, he's always involved. It's hard to contain a player like that."
There was a subtle hint of criticism aimed at Valente's handling of Yang Yang, but Mourinho remained expressionless, listening carefully. He knew his assistant had a point.
"Running is fine," Mourinho finally replied, his tone icy. "But don't let him take the ball so easily."
Yang Yang's strengths were clear—his pace and willingness to press made him a constant threat. But Mourinho had identified a key weakness: Yang Yang's first touch. As long as Valente stayed close and didn't allow Yang Yang any space, Mourinho believed his impact could be neutralized. The challenge was making sure Valente didn't get rattled or give away another foul, especially with a yellow card already looming over him.
"He got the better of Valente just now," Villas-Boas said, shaking his head with a bitter smile. "I thought after that foul Yang Yang might hold back, but instead, he's become more aggressive. He's not backing down at all, and Valente's playing cautiously now, trying not to make a mistake. If it weren't for the yellow card, Valente might have taken him down already."
A defender playing with a yellow card was always at a disadvantage, like fighting with one hand tied behind your back.
Mourinho nodded again, his eyes darkening. "He knows it too. He's smart—he wants Valente to go in hard again. The referee's watching Valente closely now, and Yang Yang's counting on that. He's waiting for the next foul to force the ref to make a decision, maybe even to make up for that earlier mistake."
The referee had made a misjudgment earlier when he didn't book Valente for the foul on Yang Yang. Mourinho knew that referees often tried to "balance" their calls when they missed something. If Porto committed another foul, the referee might be quick to show a card this time.
"Don't give him a chance!" Mourinho muttered, his gaze fixed on Valente, willing him to stay composed.
After a moment, Mourinho turned to Villas-Boas and gestured sharply. "Get McCarthy warmed up and ready to come on. Unless something unexpected happens, we'll be heading into extra time."
Villas-Boas nodded and quickly headed to the bench to prepare Benni McCarthy. Meanwhile, Mourinho turned his attention back to the pitch, his mind already calculating the next steps.
Just then, Yang Yang made a sudden move, sprinting from the forward line back into the midfield. His hand shot up, signaling to Trabelsi, calling for the ball with confidence.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone