UEFA Super Cup Part 1

On the evening of August 22, at the iconic Amsterdam Arena, the atmosphere was electric. The stands were packed with Ajax supporters, their voices ringing out in anticipation as the game against NAC Breda entered its twelfth minute. 

It was supposed to be a routine match for Ajax, especially after their dominant start. Yet, football has a way of turning on its head in an instant. 

Breda, playing away, suddenly seized an opportunity. After intercepting a loose pass in midfield, they quickly launched a counterattack. Anouar Diba, their pacey right-winger, was the catalyst. Bursting down the flank, he surged forward, exploiting the space left behind Ajax's high defensive line. 

Vermaelen, Ajax's center-back, scrambled to close him down, but Diba was too quick. Using a burst of acceleration, he bypassed Vermaelen with ease, cutting inside as the defender was left chasing shadows. With a quick glance up, Diba sent a low, driven cross into the Ajax penalty area. 

Yuri Cornelisse, unmarked and alert, positioned himself perfectly at the edge of the box. Without hesitation, he struck the ball first-time with a clinical volley. The ball rocketed past the outstretched hands of Ajax's keeper, smashing into the back of the net. 

0-1! 

For a brief second, the entire Amsterdam Arena fell into stunned silence before a collective gasp of disbelief rippled through the stands. The roar of the Breda supporters in the away section only intensified the shock. 

Ajax fans, who had been buoyed by their team's attacking start, were blindsided by the sudden shift in momentum. Yang Yang, particularly lively on the right wing, had been pulling the strings, creating numerous chances and pushing Ajax closer to an opening goal. His darting runs and clever passes had convinced everyone that Ajax were on the verge of scoring. 

Yet, in the blink of an eye, Breda had struck first, leaving the home crowd dazed. 

The reaction in the stands mirrored the Ajax players' emotions on the pitch. Faces full of frustration, the team struggled to comprehend how they had fallen behind despite dominating the early stages. Disappointment spread like wildfire, not just among the fans, but within the team itself. 

Vermaelen, in particular, was visibly deflated. He had been left in a difficult position during the goal—isolated one-on-one against Diba's blistering speed. In such situations, the defender is often left at a disadvantage, forced to react to the attacker's every movement. And when Diba turned on the afterburners, Vermaelen was caught out, unable to recover in time. 

It was hard to pin the entire blame on him, yet football, especially at this level, can be unforgiving. It didn't matter that Vermaelen had been put in an unenviable position. The fact remained—he had been beaten. And, after last week's nervy encounter against Twente, where Ajax's defense had nearly cost them the win, this latest setback only piled on more pressure. 

Vermaelen could feel the weight of expectation bearing down on him. With Twente almost equalizing in the previous match and now Breda capitalizing on a defensive lapse, Ajax's back line was under scrutiny. And to be "eaten alive," as the fans might say, left a bitter taste in his mouth. 

The young Belgian defender tried to shake it off, but the frustration was evident in his body language. His head hung slightly lower, his strides less confident. As a leader in defense, he felt responsible—not just for his performance, but for the team's sudden lapse in concentration. 

The disappointment hung in the air, not only on the pitch but throughout the stadium. Ajax, a club synonymous with attacking football, now found themselves chasing the game in front of their home crowd. And for a team that prided itself on controlling possession and dictating the tempo, falling behind like this was a bitter blow. 

But there was no time to dwell on it. The game continued, and Yang Yang knew they had to respond quickly. If they wanted to claw back into the match, it would take more than just technical skill. It would require mental resilience, a collective push to regain their focus and strike back before Breda could settle into their lead. 

Yang Yang glanced towards the dugout, where the coaching staff were urging the players to reset and keep pressing. This was a critical moment—not just for Vermaelen, but for the entire team. 

... 

... 

"The goal came out of nowhere. Now, Ajax must focus on regaining their composure as quickly as possible," the commentator's voice echoed through the stadium, laced with concern. 

"We can see Ronald Koeman on the sidelines, urging his players to stay calm and composed." 

"It's still early in the match—conceding one goal isn't catastrophic, but if Ajax loses focus now, things could spiral out of control." 

On the pitch, the Breda players were clearly riding high on the momentum. Their confidence visibly grew after the unexpected lead. 

"Breda looks energized, and this goal has certainly lifted their spirits," the second commentator chimed in. "Ton Lokhoff's team has had a strong start to the season. In their first match against Utrecht, they came from behind twice before snatching the win, thanks to a late goal by Diba." 

"Now, with that form, they've come to the Amsterdam Arena with a clear strategy. They've defended well so far, and with Ajax having sold off much of their core over the summer, Breda sees an opportunity to pull off an upset on Ajax's home turf." 

"Ten minutes into the match, and you have to say, Lokhoff's tactics are working to perfection." 

The camera zoomed in on Koeman, pacing the technical area, gesturing to his players. 

"Now the question is, how will Koeman and Ajax respond to this early setback?" 

... 

... 

The moment Yuri Cornelisse's strike hit the back of the net, Breda's head coach, Ton Lokhoff, could barely contain his excitement. He clenched his fists and nearly jumped in the air, his face lighting up with exhilaration. 

The goal had come out of nowhere—a swift counterattack that caught Ajax off guard. For Lokhoff, it was the perfect start, the kind of moment every underdog team dreams of in an away fixture against a giant like Ajax. 

"I knew it!" Lokhoff said with a grin, turning to his assistant coach. "I've been saying all along—this Ajax team isn't the same as last season." 

His laughter was filled with the satisfaction of a coach whose plans were unfolding exactly as predicted. 

"Since preseason, I've been watching them closely. They sold off five of their core players in one go, and it's completely disrupted their balance. The new signings are either too young or haven't had time to gel with the squad." 

He paused, his eyes gleaming with insight as he reflected on Ajax's current state. "But the real problem," he continued, "is that they've lost their identity. Losing Ibrahimovic and Van der Vaart has left them without a focal point. This team doesn't know who they are anymore. They're missing a core presence, someone to control the game and lead from the front." 

His assistant coach nodded in agreement. "They're too inexperienced." 

It was a known fact—last season, Ajax had fielded one of the youngest teams in Europe, with an average age of just 22. It had been nothing short of a miracle that such a youthful squad had gone on to win the Champions League, defying all odds. But after the sale of five key players over the summer, that average age had dropped even further, leaving Ajax with a squad brimming with talent but lacking in seasoned leadership. 

Lokhoff compared this situation to Eindhoven, who had also lost stars like Kežman and Robben. However, PSV had managed to keep their core midfield and defense intact, giving them a stability Ajax sorely lacked. With an increased average age, PSV had maintained a solid structure, allowing them to remain competitive. 

Ajax, on the other hand, had used their summer transfer earnings to clear debts instead of reinvesting in top-tier players. Their most notable signing, Charisteas, had cost a mere three million euros—a far cry from the caliber of player needed to replace the likes of Ibrahimovic. While Charisteas had shone at the European Championship, his struggles at Werder Bremen were no secret, and many doubted whether he could deliver consistently in the Eredivisie. 

Lokhoff's confidence only grew as the match unfolded. Everything he had anticipated was coming true. Breda's tactical setup was working perfectly, and Ajax was showing signs of disarray. Young teams, no matter how talented, often crumbled under pressure, especially when key players were missing. 

As the game progressed, Lokhoff saw his opportunity. "If we can hold steady, we'll force Ajax into making mistakes. It's only a matter of time," he thought, his eyes narrowing with determination. The cracks in Ajax's defense were already beginning to show, and Lokhoff was eager to capitalize. 

His mind raced with possibilities. The temptation of pulling off a historic win at the Amsterdam Arena—defeating the reigning European champions on their own turf in the early days of the new season—was too great to ignore. 

Pacing the sidelines, Lokhoff moved towards the touchline, signaling to his players. He waved his hands urgently, gesturing for them to push higher, to press Ajax harder. He wanted them to pile on the pressure, to disrupt Ajax's already shaky rhythm even more. 

He wasn't here to settle for a draw. Lokhoff wanted to win. 

... 

... 

Like everyone else on the pitch, Yang Yang was feeling the weight of disappointment settle over him. The mood was heavy, the sting of conceding so early cutting deep. It was as if someone had stolen his thunder on what should have been a triumphant occasion, the kind of day when everything should have gone right. 

He couldn't shake the feeling of frustration—like a groom robbed on his wedding day. 

Sure, Ajax had sold five of their core players over the summer, and yes, their overall strength had dropped noticeably. But no one expected them to be humiliated like this at home, by a team like NAC Breda. The home crowd had come expecting a confident performance, yet here they were, trailing and struggling to regain control of the game. 

What irked Yang Yang more than anything was his teammates' sluggish response to conceding the goal. Instead of rallying together and launching a fierce counterattack, Ajax seemed disorganized, allowing Breda to push even harder. The visitors were pressing their advantage, smelling blood in the water, and Ajax—uncharacteristically—were allowing them to do so. 

After the restart, Ajax couldn't even string two or three passes together before losing possession again. Breda, sensing an opportunity, pressed high up the pitch, with their defensive line pushing closer to the halfway mark. It was an aggressive move, and once again, they managed to work the ball into Ajax's penalty area. 

On the sidelines, Ronald Koeman was clearly anxious. His shouts to the players reflected the rising tension, urging them to stay calm and push the defensive line forward to relieve the pressure. 

Yang Yang knew that this couldn't continue. If they allowed Breda to dictate the tempo and keep piling on pressure, it would only be a matter of time before they conceded again. A second goal would be disastrous, especially at home. 

With a quick decision, Yang Yang adjusted his positioning. He moved closer to the center of the pitch, expanding his range of movement to cover more ground. His focus shifted towards Breda's two midfielders, Marcel Koning and David Mendes Da Silva. 

Before the match, Ajax's scouting reports had highlighted Breda's midfield vulnerabilities. Marcel Koning, while physically imposing, wasn't even Lokhoff's first choice for the defensive midfielder role. Originally, Lokhoff had planned to start Orlando Engelaar, who had been their standout player in Breda's 3-2 comeback victory against Utrecht. 

Engelaar had been a crucial figure in that game, responding to Utrecht's early goal within minutes and dominating the second half with a commanding performance. But shortly after that match, Engelaar transferred to Belgian club Genk for one million euros, eager to play in European competitions. With Engelaar gone, Lokhoff had no choice but to hurriedly slot Marcel Koning into the lineup. 

Yang Yang recalled the detailed notes given to him by Ruud Krol. Breda's midfield was composed of strong, physical players, but they lacked finesse. Koning's pass completion rate was notably poor, and David Mendes Da Silva, while powerful, wasn't known for his technical skills. Mendes Da Silva had only recently transferred from Sparta Rotterdam, and his lack of cohesion with the rest of the team showed. His timing and rhythm with the Breda squad were still shaky—an opportunity Ajax could exploit. 

Koeman had gone over these details extensively before the game, urging his players to capitalize on Breda's weak midfield link. Now was the perfect moment to put that plan into action. 

Yang Yang made up his mind. He had to disrupt Breda's midfield, force mistakes, and regain control of the match. He quickly signaled to his teammates, Wesley Sneijder and Steven Pienaar, using a series of familiar gestures. 

They had played together long enough to understand one another's signals on the pitch—no words were needed. Sneijder and Pienaar caught Yang Yang's eye and nodded subtly, understanding his intention. 

The plan was simple: target Breda's weak points in midfield. If they could press Koning and Mendes Da Silva, force them into rushed decisions, Ajax could regain control of possession and counter quickly. Yang Yang would drift centrally, adding an extra body to the midfield battle, while Sneijder and Pienaar positioned themselves to exploit any space that opened up. It was a calculated risk, but one they had to take. 

Yang Yang felt his pulse quicken as the moment approached. He knew they couldn't afford to let Breda control the game for another minute. The crowd was restless, and the tension on the pitch was palpable. But with a coordinated push, Ajax could turn the tide back in their favor. 

... 

... 

After regaining possession, Breda cautiously attempted to build their play from the back, tentatively passing the ball forward. But without any clear openings, they were forced to retreat, passing back to their midfield and defense to reorganize. 

