章 85: Second Leg Champions League Quarterfinal End
After the referee awarded the penalty, Yang Yang quickly made his way to the sidelines. According to the rules, with his jersey torn, he needed to change into an intact one before he could return to the field.
"Good job!" Ronald Koeman greeted him with a smile and a brief hug, his relief evident. This penalty was critical—if converted, it would almost certainly seal Real Madrid's fate.
"I just did my best," Yang Yang replied with a humble chuckle, though the gleam in his eyes hinted at the satisfaction of having made such an impact.
Koeman didn't need to say much more; the look of appreciation in his eyes spoke volumes. "Doing your best" might sound simple, but to actually execute it, especially in the high-stakes environment of a Champions League match against Real Madrid, was something else entirely.
Ruud Krol, who had been instrumental in Yang Yang's development, handed him a fresh jersey. "Here you go," Krol said with a proud smile. He had always seen potential in Yang Yang, ever since Fred Arroyo first scouted the young talent. Krol had nurtured him from the beginning, guiding him through the challenges of breaking into professional football. Now, as Yang Yang's performances improved with every match, Krol couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment. He had found a gem, and that gem was now shining brightly on one of the biggest stages in football.
As Yang Yang changed jerseys, the Ajax players on the pitch gathered to discuss who would take the crucial penalty. Wesley Sonck, Sneijder, and Captain Galásek debated briefly, but it was clear that there was no consensus. Traditionally, Galásek would be the one to step up, but he seemed hesitant.
After a few moments of discussion, the three players ran to the sidelines to consult with Ronald Koeman. The head coach, after a moment of contemplation, turned his gaze toward Yang Yang, who was just finishing changing his jersey. Koeman nodded at Sneijder and Galásek, signaling that Yang Yang should take the penalty.
As Yang Yang walked back onto the pitch alongside Sneijder, he was met with a surprising statement. "We all feel that you should be the one to take this penalty," Sneijder said, his tone firm.
"Me?" Yang Yang was caught off guard. He had only taken a penalty once before in a match, and that had been more of a gesture from Van der Vaart, passing on the responsibility during a less crucial moment.
Sneijder nodded. "Everyone else has played for more than ninety minutes. We're all exhausted, both physically and mentally. This penalty carries a lot of pressure. You've just executed a brilliant counterattack, and you're the freshest player on the field. It's only right that you should take it."
He patted Yang Yang on the shoulder, offering a final word of encouragement. The weight of the moment was not lost on Yang Yang, but he knew he couldn't back down now.
With determination, Yang Yang walked past his teammates and into the penalty area. The stadium was a cauldron of noise, but for him, everything seemed to fade into the background. He focused solely on the task at hand. He placed the ball carefully on the penalty spot, pressing it down to ensure it was stable. Then, he stepped back slowly, his heart pounding in his chest.
...
"Yang Yang has been chosen to take the penalty for Ajax."
"It appears this was a unanimous decision by both the players and head coach Ronald Koeman."
"At just seventeen years old, Yang Yang now faces one of the world's top goalkeepers, Iker Casillas."
"According to our records, Yang Yang has only taken one penalty before in a competitive match—during the KNVB Cup knockout stages against Feyenoord. On that occasion, he confidently struck the ball straight down the middle of the net. But tonight, with the immense pressure of the Champions League quarterfinals and facing Casillas, can he replicate that success?"
"Right now, the eyes of the football world are on him. Over 50,000 fans inside the stadium, including Real Madrid supporters, are holding their breath. The pressure on this young player is immense, far greater than anything he has faced before. The stakes couldn't be higher. Can Yang Yang withstand this pressure and deliver when it matters most?"
"I'm sure I'm not alone in feeling the tension. Fans in the stadium and viewers watching from home are all anxiously waiting to see what happens next."
...
Yang Yang stood at the penalty spot, his eyes tightly shut, blocking out the noise of the crowd and the sight of Casillas moving restlessly along the goal line. He focused solely on controlling his breathing, slowing it down to calm his racing heart. He needed to clear his mind, to trust in his instincts and training, and to feel the moment through the "God's Vision" granted by his Dream Training System.
