Capítulo 52: The Last Push: Ajax's Crucial Showdown
Football is a game played by eleven players, but its essence transcends mere technical and tactical skills. The key to success lies in synchronizing these individuals to function cohesively as a unit. Harmonizing players' ideas and strategies is essential for effective preparation before a match.
The challenge of playing back-to-back matches in a week lies in the limited preparation time. With only three or four days between games, there's often not enough time for focused training. After a grueling professional match, players typically need two days to recover, followed by a day of personalized training and preparation, and then it's time for the next game. This tight schedule leaves little room for extensive tactical work.
This is where tactical meetings become vital. Coaches use these sessions to analyze their opponents, pinpoint strengths and weaknesses, and anticipate possible match scenarios. They also outline their strategies to the players, ensuring everyone understands their roles and the expectations in various situations.
However, this ideal plan can unravel once the game begins. Players may struggle with the opponent's defensive tactics, leading to varied interpretations and decisions on the pitch, which can result in a lack of unified thinking. Continuous teamwork and mutual understanding are essential to overcoming these challenges.
Yang Yang, who joined Ajax in the summer, initially struggled to adapt to the tactical and technical demands of the first team. The simplicity of his role as a right-sided attacker in the second team did not prepare him for the complexities of first-team play. While he could only observe and absorb the routines Ronald Koeman mentioned, he quickly realized the need to enhance his tactical understanding.
Fortunately, Yang Yang is currently on the substitutes' bench, which alleviates some of the pressure. Despite this, he was acutely aware of his tactical shortcomings, especially when Ronald Koeman was discussing intricate strategies. The first-team players' familiarity with these concepts sharply contrasted with Yang Yang's confusion.
During a tactical meeting, Ronald Koeman also highlighted Van der Heyden's capability with his right foot—a detail previously overlooked by the scouting department. Yang Yang had mentioned this privately to Ruud Krol before the game, who then conveyed it to the head coach. Koeman acknowledged Yang Yang's observation with a nod, signaling his appreciation for the young player's attentiveness.
After the tactical session, the coaching staff scheduled a gym session for strength training. Lunch was served at a set time, and afterward, the players returned to their rooms to rest. Yang Yang adhered to his routine, training for two hours in the Dream Training System's before being woken up by Sneijder.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to match preparation. Each player meticulously prepared their kit, from shirts and socks to personal items. Yang Yang received his shirt number 99. Since he had joined the first team midway through the season, he didn't have a permanent number and was given a temporary one. His teammate Vermaelen wore number 33, signaling his role as a substitute.
Yang's favorite number, 9, was already taken by Ibrahimovic. His next choice, number 21, was worn by substitute goalkeeper Stekelenburg. With those numbers unavailable, Yang Yang opted for 99, a number with personal significance. It was a nod to his idols, Ronaldo and Van Basten, and also a playful reference to Vermaelen's number. Ajax's highest shirt number was now worn by Yang Yang.
Yang Yang used Ajax's standard training kit, including boots, socks, and shin guards, all supplied by sponsor Adidas. This equipment was uniform across both the first team and youth teams.
However, there were some perks reserved for first-team players. Some regular starters and key players received Fiat cars, provided by sponsors. Yang Yang had not yet achieved that level of recognition.
Ibrahimovic and Maxwell were among those who received Fiat cars, though Ibrahimovic preferred his Porsche 911. He drove it with characteristic flair, maintaining his unique image.
As Yang Yang prepared his gear for the match, he sensed a palpable change in the mood among his teammates. The anticipation of the game was intense, and everyone seemed to be on high alert.
Even Ibrahimovic, typically the most relaxed and carefree of the group, had become uncharacteristically quiet. With ten million euros at stake, who could afford to take things lightly? The gravity of the situation was evident, and the weight of expectations hung heavily in the air. The entire team understood that this was more than just a match—it was a pivotal moment for the club's future.
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In the evening, the Jan Breydel Stadium, situated on the western outskirts of Bruges, began to fill with eager fans. With a capacity of just 29,000, the stadium quickly swelled with enthusiastic supporters. Ajax, playing away from home, were determined to secure three points to keep their qualification hopes alive. Club Brugge, on the other hand, sought a win to boost their chances of advancing or, at the very least, securing a spot in the UEFA Cup.
The atmosphere was electric as passionate Belgian fans packed the stands, their energy palpable. Club Brugge's Norwegian coach, Trond Sollied, a former professional player, had been at the helm since 2000. Under his leadership, Brugge had won the league the previous season after a five-year drought. This season, they were keen to make their mark in European competition, and their fans were no less enthusiastic.