As soon as the ball reached the midfield, Steven Pienaar sprang into action, pushing up aggressively to lead the press. His target was clear: Marcel Koning. 

Koning, having just received the ball from his central defender, had barely controlled it when Pienaar was already closing in. The pressure was immediate, and Koning had no time to settle. Instinctively, he turned his back to shield the ball from Pienaar, but the press was relentless. In a rushed attempt to escape, Koning played a quick sideways pass to a teammate who had raised his hand, calling for the ball. 

David Mendes da Silva received the pass, seemingly unaware of the looming danger. Focused on the incoming ball, Mendes da Silva failed to notice Yang Yang quietly approaching from behind, moving like a shadow, eyes locked on the ball. 

By the time the Breda players realized the threat and shouted to warn Mendes da Silva, it was already too late. Yang Yang had timed his approach perfectly, arriving just as the ball reached Mendes da Silva's feet. 

The Dutch midfielder, a towering figure close to one meter ninety, with a muscular build, seemed imposing at first glance. He dwarfed Yang Yang physically, but what he had in size and strength, he lacked in agility. His plan was simple—use his bulk to turn and drive forward, pushing Ajax further back. But in his attempt to take control, he miscalculated. Mendes da Silva's intention was to face forward, taking the ball with him in stride, but Yang Yang had anticipated the movement. 

Just as Mendes da Silva tried to take his first touch, Yang Yang pounced. With a perfectly timed interception, his left foot met the ball cleanly, deflecting it away from Mendes da Silva's control. 

The ball ricocheted off Yang Yang's foot and sailed past Breda's unsuspecting midfield, breaking their structure in an instant. In one swift motion, Yang Yang had turned defense into attack. 

The Breda midfield was left scrambling as Yang Yang surged forward, eyes scanning the field for the next move. Breda had overcommitted, and now, Ajax had the chance to launch a dangerous counterattack. 

... 

"Ajax intercepts the ball in the front third!" 

"Yang Yang immediately surges forward with the ball—he's moving at blistering pace, and Ajax is on the counterattack!" 

"Pienaar is sprinting through the middle, and Wesley Sonck is pushing forward on the left. It's a three-on-three situation in the frontcourt!" 

"Breda's central defenders scramble to react, but Yang Yang shows no signs of slowing down. He pushes the ball ahead, dribbling past the first defender with ease…" 

"Brilliant! Yang Yang bursts into the penalty area, leaving the defense in his wake—it's him versus the goalkeeper now! He winds up… he shoots…!" 

"Goal!!!" 

"Gooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaal!!!!!" 

"The Amsterdam Arena erupts! In the 14th minute, Ajax equalizes! It's 1-1!" 

"Breda's lead lasted just two minutes, and Ajax strike back to level the score." 

"What a sensational goal from Yang Yang! A brilliant solo effort!" 

"After intercepting the ball near the halfway line, he drove forward a full forty meters, cutting through Breda's defense like a knife through butter, before calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper." 

"This goal will undoubtedly lift Ajax's spirits. The perfect response!" 

... 

As soon as Yang Yang broke through and scored, an intense heat surged through his body. It was as if he was on fire, adrenaline pulsing through his veins. But there was no time for celebration. His instincts kicked in, laser-focused on the bigger picture. 

Instead of turning to soak in the applause, Yang Yang immediately sprinted towards Breda's goal. He reached the ball before the opposing goalkeeper could react, scooping it up swiftly. Without missing a beat, he dashed back towards the center circle, clutching the ball tightly in his arms. His face was set, determined. 

He wasn't satisfied with just equalizing. There was more to be done. 

Reaching the halfway line, Yang Yang tossed the ball down in the center circle, signaling his intent. He jogged back to Ajax's half, his mind already working, dissecting Breda's defense. He had spotted a vulnerability, a weakness in their structure—he had caught their "dead hole," as he liked to call it. 

They thought they could come into the Amsterdam Arena and walk away with a victory? Yang Yang was determined to show them otherwise. Breda had gotten their early goal, but that didn't mean they had the strength to withstand Ajax's full might. 