He knew, of course, that this penalty was entirely different from the one he had taken in the KNVB Cup. The stakes here were infinitely higher. A goal would not just put Ajax ahead but would effectively knock Real Madrid out of the Champions League, a monumental achievement for his team. But if he missed, there would still be three long minutes of stoppage time—three minutes in which Real Madrid could rally and snatch back victory.
And there he stood, between Yang Yang and a place in football history—Iker Casillas, one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation. His name was already etched into the annals of football alongside legends like Buffon. Yang Yang was acutely aware of Casillas' reputation, particularly his knack for saving penalties in the most critical moments. The weight of expectation, the eyes of thousands in the stadium and millions more around the world, pressed down on him like a heavy cloak.
Which way will he dive? Yang Yang thought to himself. He knew that penalties were often about deception—either by going for an impossible angle or striking with blistering speed. But with the pressure bearing down, it was easy for technique to falter, leading to a wayward shot into the stands.
Yang Yang prided himself on his strong mental fortitude, a quality that had seen him through many tough moments in his young career. But this was the Champions League, and he knew he needed to be calm, precise, and above all, confident.
When he opened his eyes again, his gaze locked onto Casillas. The goalkeeper stared back, focused, trying to read any sign, any slight movement that could give away where Yang Yang would aim. But instead of showing nerves, Yang Yang allowed a small, almost imperceptible smile to creep across his face. It was a smile of confidence, a smile that said I'm ready.
The referee's whistle pierced the air, signaling the moment of truth.
Yang Yang took a deep breath and then began his approach. His run-up was calm and measured, but with a sudden, deliberate pause in the middle—a technique meant to throw off Casillas, to make him commit early. And then, with his right foot, he struck the ball.
It wasn't just about power or placement; it was about composure, about executing under the most intense pressure of his life. The ball shot off his foot, speeding towards the goal.
...
"Goal!!!!"
"Goooooooal!!!!!!"
"Yang Yang has done it again! He scores with another penalty, this time slotting it straight down the middle, just like he did in his previous attempt."
"What a daring move! To go for the middle twice in a row, especially against a goalkeeper like Casillas, takes immense confidence."
"From the slow-motion replay, you can see the brilliance in his execution. There was a very deliberate pause in his run-up, clearly designed to throw Casillas off. And it worked perfectly—Casillas committed to one side, only for Yang Yang to calmly push the ball right down the center. Casillas was completely fooled."
"This penalty was a masterclass in composure and psychological strength. Yang Yang showed nerves of steel, choosing to stay calm under immense pressure."
"4-1! Real Madrid has been completely dismantled!"
"Yang Yang has delivered the final blow, sealing Real Madrid's fate!"
...
The moment Yang Yang's penalty kick found the back of the net, the Amsterdam Arena erupted in an explosion of sound and emotion. Fifty thousand fans leapt from their seats, their voices uniting in a deafening roar as they chanted Yang Yang's name in unison, filling the stadium with a wave of exhilaration.
Yang Yang, overcome with the magnitude of the moment, dropped to his knees in the penalty area, his arms raised in triumph as he soaked in the adulation of the crowd. The sheer intensity of the cheers washed over him, a powerful surge of emotion that left him breathless. This was the feeling he craved, the intoxicating rush of success that made all the hard work, the sacrifices, and the pressure worth it.
His teammates quickly swarmed around him, their shouts of joy blending into a cacophony of celebration. The energy was electric, the collective euphoria of a team that had just achieved the unthinkable. Yang Yang couldn't make out their words—everything was a blur of noise and excitement—but he didn't need to. The only thing that mattered was the pure, unrestrained joy they all shared in that moment.
There was no room for calm or rationality now. In this instant, they were all caught in the whirlwind of victory, completely lost in the madness of the game they loved.
...
...