For Yang Yang, this was his first experience playing in such a large and charged stadium. He felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The sight of thousands of fans cheering for Brugge, their collective voices reverberating through the stadium, filled him with awe.
But awe was not the same as fear.
Yang Yang took a deep breath, pushing aside his nervousness, and focused on warming up with his team.
"How do you feel?" Ibrahimovic asked, grinning.
Despite his usual carefree attitude, Ibrahimovic had his own way of dealing with pressure in crucial moments.
Yang Yang smiled back, "It's a bit complicated."
"Normal for a first game. But once you get used to it, you'll enjoy the feeling," Ibrahimovic assured him.
"And you? How do you feel?" Yang Yang inquired.
"To score a goal in this eagerly awaited stadium, to silence everyone," Ibrahimovic replied, mimicking a goal celebration with a broad smile.
Yang Yang may not fully grasp Ibrahimovic's flamboyant approach, but he understands that everyone has their own way of dealing with emotions and pressure. Ibrahimovic's style is just one of many.
"Don't stress, mate. I'm here. Whatever pass you make—long or short, high or low—I'll get on the end of it," Ibrahimovic continued, offering reassurance.
He had said something similar during the talent scout trials, and Yang Yang hadn't entirely believed him then. But Ibrahimovic had kept his promise. Now, his words were meant to help Yang Yang relax and focus on the game.
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As the final round of the group stage approached, Ajax found themselves away to Brugge, while AC Milan hosted Celta Vigo. Both matches were scheduled for the same time, intensifying the tension as the fate of the teams hung in the balance.
Ronald Koeman's frustration grew palpable when he received the AC Milan line-up. Coach Carlo Ancelotti, who had previously assured the media that Milan would field their strongest team despite their upcoming Toyota Cup commitment in Japan, seemed to have backtracked on his word. The confidence that Ajax had nothing to worry about now felt misplaced and hollow.
Koeman's anger was justified as he reviewed the line-up. Ancelotti had essentially sent out a reserve team. Goalkeeper Abbiati, a backup, was in goal, with defenders Kaladze, Laursen, Costacurta, and Šimić all being second-string players. Costacurta, a veteran, had only recently recovered from an injury. The midfield featured Seedorf alongside the aging Redondo and Cristian Brocchi. Up front, Kaka and Serginho were the main attacking threats, with Borriello as the lone striker.
Except for Kaka and Seedorf, the squad was filled with players who typically warmed the bench. Koeman's frustration was understandable; Milan had already secured their top spot in the group and clearly prioritized the upcoming Toyota Cup over this fixture.
"How is that fair?" Koeman fumed. "Ancelotti promised a strong team, but now this..."
The line-up seemed to undermine the match's importance, revealing Milan's true priorities. Their lack of commitment was obvious, but Koeman had no choice but to accept the situation. His team's focus had to remain on their own performance, regardless of Milan's apparent disinterest.
For the crucial game, Ajax fielded a 4-3-3 formation. Robont started in goal, with a back line of Maxwell, Escudé, Heitinga, and Trabelsi. The midfield trio consisted of De Jong, Van der Vaart, and Sneijder. Up front, Mitea took the left wing, Ibrahimovic was the central striker, and Wesley Sonck played on the right.
This was Ajax's strongest line-up, showcasing their best attacking options. The return of Trabelsi from injury was expected to bolster both the attack and defense on the right flank, though there were concerns about his match fitness after a lengthy layoff.
Knowing that Brugge would likely adopt a defensive, counter-attacking strategy, Ajax faced the daunting task of breaking down their opponent's defense. Success in this endeavor was crucial; a win would keep their Champions League hopes alive. The team's determination and focus were unwavering, despite the external distractions and frustrations. The stage was set for a challenging and pivotal encounter.
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As the game progressed into the second half, the tension was palpable at the Jan Breydel Stadium, with the scoreboard showing a tight 1-1 draw.
The match had unfolded much as anticipated. Ajax, starting aggressively, pressed hard from the beginning, but Club Brugge were well-prepared and organized defensively. Brugge's towering centre-back successfully contained Ibrahimovic, who found it difficult to influence the game throughout the first half. On the left wing, Mitea struggled to leave his mark, often thwarted by Brugge's disciplined defense. The lone bright spot for Ajax in the attack was Wesley Sonck on the right flank. Sonck's efforts culminated in a crucial penalty converted just before half-time, taking his Champions League group stage tally to four goals.