Ajax might have been in a transitional phase, but they weren't a team to be taken lightly. Not by anyone. 

... 

"Yang Yang looks absolutely relentless! No celebration after the goal—he immediately grabs the ball and rushes it back to the center circle." 

"The fans in the stadium are on their feet, chanting his name in unison! The energy in the Amsterdam Arena is electric!" 

"With this decisive move, Yang Yang is sending a clear message to both his teammates and the fans—the game is far from over. In fact, it's only just beginning." 

... 

... 

"Ajax intercepts the ball high up the pitch, launching another swift counterattack. Yang Yang makes a darting run down the right flank—he's moving with real intent!" 

"Breda's defense scrambles to get back into position. The question is, what will Yang Yang do this time?" 

"Yang Yang drives into the box, looking dangerous. Breda's central defender, Pieter Collen, rushes across just in time to block the cross!" 

"But it's not fully cleared—the ball ricochets out of the box, falling perfectly at the feet of Sneijder!" 

"Sneijder takes aim—he shoots!" 

"Goal!!!" 

"Wesley Sneijder, with a thunderous strike from outside the box, has put Ajax in the lead!" 

"What an incredible long-range effort! Ajax complete the comeback with a stunning reversal!" 

"Sneijder's shot was sublime, but let's not forget how this play started—it all began with Yang Yang's relentless pressure on the right wing." 

"Ajax fans will remember that Sneijder had a similar run of form at the start of last season, scoring crucial goals in back-to-back games to lift the team in times of trouble." 

"And once again, Sneijder has stepped up—but he owes a huge thanks to Yang Yang for setting the stage!" 

... 

"Breda's play has become increasingly unruly in this period, with a series of sloppy passes and miscommunication. Their passing and receiving have been riddled with errors." 

"And there it is again—another misplaced pass! Ajax are quick to pounce, launching another counterattack!" 

"Sneijder picks up the ball in midfield and shifts play to the right. Yang Yang receives it, one-on-one with the defender." 

"Here he goes, attempting the breakthrough! Yang Yang's pace is electric, but this time Pieter Collen has positioned himself well. He's holding his ground and preventing Yang Yang from getting past." 

"Yang Yang attempts the cross—it deflects off the defender and goes out for a corner kick!" 

"Yang Yang steps up to take the corner for Ajax. Let's see if he can create something dangerous from this set-piece." 

"Yang Yang delivers a perfectly curled corner into the penalty area… Vermaelen leaps high…!" 

"Goal!!!" 

"3-1! Ajax further extends their lead!" 

"The energy in the stadium has completely shifted. You can see the confidence flowing through Ajax's players—they're looking much more assertive and positive." 

"Breda, on the other hand, are struggling. Their passing errors are piling up, and under Ajax's relentless midfield pressure, they're looking increasingly passive." 

"Vermaelen immediately runs over to Yang Yang, hugging him tightly around the waist. He knows he has his teammate to thank for that assist!" 

"This goal means so much for Vermaelen—it washes away the sting of his earlier mistake and redeems him in the eyes of his team." 

... 

"The first half is winding down, but Ajax are still pressing forward with another attack." 

"Sneijder slides the ball out to the right. Maicon bursts forward to join the play, and the trio—Sneijder, Maicon, and Yang Yang—combine with quick, sharp passing down the flank." 

"Yang Yang makes a brilliant run, breaking free from the defense, sprinting into the penalty area. He strikes it with precision…!" 

"The goalkeeper dives at full stretch to make the save…" 

"But wait—Goal!!!" 

"Oh my goodness, it's an own goal!" 

"Pieter Collen, the Breda defender, looks absolutely devastated. He chased Yang Yang all the way into the box, but after the goalkeeper's save, the ball ricocheted off Collen's leg and bounced into the back of the net." 

"4-1 to Ajax! What a bizarre and heartbreaking moment for Breda!" 

"You can see the despair on Collen's face. He had been struggling to contain Yang Yang all night, and now this—an own goal. He's completely lost his confidence." 