Van Gaal sat quietly in the chairman's stand, his eyes fixed on Yang Yang as he stepped up to take the crucial penalty. The roar of the Ajax fans chanting Yang Yang's name reverberated through the stadium, a powerful tribute to the young player's journey. As Van Gaal listened, a wave of emotion washed over him, and he felt a lump rise in his throat, his nose stinging with the onset of tears.
In that moment, his thoughts drifted back to the young, determined boy practicing his basic skills against a graffiti-covered wall in Almere Skate Park. Back then, Yang Yang was an unknown, a nobody, struggling to find his place even in Almere's modest youth setup. It seemed almost impossible that this unremarkable figure would one day become the hero of Ajax.
But here he was, not just holding his own, but thriving—earning the adoration of tens of thousands of fans, leading Ajax in one of their most memorable European nights. Yang Yang's journey was a testament to his relentless determination, his tireless work ethic, and his unwavering belief in himself. Step by step, through sheer grit and perseverance, he had climbed from obscurity to stardom.
As the reality of it all settled in, Van Gaal couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride. He had watched this journey unfold before his eyes, had played a part in nurturing this young talent, and now, he was witnessing the fruits of that labor. The thought that Yang Yang might become Ajax's next idol, especially after Van der Vaart's inevitable departure, filled him with a deep sense of satisfaction.
A year ago, none of this would have seemed possible. But now, the unimaginable had become reality.
"Louis, it seems that not to mention five thousand, even ten thousand euros may not be enough to satisfy Raiola for Yang Yang's salary," Van Praag sighed, breaking the reverie.
Van Gaal nodded, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. What could he say? He remembered how, not long ago, Raiola had suggested a modest salary of three thousand euros for Yang Yang, only for Van Gaal to reject it. But the world had changed since then, and so had Yang Yang's worth. Now, such a figure would be laughable—a mere pittance for a player of Yang Yang's emerging stature.
They both knew that offering such a salary now would be seen as an insult, not just by Raiola, but by anyone who understood the game. Yang Yang had earned his place among the stars, and Ajax would need to show real sincerity if they wanted to keep him.
"Times have certainly changed," Van Gaal finally said, his voice tinged with the bittersweet acknowledgment of just how far Yang Yang had come—and how far he still had to go.
...
...
The moment Yang Yang's penalty found the back of the net, the fate of the game was all but sealed. Real Madrid, despite their best efforts, couldn't muster the energy or spirit to mount a comeback. The superstars who had dominated European football were visibly exhausted, their once-dominant presence on the pitch now diminished by the relentless pressure from Ajax and the toll of the intense match.
The head referee, aware of the impact of the late penalty, added four minutes of stoppage time, but it was more a formality than an opportunity for Real Madrid to turn the tide. As the seconds ticked away, it became clear that the night belonged to Ajax.
When the final whistle blew, the Amsterdam Arena erupted into a frenzy of jubilation. Ajax had done the unthinkable: they had overturned a seemingly insurmountable deficit to defeat Real Madrid 6-5 on aggregate and secure their place in the Champions League semi-finals. It was a momentous achievement, marking the first time Ajax had reached this stage of the competition since the 1995-96 season.
The entire stadium was swept up in a wave of celebration. For years, Ajax fans had watched as their beloved club, once a powerhouse of European football, struggled to keep pace with the continent's elite. The departure of the Golden Generation players nurtured by Van Gaal had seen the club's fortunes decline, relegating them to the status of a second- or third-tier team in Europe. It was a painful reality for the fans, who had longed for the glory days to return.
But now, after years of rebuilding and nurturing young talent, Ajax was once again on the rise. This new generation of players—featuring stars like Ibrahimović, Van der Vaart, Sneijder, Trabelsi, Maxwell, Heitinga, Escudé, De Jong, Wesley Sonck, and the 17-year-old sensation Yang Yang—had lifted the club back into the spotlight. They had reignited the hopes of Ajax fans and reestablished the club as a force to be reckoned with in European football.
The prospect of facing Ligue 1 side Monaco in the semi-finals, who had just advanced by drawing 2-2 with Chelsea and winning 5-3 on aggregate, added to the excitement. The other semi-final would see Porto go head-to-head with Deportivo La Coruña, a surprising lineup that shocked football fans worldwide. The absence of the usual powerhouses from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and the Bundesliga in the semi-finals made this Champions League season one of the most unpredictable and thrilling in recent memory.