However, it was Club Brugge who initially drew first blood in the 28th minute. They capitalized on a set-piece opportunity, with striker Rune Lange exploiting a lapse in Ajax's defense to head the ball into the net, giving Brugge a 1-0 lead.
After the break, Ajax resumed their relentless assault on the Brugge goal. Despite their efforts, the home defense remained resolute, offering Ajax few clear opportunities to seize the lead.
Simultaneously, at the San Siro, AC Milan and Celta Vigo were also tied at 1-1. Both teams had scored within minutes of each other, with Kaka netting for Milan and Jesuli equalizing for Celta Vigo shortly after.
The situation offered a glimmer of hope for Ajax. Knowing that AC Milan and Celta Vigo were level meant that a draw in their match might not necessarily end their Champions League campaign. However, Ajax knew they needed a goal to secure a better position and were keenly aware that time was slipping away.
The pressure was mounting across all matches—in Brugge, Milan, and the Ajax bench. The outcome hinged on which team could best handle the stress and seize a critical moment.
Club Brugge's coach, Trond Sollied, had just made a tactical change, bringing on Bengt Sæternes for Rune Lange. This substitution signaled Brugge's intent to reinforce their attacking options, potentially pushing for a winning goal to secure their European aspirations. As the clock ticked down, the match poised on a knife-edge, and every decision and play became increasingly vital.
Sæternes and Lange, both towering at 1.87 meters, are known for their prowess in aerial duels. Lange's earlier goal underscored Brugge's effectiveness in utilizing high balls. However, Sæternes brings an additional layer of physicality and presence in the box, making him a strategic asset for Brugge's attack. Although he has only scored once in the group stage compared to Lange's two goals, Sæternes' superior physical strength makes him a formidable challenge for defenders.
Sollied's decision to substitute Sæternes for Lange clearly aimed to leverage Sæternes' ability to dominate physically in the box, posing a new threat to Ajax's center-backs, Heitinga and Escudé. The introduction of Sæternes altered the dynamics of Brugge's offense, intensifying the challenge for Ajax's defense.
As anticipated, Brugge's attack started to focus on utilizing Sæternes' strengths. The Ajax center-backs were visibly struggling to handle his height and strength. In one notable instance, Sæternes won an aerial duel and deftly flicked the ball to a teammate, though the subsequent shot went wide. This close call highlighted the increased danger posed by Sæternes' physicality.
The substitution had an immediate impact, signaling Brugge's intent to exploit Ajax's defensive vulnerabilities with high balls and physical play. Ajax's defenders needed to quickly adjust to this new threat, maintaining vigilance and resilience to counter Brugge's intensified attack. With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, Ajax's ability to adapt and neutralize Sæternes would be crucial in the remaining minutes of the match.
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Yang Yang returned to the bench after his warm-up, just in time to witness a tense moment. The Brugge fans erupted in cheers, only to let out a collective sigh of disappointment as a Brugge player threaded a diagonal pass into the Ajax box. Ajax goalkeeper Robont made a fine save, but the near miss underscored the mounting pressure on the visitors.
Veteran Litmanen, sitting next to Yang Yang, shook his head and sighed. "The Brugge striker is proving dangerous. He's hungry for goals after several games without scoring, and his physical advantage is significant."
The situation was clear: Ajax's center-halves, Heitinga and Escudé, solid as they were, struggled against the taller, more physically imposing strikers like Lange and Sæternes. Meanwhile, Maxwell and Trabelsi, active on the flanks, often left space behind them as they ventured forward. This created openings for Brugge's counter-attacks, which were becoming increasingly threatening.
"Our attack still doesn't click," Litmanen continued. "If we don't sort it out, it's only going to get worse."
Yang Yang nodded in agreement. The issue lay in the distribution of the ball. Ibrahimovic and Van der Vaart, both key players, tended to occupy the same central spaces, leading to congestion. With the wings underperforming, Ajax's attacks were too focused down the middle, allowing Brugge to defend more compactly and effectively. This disjointed attack made it difficult for Ajax to create real threats.
Ibrahimovic, Mitea, and Sonck were all struggling. Mitea had been ineffective on the left, and Sonck, apart from winning the penalty, found it tough going against Van der Heyden on the right.