"Yang Yang has been unplayable in this first half. Breda's defense simply can't cope with his speed and movement down the right wing." 

"Ajax, meanwhile, have looked dominant in the first half, and Yang Yang's dazzling performance has been reminiscent of his explosive displays late last season." 

"It's almost unbelievable when you consider he's only seventeen." 

"The last player to make such a massive impact at this age was probably Robben, when he was breaking through at Groningen. He had that same spark, showing incredible strength and skill from his debut." 

"But, I have to say, Yang Yang's accomplishments at seventeen are even more remarkable." 

"Not only has he already won the Champions League, but over the summer, he also lifted the Toulon Cup and the Asian Cup, and was named the best player in the Asian Cup. That's something Robben couldn't have dreamed of at this age." 

"Tonight, Yang Yang has shown he can lead Ajax out of adversity when it matters most. He's playing like a core figure, someone the team can depend on in critical moments. The only question now is how long he can maintain this incredible form." 

... 

... 

As the referee blew the final whistle, the entire Amsterdam Arena erupted in thunderous applause and cheers. The energy inside the stadium was electric, a celebration of Ajax's emphatic victory. 

The scoreboard in bold red letters displayed the final score: 6-2. 

On the sidelines, Breda's coach, Ton Lokhoff, stood helplessly, hands spread in resignation. He had calculated everything, strategized meticulously, but there was one factor he had underestimated—Yang Yang. 

Though Yang Yang only played for 60 minutes, his impact was undeniable. By the time he left the pitch, Ajax were already in command with a 5-1 lead. Shortly after his substitution, Charisteas added another assist, setting up Maxwell for the sixth goal. Breda managed a late consolation, scoring from a corner in the dying moments of the match, but it was too little, too late. 

A 6-2 victory was a statement of intent from Ajax as they kicked off the new season with a dominant performance. 

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Eredivisie, PSV Eindhoven continued their impressive form. In their home fixture, they thrashed AZ Alkmaar, managed by Louis van Gaal, with a 5-1 scoreline. This heavy defeat pushed Alkmaar perilously close to the relegation zone early in the standings, leading to renewed criticism of van Gaal's ability to turn things around. 

The media wasted no time in fueling the narrative of van Gaal's struggles, questioning his tactics and leadership in the face of mounting pressure. 

Yang Yang, out of respect for his former mentor, called van Gaal after the match to check in on him. To his surprise, van Gaal's voice was calm, almost relaxed. Despite the defeat, the veteran coach remained unfazed. 

"It wasn't all bad," van Gaal remarked over the phone. "The start of the second half was our downfall—we conceded three goals in quick succession. But PSV are the strongest team in the Netherlands this season. If Ajax hadn't sold so many key players, it might have been a fight, but as things stand, it's going to be tough." 

Yang Yang had no reason to doubt van Gaal's judgment. His former coach had an unwavering loyalty to Ajax, but his candid assessment of PSV's strength spoke volumes. Under Guus Hiddink, PSV had assembled a formidable squad, and their performances reflected that. Hiddink's influence was clearly paying dividends this season. 

It was also clear that PSV and Ajax were operating on very different levels financially. While Ajax had been forced to sell players to pay off debt, PSV had reinvested their money wisely, strengthening the team with new signings. The gap between the two clubs was evident, not just on the pitch but also in how they managed their resources. 

The round of matches also saw Feyenoord secure a commanding 4-0 victory over Willem II, with Dirk Kuyt continuing his incredible goal-scoring form. Kuyt netted his fourth goal of the season, making him the top scorer in the Eredivisie after just two rounds. 

Ajax's upcoming opponent, Utrecht, also delivered an impressive 5-1 victory against Roosendaal, with center-forward van der Haar grabbing the headlines by scoring a hat trick. His clinical performance was a reminder of the challenge that lay ahead for Ajax in their next fixture. 

While the atmosphere in the Amsterdam Arena was jubilant, there were still significant hurdles to overcome in the coming weeks. Yang Yang knew the road ahead would be tough, especially with PSV looking as strong as ever and Ajax facing stiff competition from clubs like Feyenoord and Utrecht. 

But for now, Ajax had secured a crucial win, and Yang Yang's performance had once again proven his growing importance to the team. The season had just begun, and while challenges loomed large, so did opportunities for Ajax to rise above the adversity. 

... 

... 

Three days later, Ajax's third-round match in the Eredivisie was rescheduled to midweek due to their upcoming UEFA Super Cup fixture. 

Given Yang Yang's young age and the demands of the season ahead, the team's medical department decided to give him a break from this league game, allowing him to focus on preparing for the UEFA Super Cup. After all, overloading young players with too many matches could lead to burnout, and Ronald Koeman knew the importance of managing Yang Yang's development carefully. 

Koeman had already made adjustments to the back line in the previous two rounds, but after mistakes from both Maicon and Vermaelen, the coach decided to bench them for this match. Grygera and Vlaar were brought into the starting eleven, but the defensive frailties persisted. 

Twenty minutes into the game, Utrecht capitalized on Ajax's shaky defense. Striker Darl Douglas broke through and calmly slotted the ball into the net, putting the visitors ahead 1-0. 

Ajax struggled to respond. Despite dominating possession, their attack lacked sharpness, and they failed to create any significant chances. Worse still, Utrecht began to look increasingly dangerous on the counterattack, threatening to extend their lead. The growing tension in the stadium was palpable as the home fans became anxious with each passing minute. 

By the hour mark, Ronald Koeman had seen enough. He could no longer afford to wait. Desperate to change the game's flow, he decided to bring on Yang Yang, who had initially been rested to conserve energy for the UEFA Super Cup. The young star was sent on to replace right-winger Tom De Mul, who had struggled to make an impact. 

The moment Yang Yang stepped onto the pitch, the atmosphere shifted. His presence alone seemed to inject energy into the team. His first touch came almost immediately, and he wasted no time making his mark. 

Yang Yang received the ball on the right wing, facing Utrecht's full-back. With a sharp burst of pace and clever footwork, he swiftly dribbled past his defender, leaving him in his wake. The crowd roared as Yang Yang drove towards the right edge of the penalty area. With quick precision, he cut inside onto his left foot and delivered a perfectly weighted cross to the edge of the penalty arc. 

Steven Pienaar, timing his run to perfection, arrived at the top of the box, controlling the ball in stride. With one smooth movement, he surged into the penalty area and fired a low shot past Utrecht's goalkeeper. 

Goal! 1-1! 

The Amsterdam Arena exploded in celebration, and Yang Yang's influence on the game was immediately felt. His vision and pace had completely changed the dynamic, breathing life into Ajax's attack. 

However, Utrecht responded by tightening their defense, especially on Yang Yang's side. They reinforced the right flank, adding extra bodies to block his runs, and contracted their three defensive lines, leaving little space for Ajax to exploit. Despite Ajax's efforts to push for a winner, Utrecht remained resolute, and even launched a few dangerous counterattacks of their own. 

In the end, neither side could break the deadlock again, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. 

... 

... 

A 1-1 draw on the road against Utrecht wasn't a disastrous result in itself, but when compared to the performances of Eindhoven and Feyenoord, Ajax's form remained under scrutiny, particularly the glaring issues in defense. 

On the offensive side, Yang Yang had been one of the few bright spots. With two goals and three assists in just three games, he was steadily emerging as Ajax's key attacking figure, filling the void left by Ibrahimovic and Van der Vaart. Many saw him as the future leader of Ajax's attack, his contributions crucial in keeping the team competitive during a transitional phase. 

Yang Yang's impressive start to the season had carried over from his stellar performances in the Asian Cup, and Ajax fans were increasingly rallying around him as their new star. His ability to create chances, dictate the pace, and deliver in big moments was a source of optimism in an otherwise challenging period for the club. 

However, not everything was as positive for Ajax. New signings like Charisteas, expected to bolster the attack, had struggled to make a significant impact. Bentner, who had come off the bench multiple times, had yet to find his rhythm, and Wesley Sonck couldn't seem to rediscover his peak form as a goal scorer. These offensive shortcomings made Ajax's attack feel disjointed at times, unable to consistently break down stubborn defenses. 