For Ajax, the journey was far from over, but this victory against Real Madrid was a clear signal to the world: the Dutch giants were back, and they were here to reclaim their place among Europe's elite.
...
...
Miracle in Amsterdam! Ajax Overturns Galácticos with Four-Goal Comeback at Home!
Superstars Toppled: Real Madrid Endures Humiliating Defeat!
After Tactical Missteps, Blame Falls on Themselves as Dutch Youths Dismantle the Unbeatable Galácticos!
Ajax Stuns Real Madrid as the "Second Ronaldo," Yang Yang, Steals the Show!
Galácticos Exhausted: Real Madrid's Over-Extended Stars Now Brace for Summer Rebuilding!
A Night of Disgrace! Only One Real Madrid Player Leaves the Netherlands with His Head Held High!
The headlines from around the world captured the shock and awe of Ajax's incredible victory over Real Madrid. In what will be remembered as one of the most dramatic comebacks in Champions League history, the young Ajax squad, led by their rising star Yang Yang, overturned a three goals deficit to eliminate the star-studded Galácticos with a 6-5 aggregate score.
...
The morning after Ajax's miraculous victory, newspapers and media outlets across the Netherlands, Spain, and the world were abuzz with reports on the shocking outcome of the Champions League quarterfinals. The headlines captured the disbelief of fans and pundits alike, as the footballing world grappled with the unexpected and dramatic downfall of Real Madrid at the hands of a young Ajax side.
In the lead-up to the match, Real Madrid held a 4-2 advantage after their first-leg victory at the Bernabéu. With a two-goal cushion, most observers expected the Galácticos to finish the job in Amsterdam and secure their place in the semifinals. The media and fans alike envisioned a straightforward victory for the Spanish giants, showcasing the brilliance of their superstar lineup.
However, the reality of the match left everyone stunned. When Real Madrid scored early in the first half of the second leg to extend their aggregate lead to 5-2, it seemed as though the tie was over. Ajax needed three goals to even have a chance, and against a team as star-studded as Real Madrid, that seemed an insurmountable task.
But the second half saw a miraculous turnaround. Ajax, fueled by a combination of youthful energy and tactical brilliance, scored four goals to overturn the three-goal deficit and secure a 6-5 aggregate victory. It was a performance that few had seen coming, and it sent shockwaves through the footballing world.
"Yang Yang, a 17-year-old Chinese teenager, came off the bench at halftime and needed only 45 minutes to showcase his extraordinary talents on the right wing," one report highlighted. "His crosses, one-on-one dribbles, and blistering pace left the Real Madrid defense in tatters. Yang Yang's performance was nothing short of spectacular."
The young winger's standout moment came in the form of a penalty that sealed the game, following a breathtaking solo run of over sixty meters. "Yang Yang used his incredible speed and agility to break through four Real Madrid players—Roberto Carlos, Cambiasso, Solari, and Mejía—evoking memories of Ronaldo in his prime," one article noted. "Meanwhile, the older Ronaldo could only watch from the forward line as the young prodigy stole the show, a shadow of his former self."
In just 45 minutes on the pitch, Yang Yang scored one goal, provided two assists, and orchestrated Ajax's remarkable comeback. His performance earned him the title of Man of the Match, making him the youngest player in Champions League history to receive the honor. It was also his first time winning the accolade, a testament to his burgeoning talent and the bright future ahead of him.
While Yang Yang and Ajax received widespread praise, the Spanish media quickly turned their ire towards Real Madrid. Marca, one of Spain's leading sports newspapers, did not hold back in its criticism. "Real Madrid's performance was unworthy of the Galácticos title," the paper declared, highlighting the players' apparent lack of fitness and the team's inability to cope with Ajax's relentless pressure.