"It looks like a substitution is imminent," Yang Yang speculated, sensing a tactical shift on the horizon. The team needed a fresh approach, and with Koeman keenly observing from the sidelines, a change seemed likely to break the deadlock and revitalize Ajax's play.
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"Over in Milan, Celta Vigo scored!"
Ronald Koeman's eyes widened in shock as he struggled to process the news relayed by his assistant. "What?"
"Ancelotti has just replaced Costacurta with teenager Abate and reorganised the back line. The result? The defence loosened up. Peter Luccin assisted José Ignacio, and now the score is 1-2," Ruud Krol reported, his concern palpable.
The realization hit Koeman hard. With Celta Vigo taking the lead, Ajax's chances of qualifying were slipping away fast. The need for a decisive change was clear.
"Get Litmanen ready to come on," Koeman ordered urgently.
Ruud Krol turned and relayed the message to Litmanen, who leapt up from the bench, ready for his moment on the pitch.
"Who's coming off?" Krol asked, his voice tight with worry.
Koeman faced a tough decision. Mitea, despite his lackluster performance, was still offering some presence on the left. Sonck, although struggling, had been a key player throughout the group stage. The loss of either would leave Ajax's wings vulnerable, but immediate action was required.
After a moment's hesitation, Koeman made his choice. A minute after Celta Vigo had scored, Ajax made their move: Mitea was substituted for Litmanen.
Van der Vaart was shifted to the left flank, while Litmanen and Sneijder took up central roles, aiming to rejuvenate Ajax's midfield and attacking organization. This substitution marked the beginning of a desperate push for an equalizer.
The urgency was tangible. Ajax needed a goal to keep their qualification hopes alive. A defeat or a draw would relegate them to the UEFA Cup.
In response, Brugge coach Trond Sollied made his own tactical adjustment, bringing on defensive midfielder Smolders as an attacking threat, in a bid to shore up his defence while still posing a threat on the counter.
Ajax pressed forward relentlessly, their attacks growing more desperate with each passing minute. Brugge's defence, however, was resolute. The home side retreated deep into their own half, their organization making it difficult for Ajax to penetrate.
As the minutes ticked away, Ajax's search for a goal became increasingly frantic. The stadium was filled with tension, both teams aware that the outcome of this match would have significant consequences for their European ambitions.
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Commentator's POV
"Ajax made their second substitution, with Soetaers coming on for Wesley Sonck," Michel Wuyts commented.
"This move clearly signals Ronald Koeman's intent to strengthen the attacking front."
"Koeman is throwing caution to the wind and going all out in attack. Van der Vaart, who was ineffective on the left, has been shifted to a midfield forward role behind Ibrahimović. Soetaers is now on the left wing, while Trabelsi, the Tunisian right-back recently returned from injury, takes up his position on the right."
"Ajax are doing everything they can, but time is running out."
"We're in the eightieth minute now, with just ten minutes plus injury time remaining."
"In fact, Ajax could benefit from slowing down their attack a bit to draw Club Brugge out and create more space for attacking maneuvers. But as it stands, they're pressing high, which leaves them vulnerable to counter-attacks. This could play right into Club Brugge's hands, as they're quite adept on the break."
"I'm sure Ronald Koeman is aware of the situation, but he's out of options at this point."
"Celta Vigo are currently leading AC Milan 2-1. The Rossoneri seem to have given up on this game, so a Celta Vigo win is likely. The only way for Ajax to secure a place in the knockout stages is to win here and put pressure on Celta Vigo for the second qualifying spot."
"However, Ajax must be cautious about their defense, especially on the flanks. Pushing forward too much could leave them exposed to counter-attacks from Club Brugge."
"And here we go, Brugge on the counter-attack."
"Van der Heyden is racing down the left. Club Brugge are breaking swiftly."
"Van der Heyden pushes the ball forward, with Trabelsi and De Jong sprinting back to defend."
"He crosses into the penalty area..."
"Goal..."
"Sæternes scores!!!"
"I warned Ajax to watch out for Sæternes."
"He's clearly hungry for goals and has come off the bench to score a crucial one for Club Brugge in the 84th minute."
"That looks like the winner!"
"Sæternes' goal has effectively dashed Ajax's hopes of qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League. If they can't equalize, they risk finishing bottom of the group and missing out on the UEFA Cup."
"This goal is a massive blow to Ajax's morale."
"To concede a goal like that at this stage is a devastating setback for Ajax."
"With only six minutes of normal time left, you have to wonder if these are Ajax's last moments in the Champions League this season."
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