But it was Ajax's defense that caused the most concern. 

Maicon, while offering plenty of attacking support as a right-back, was often exposed defensively, leaving gaps that opponents were quick to exploit. The absence of Escudé in central defense had left a void that neither Vermaelen nor Vlaar had been able to fill effectively. Both were young, talented players, but their inexperience showed in critical moments. To compound matters, Stekelenburg, still relatively new in the goalkeeper position, struggled with consistency, which only heightened Ajax's vulnerability at the back. 

This defensive instability was the byproduct of the club's youth-focused approach. While Ajax prided itself on developing young talent, the inexperience across key positions made the team fragile, especially when faced with more organized and disciplined opposition. 

Fortunately for Ajax, their main rivals in the Eredivisie were also faltering. In the third round of league action, PSV Eindhoven suffered a surprising setback, conceding a late equalizer and then a dramatic reversal against Breda. Though PSV managed to score again and salvage a 2-2 draw, their performance raised questions about their ability to dominate the league. 

Feyenoord didn't fare much better. Despite taking an early lead in the 25th minute of their match against Vitesse, they too were pegged back late in the game, ending in a 1-1 draw. Both results meant that the traditional top three teams in the Netherlands—Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord—had drawn their matches in the same round, easing some of the pressure on Ajax despite their defensive woes. 

For a moment, it seemed as though the situation had relaxed. With their title rivals also slipping, Ajax could breathe a little easier, their draw against Utrecht feeling less damaging in the grand scheme of things. 

But just as Ajax began to feel a sense of relief, they were dealt another severe blow that would shake the team once more. 

... 

... 

August 27, Stade Louis II, Monaco. 

UEFA Super Cup: Champions League winners Ajax versus UEFA Cup champions Valencia. 

For the first half hour, the game unfolded at a slow, cautious pace, with both teams feeling each other out. But in the 31st minute, Valencia shifted gears. Operating down their favored left side, Vicente, the Bats' dynamic winger, played a slick one-two with Italian forward Marco Di Vaio. The interplay caught Ajax's defense flat-footed, and as the ball was floated into the box, Rubén Baraja surged forward. Unmarked and perfectly timed, he met the cross with a powerful header from 15 meters out, driving the ball into the back of the net. 

1-0. 

From that moment, Ajax's right flank came under siege. Vicente continued to torment Maicon, leaving the Brazilian full-back scrambling with each wave of Valencia's attacks. Ajax looked rattled, unable to contain the Spanish winger's relentless pace and precision. 

After the break, things only worsened for Ajax. Just minutes into the second half, Vicente once again found space on the left and delivered a perfect cross. This time, Marco Di Vaio was the target. The Italian striker rose above the Ajax defenders and nodded the ball home from close range. 

2-0. 

Valencia's control was suffocating. On the left, Maicon was being overrun, repeatedly beaten by Vicente's sharp footwork and speed. In midfield, Rubén Baraja and David Albelda dominated the center of the pitch, their double-pivot partnership effectively shutting down Ajax's attempts to build any meaningful attacks. Ajax found it difficult to even string together passes, pinned back by Valencia's relentless pressure. 

Maicon, usually a force going forward, was reduced to chasing shadows, and the gaps in Ajax's defense grew wider. Meanwhile, Yang Yang, isolated in the front third, was struggling to make an impact. Clumsy touches and limited service left him with few chances, but despite the odds, he kept pushing forward. 

Yang Yang never stopped running. He hunted for any crack in Valencia's seemingly impenetrable defense, believing with unwavering conviction that no matter how well-drilled they were, mistakes would come. Even a team forged by Ranieri into a fortress would slip up eventually. He just needed to be there when it happened. 

For Yang Yang, losing because the opponent was superior in strength was one thing—he could accept that. But losing without showing fight, without making Valencia work for it, was something he could not tolerate. 

Absolutely not. 

As the minutes ticked on, his frustration grew, but so did his resolve. Even with the game slipping away, Yang Yang refused to give up. He knew that as long as there was time on the clock, there was still a chance. And for him, that chance was worth everything.