"In fact, signs of fatigue were evident even in the latter stages of the first half," Marca continued. "By the second half, Real Madrid's players were unable to keep up with the pace and intensity set by Ajax, leading to a complete collapse. Our superstars were reduced to spectators as Ajax repeatedly found the back of the net."
The newspaper also laid blame on head coach Carlos Queiroz and his staff, but it didn't stop there. Marca pointed fingers at the club's management, criticizing them for organizing last year's grueling preseason tour of Asia. "The decision to prioritize commercial interests over proper summer preparations has now come back to haunt the team," the paper asserted.
Moreover, Real Madrid's defensive frailties were laid bare for all to see. "Casillas, the team's goalkeeper, voiced his frustrations after the game, criticizing the porous defense that had been a long-standing issue. Everyone close to the team knew that this moment was inevitable, but few expected it to unravel so disastrously at the Amsterdam Arena last night," Marca reported.
"We played well in the first half, leading 1-0, but we were utterly dismantled in the second half," Casillas was quoted as saying. "We fell into Ajax's trap and couldn't keep up with their rhythm. The weaknesses in our defense were ruthlessly exploited, leaving us exposed and vulnerable."
The loss marked a dark chapter in Real Madrid's storied history, a night where the Galácticos were brought to their knees by a young, fearless Ajax side. For Yang Yang and his teammates, it was a night of triumph, a victory that would be remembered for years to come. For Real Madrid, it was a bitter reminder that even the most star-studded lineups are not invincible.
...
In addition to Marca, the Real Madrid mouthpiece Diario AS also ran a striking headline on its front page: "Self-Deception? No!"
Diario AS took a critical stance on Real Madrid's disastrous defeat, emphasizing that the loss should serve as a wake-up call for everyone at the club. The paper argued that the management must realize that football is not merely a game of superstars; it requires adherence to the fundamental principles of the sport rather than reckless spending.
"When Beckham transitioned into a central midfield role, many of us doubted him," the article stated. "In fact, over the past season, he has faced significant criticism. But after last night's debacle, we must admit that Beckham has proven to be the most vital player on this team."
The article continued, "With Beckham, we managed to beat Ajax 4-2 at home. Without him, we suffered a humiliating 1-4 defeat on the road. Borja looked like a puppet throughout the entire match, easily manipulated by the opposition, and Cambiasso, who replaced him, must take responsibility for the final goal we conceded. Guti, on the other hand, was completely invisible."
Diario AS pointed out the glaring defensive issues Real Madrid faced, highlighting how easily Ajax exploited their midfield and defensive lines. "Ajax penetrated our defense almost at will with every attack. Their counterattacks effortlessly sliced through our midfield, and Yang Yang, wearing the number 99 shirt, orchestrated attack after attack from the right flank. Meanwhile, our superstars were still upfield, passively waiting for the ball."
The newspaper also directly criticized head coach Carlos Queiroz, arguing that his tactics and lineup choices were flawed from the outset.
"At the end of the first leg, there were already doubts about Queiroz's decision to start Mejía at center-back," the article noted. "At that time, the team had won 4-2, so those doubts seemed less pressing. But the second-leg defeat confirmed our worst fears."
The paper highlighted a key tactical mismatch: "Ibrahimović stands nearly two meters tall, yet Queiroz tasked Mejía, who is under 1.8 meters, with marking the towering Swede. The goal conceded in the second half exposed the inadequacy of Queiroz's lineup."
The article questioned, "Why wasn't Pavón chosen? Standing at 1.88 meters, he would have been a better match for marking Ibrahimović. At the post-match press conference, Queiroz defended his decision, arguing that Mejía is less prone to errors. Perhaps he's right; Pavón has made more mistakes in the past, but assigning a shorter player to mark a giant like Ibrahimović—was that the right choice?"
Diario AS didn't stop there, extending its criticism to Queiroz's handling of the team's superstars. The paper compared the approaches of Queiroz and Ajax's coach Ronald Koeman, noting that while Koeman rotated his lineup throughout the two legs, Queiroz stuck with his regular starters.
"Ronaldo's form has clearly declined, an undeniable fact," the paper stated. "His talent is unquestionable, but he needs rest. Why does Queiroz insist on leaving Ronaldo on the pitch, where he was practically sleepwalking, instead of rotating him out?"
The article also expressed frustration with Queiroz's reluctance to give younger players more opportunities, arguing that he missed the chance to develop the squad's depth. "Queiroz's conservative approach might be understandable in pursuit of results, but his mistrust of young players is troubling. He should have given more minutes to players like Portillo."
The article concluded with a pointed reflection: "Perhaps this defeat to an Ajax side with an average age of just 22 will finally prompt Queiroz to reassess his strategies."
...
Following Real Madrid's shocking elimination at the hands of Ajax, the international media landscape was abuzz with contrasting narratives. While Spanish outlets like Marca and Diario AS were quick to criticize Real Madrid's management and coaching decisions, other media outlets offered high praise for Ajax's remarkable performance. The 17-year-old Chinese sensation, Yang Yang, was the focal point of much of this admiration, earning accolades from around the globe.
Dutch media were particularly effusive in their praise, declaring that Yang Yang had officially taken up the mantle as the "Second Ronaldo" in front of the original Ronaldo himself. This comparison, once seemingly far-fetched, now felt apt as Yang Yang's performance in the Champions League cemented his status as a rising star. His contributions had been pivotal in Ajax's journey, from their dramatic comeback against Club Brugge to their victories over Arsenal and Real Madrid. In every crucial match, Yang Yang had risen to the occasion, playing a key role in Ajax's success.
Mainstream media across various countries quickly turned their attention to the 17-year-old. Analysts and pundits alike acknowledged that Yang Yang was the decisive factor in Ajax's victory over Real Madrid. His meteoric rise over the past six months, particularly in the Champions League, had captured the imagination of football fans worldwide. Not only had he become the youngest goal scorer in the history of the competition, but he was also the youngest player ever to be named Man of the Match in a Champions League fixture.
Back in China, the response to Yang Yang's achievements was nothing short of euphoric. The morning after Ajax's victory, the nation's media outlets—from state-run newspapers and national television to online forums—were abuzz with discussions about the young prodigy. Yang Yang's story was portrayed as one of perseverance and hard work, but his undeniable talent led many to label him a "genius."
The excitement surrounding Yang Yang had been building since his performance against Arsenal, but after the win over Real Madrid, he became a national sensation. Chinese football fans began to see him as the great hope for their nation's footballing future, a potential leader who could finally take Chinese football to the next level on the global stage.
Yang Yang's rapid rise also sparked significant interest from Chinese football authorities. Arie Haan, the head coach of the Chinese national team and a former Ajax player himself, was among those who publicly expressed their admiration for Yang Yang. In an interview with Chinese media on the night of Ajax's victory, Haan declared himself a fan of the young star and announced that he had already reserved a spot for Yang Yang in the national team for the upcoming Asian Cup, which would be held in China.
Haan also mentioned his plans to visit Amsterdam to negotiate with Ajax about Yang Yang's availability for national team duty, particularly for the Asian Cup. The tournament was of great importance to China, and having Yang Yang on the team was seen as a potential game-changer.
It wasn't just the senior national team that had its eyes on Yang Yang. The Chinese National Youth Team, recognizing that Yang Yang was younger than most of their current players, also expressed a strong desire to include him in their squad. The youth team coaches were eager to have him participate in the Toulon Cup and the upcoming Asian Youth Championship, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the World Youth Championships in the Netherlands the following year.
In just one night, Yang Yang's name transcended the borders of the Netherlands and became known worldwide. Media outlets, fans, and football enthusiasts began to remember and celebrate his name. Yang Yang had not only captured the hearts of Ajax supporters but had also become a symbol of hope for Chinese football. His journey from a relatively unknown player in Almere to a global football sensation was a story that resonated with millions.
As Yang Yang's star continued to rise, the world watched eagerly to see how far this young talent could go. His future seemed boundless, and with the support of his club, country, and countless fans, he was poised to achieve even greater heights in the years to come.
週次パワーステータス
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット