Against the Odds Part 2

"The Ajax fans erupted in applause, their cheers echoing throughout the stadium as they celebrated Yang Yang's brilliant performance." 

"At just 17 years old, this rising star had captivated the crowd with a masterclass on the pitch, not only by scoring Ajax's opening goal but also by playing a decisive role in the second. His vision and creativity were on full display when he delivered a perfectly weighted pass that left Arsenal's Clichy and Vieira scrambling, setting up Trabelsi to provide the crucial assist for Ibrahimovic's goal." 

"Yang Yang has undoubtedly been the standout player for Ajax in this match, showcasing maturity and composure beyond his years." 

"As the referee signaled for the game to resume following the dead-ball situation, Yang Yang was given the nod to return to the field." 

"Once more, the stadium roared with thunderous applause, the Ajax faithful fully aware of the pivotal role this young prodigy had played in their team's performance. His contributions had not only lifted the team's spirits but also ignited hope for a bright future." 

 ... 

When Yang Yang reentered the pitch, his parents, Yang Yongqiang and Shen Lifang, finally felt a wave of relief wash over them. Shen Lifang, especially, only now realized that her cheeks were wet with tears, which she quickly wiped away. 

The commentator's earlier remarks about the potential for serious injury had truly frightened her. She had never fully understood how dangerous football could be. The mere thought of her son suffering a severe injury, perhaps even a broken leg, left her trembling with fear. What would become of his future if such a thing happened? 

"Don't worry too much, auntie," a reporter from a local newspaper reassured her. "Yang Yang's wearing shin guards, which offer some protection. But it's true—the opponent's tackle was nasty and uncalled for. It's unbelievable that the referee didn't even show a card." 

After Yang Yang's stellar performance in Ajax's match against PSV Eindhoven, which was broadcast nationally, there had been an overwhelming response back home. His exceptional display of skill had stirred excitement among football fans across the country. 

It had been years since China had seen such a promising young talent rise to prominence on the international stage. 

For the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, national television once again aired the match live, though they no longer had reporters stationed with Yang Yang's family. However, a local newspaper had stepped in to cover their reactions. 

"In the Premier League, the pace is relentless, but the physicality is intense. Arsenal has a reputation not just in England but across Europe for their rugged style of play. They foul frequently, and it's shocking how rough some of the challenges are. That was a reckless tackle on your son, and Vieira's challenge was downright dirty," the reporter continued. 

"Who could disagree?" another family member chimed in. 

Despite the reassurances, Yang Yongqiang and his wife remained uneasy. The match was far from over, and the thought of their son getting injured again lingered heavily in their minds. What if something worse happened? 

... 

... 

"The football pitch has a way of settling grievances. Arsenal's aggressive and dirty play may give them an advantage now, but sooner or later, they'll pay the price for it." 

In Almere's Shen Ji Chinese Restaurant, Johnny Rep, a seasoned veteran of countless battles on the field, shook his head as he reflected on the match. 

"It's hard to determine whether a team like Arsenal is merely adapting to the unforgiving environment of the Premier League or if this roughness is ingrained in their style. One thing is certain, though: Arsenal has made plenty of enemies in the Premier League. Many teams hold a grudge against them." 

"Take their recent 1-1 draw with Leicester City as an example," he continued. "Ashley Cole got into it with an opponent, and instead of playing the ball, he went in with a dangerous, studs-up challenge. This time, it was Thatcher who bore the brunt, and even though Cole was sent off with a red card, the backlash was immense. The British media tore into Arsenal, condemning the brutality." 

Dick Van Poer, sitting across from Rep, couldn't hide his frustration with Arsenal's rough tactics. Both men were supporting Ajax in this particular match, and the blatant fouls by Arsenal were infuriating. 

"And what did Wenger say after the match?" Van Poer added, his tone laced with irritation. "He brushed off Cole's actions as if they were inconsequential. Leicester City's coach, Adams, was livid, not just with the foul but with Wenger's dismissive attitude. He warned that such brutal fouls had enraged everyone in the team. You can only wonder what might happen the next time Arsenal faces Leicester—or any other team they've wronged. Retaliation could be on the cards." 

Johnny Rep nodded in agreement, a weary sigh escaping him. "Yes, with a fierce player like Vieira leading them, they might manage for now. But sooner or later, someone will take the chance to get back at them. The question isn't if it will happen, but who will end up on the receiving end of that retribution." 

As former professional players now retired, both Rep and Van Poer watched the game with a different perspective, their emotions tempered by years of experience. They understood the risks and consequences in a way that others might not. 

The other patrons in Shen Ji Chinese Restaurant, however, were less concerned with the philosophical musings of the game. Their focus was squarely on Yang Yang and his wellbeing. The collective anxiety had been palpable when they saw him take that heavy challenge. 

But as they watched Yang Yang return to the sidelines, then reenter the pitch to the thunderous applause of Ajax fans, the restaurant erupted in cheers as well. Relief washed over them—seeing Yang Yang back on his feet and continuing the match was cause for celebration. 

"He's still so young," Dick Van Poer remarked, shaking his head. "He doesn't yet know how to fully protect himself out there. He needs to learn, and fast." The sight of Vieira's foul had shocked even him. 

"Don't worry," Johnny Rep reassured him with a chuckle. "Ajax will assign him a special coach to help him develop those skills. He'll learn how to navigate these situations soon enough." 

... 

... 

After the game resumed, Ajax appeared more resolute than ever. The entire team dropped deep into a compact formation, tightening their defensive posture, leaving Arsenal little room to maneuver. 

Conceding another goal so soon after equalizing had dealt a severe blow to Arsenal's morale. Despite their aggressive appearance, their attacks were more bark than bite—threatening but ultimately ineffective. The first half ended with Ajax holding a narrow 2-1 lead. 

When Yang Yang returned to the dressing room, he pulled down his socks and removed his shin guards, revealing the bruising on his right leg from the earlier challenge. The mark was still clearly visible, a reminder of the brutal nature of the match. 

Yang Yang sat down, allowing the team doctor to attend to his injury. Although the damage wasn't serious, it still needed proper care. 

Facing an opponent like Arsenal had taken its toll on everyone. The pressure was immense, and the physical demands were even greater. The players sat in silence, panting heavily as they greedily gulped down air, trying to recover before the second half. 

Yang Yang glanced at Ibrahimovic, who was seated beside him. The Swedish striker, noticing his look, offered a tired smile. "When I saw you take that hit, I thought you were done for," he said, frowning slightly. "If you hadn't been, I might've run over to the visitors' bench and celebrated that goal right in front of Wenger." 

Scoring against Arsenal had clearly lifted Ibrahimovic's spirits, and his satisfaction was evident. He had been a force in the game, constantly moving and challenging the Arsenal defense. But his relentless effort had taken a toll, and he looked visibly exhausted. Yang Yang couldn't help but worry if Ibrahimovic could last the entire match. 

"Good thing you didn't," Yang Yang replied with a grin. "We might still need to score again in the second half." 

Ibrahimovic laughed loudly. "You're right, you're right." 

The team doctor, who was working on Yang Yang's leg, couldn't help but smile at the interaction. The two players seemed to share a natural camaraderie, even in the face of such a powerful opponent. They were already talking about scoring again in the second half, a testament to their confidence and mentality. 

"But remember," Ibrahimovic continued, his tone turning serious, "don't take unnecessary risks. You're still young, and if you get into a physical battle with someone like Vieira, you're the one who's going to come out worse." 

"I know," Yang Yang responded with determination. "That's why I prepared for the worst earlier—I made sure to avoid the direct confrontation as much as I could." 

The team doctor nodded as he finished treating Yang Yang's leg. "You were smart to dodge most of that tackle. If you hadn't, you might not have been able to continue. It could've been much worse." 

"The way they're playing—dirty tackles, sly little moves—it's infuriating," Ibrahimovic gritted his teeth, anger flashing in his eyes. 

He had grown close to Yang Yang, and seeing his friend targeted like that felt personal. To Ibrahimovic, Vieira's foul on Yang Yang was as if it had been directed at him. 

"Don't let it get to you," Yang Yang said, trying to keep his emotions in check. "There will always be players who play dirty. We can't control them, but we can control how we respond. The best way to get back at them is to..." 

"Beat them," Ibrahimovic finished, his grin returning. 

They shared a determined look, their spirits lifting as they prepared for the second half. This wasn't just any match—it was against Arsenal, one of Europe's top teams. Defeating them, especially at home, would be a monumental achievement for Ajax, regardless of the second leg. 

Once the team doctor had finished with Yang Yang, head coach Ronald Koeman entered the locker room. The atmosphere shifted immediately as the players fell silent, all eyes turning toward him. 

"You all did exceptionally well in the first half," Koeman began, his voice firm but encouraging. "I couldn't ask for more from you. I know it's been tough, but I need each of you to dig deep and hold on in the second half." 

Koeman's praise gave the players a boost, but the thought of facing Arsenal again in the next 45 minutes weighed heavily on their minds. The prospect of enduring another half against such a formidable opponent was daunting. 

Koeman, a highly successful professional player in his own right, understood exactly what they were feeling. He could see the exhaustion and anxiety in their faces, but he also knew how to rally them. 

"Listen," Koeman continued, moving to the center of the room, "after we took the 2-1 lead, Arsenal's supposed dominance isn't as overwhelming as it might seem. You might have noticed that despite their unbeaten run in the Premier League, they've drawn too many matches. Their attack used to be razor-sharp, especially their counterattacks, but this season they've been more focused on defense. Their ability to control the game relies heavily on their physical conditioning and relentless running." 

The players listened intently as Koeman laid out his analysis. 

"Why do you think Arsenal often falter in the second half of games? Why are they frequently equalized or even overturned by their opponents? The answer is simple: their style demands an enormous amount of running, which puts significant strain on their stamina, especially without a winter break in the Premier League." 

Koeman's words resonated with the team. The players nodded as they absorbed his reasoning. 

"Before playing us, most of Arsenal's players were away on international duty in mid-February. Many of them played two matches and then returned to face Chelsea in a tough away fixture. After this match, they'll head back to the Premier League, where the pressure and intensity will only increase. Their schedule has been more grueling than ours, and their physical reserves are being tested to the limit." 

Koeman's analysis was meant to convey a simple truth: Arsenal might seem formidable, but they weren't invincible. The second half would be a true test of endurance, and if Ajax could withstand the pressure, Arsenal might falter first. 

"Of course," Koeman warned, "Wenger knows this as well as we do, which is why I expect them to come at us hard at the start of the second half. They'll want to leave here with at least a draw. What I want from you is to hold onto our 2-1 lead with everything you've got, and when the opportunity arises, hit them on the counterattack." 

Koeman's eyes shone with determination as he delivered his instructions. 

The first-half result was favorable for Ajax. If they could maintain their lead and wait for Arsenal to tire out, they might even have a chance to extend their advantage, which would make the second leg much more manageable. 

Hearing this, the players in the locker room felt a renewed sense of hope. They could see the possibility of victory, and it filled them with a new wave of confidence. 

... 

... 

The second half of the game restarted with both teams taking the field with renewed intensity. 

Neither Ajax nor Arsenal made any substitutions during the break, signaling their intent to stick with their original game plans. The young Ajax side had shown great resilience in the first half, managing to take the lead again quickly after being equalized. Ibrahimovic's goal had been crucial, providing Ajax with a much-needed boost before halftime. 

Now, all eyes were on Arsenal to see if they would make any tactical adjustments to counter Ajax's spirited performance. 

Ajax kicked off the second half, but almost immediately lost possession. Arsenal, true to their form, quickly took control of the game. The Gunners' overall strength and depth were evident, as they began to dominate the pitch once more. However, Ajax had shown in the first half that they were not without the ability to challenge the might of Arsenal, standing their ground against one of Europe's most formidable teams. 

"Watch this attack by Arsenal," the commentator called out. 

Ljungberg, positioned on the right, found himself without a clear path forward. He opted to play the ball back to the middle, where Vieira was waiting. 

Vieira, ever the orchestrator, looked up and sent a pinpoint pass to the left, finding Pirés in space. 

Henry had drifted wide to the left, the area where he was most dangerous. The French striker, known for his pace and agility, received the ball and immediately went to work. Facing Trabelsi, Henry displayed his trademark speed and footwork, maneuvering past the defender with ease before laying the ball back to Pirés and cutting inside. 

Pirés, with his smooth technique, executed a clever one-two with Henry, leaving the Ajax defense scrambling. 

Henry received the ball again, this time facing Heitinga, and with a deft touch, he returned it to the penalty area. 

Pirés, perfectly positioned, was ready. 

"Goal!" 

"Goooooal!" 

"Unbelievable! Less than two minutes into the second half, and Arsenal have struck back with a brilliant goal—Henry assisting Pirés to level the score!" 

The commentator's voice was filled with excitement as the scoreboard changed to 2-2, the two sides once again on equal footing. 

"This goal is a massive morale booster for Arsenal. It was entirely crafted by the individual brilliance of Henry and Pirés, two of Arsenal's top stars." 

Ajax had three defenders in the vicinity—Trabelsi, Heitinga, and Sneijder—yet none of them could halt the advance of Arsenal's dynamic duo. The interplay between Henry and Pirés was simply too quick, too precise. They left the Ajax defense chasing shadows, unable to mount any effective resistance. 

Henry's final assist to Pirés was a masterstroke. Sneijder, desperate to stop the play, considered pulling Pirés down in the penalty area, but wisely refrained, knowing full well the consequences of such a foul. It was a split-second decision that allowed Pirés the space he needed to slot the ball home. 

The situation had shifted dramatically. Arsenal had equalized early in the second half, bringing the score to 2-2. 

"This goal was a true showcase of the chemistry between two world-class players, a stunning example of how top talent can ignite the game," the commentator continued. "Henry and Pirés have combined brilliantly for Arsenal once again!" 

... 

... 

The entire Amsterdam Arena fell into a stunned silence. 

Head coach Ronald Koeman stood on the sidelines, his hand gripping his forehead as he shook his head in disbelief. The abrupt change in the game's momentum was hard to accept. He never would have imagined that his team would concede so quickly after the second half had just begun, allowing Arsenal to draw level. 

But what could he say in the face of such a goal? 

Could he criticize his players for their defensive lapse? 

No. Henry's intricate and lightning-fast one-two with Pirés was executed with such precision and understanding that Ajax's defenders had no time to react, let alone devise a countermeasure. The play was a masterclass in quick, cohesive football, leaving the defense helpless. 

It was a goal that delivered a crushing blow to Ajax's morale. 

In the locker room, Koeman had spent the halftime break urging his players to remain focused and resolute, emphasizing the importance of holding the line at the start of the second half. But Arsenal had come out with guns blazing, delivering a sucker punch almost immediately. How could his players not feel demoralized? 

As Koeman looked out at the pitch, his heart sank at the sight of his players—young and still developing—standing there in a daze, their spirits visibly deflated. Most of them were in their early twenties, still in the formative stages of their careers, and now they had to endure such a harsh setback. Could they truly bear the weight of this disappointment? 

A sense of pity welled up in Koeman. These were not seasoned veterans but young talents thrust into the deep end against one of Europe's most formidable teams. It was a brutal test of their resolve, one that might leave lasting scars. 

"We need to stabilize now, Ronald," Ruud Krol, his assistant, reminded him, breaking the heavy silence. 

Koeman nodded, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He knew that if they were to have any hope of reclaiming control of the game, they needed to regroup immediately. Without wasting another moment, he quickly strode to the sidelines, determined to rally his players and restore their confidence. 

... 

... 

In the chairman's box, after seeing Arsenal score so early in the second half to equalize the game, Chairman Van Praag raised his hands in disbelief, shaking his head repeatedly. His face was etched with frustration and disappointment. 

In the first half, despite Arsenal's dominance, Ajax had managed to secure a 2-1 lead. It had been a precarious advantage, but as long as they maintained that scoreline, there was hope for the return leg at Highbury Stadium. However, now that Arsenal had not only equalized but also secured two crucial away goals, the situation had become much more perilous. 

In a knockout stage of this magnitude, conceding two away goals in the first leg is a significant disadvantage. The stakes were high, and the pressure was mounting. 

"The most important thing now is to stabilize," Van Gaal remarked calmly, his voice steady. "A 2-2 scoreline isn't disastrous, but if we lose our composure, this could turn into a rout." 

Van Gaal's demeanor was almost unnervingly composed, as if the events unfolding on the pitch were of little consequence to him. His lack of visible emotion, however, had a grounding effect, making him appear all the more reliable in a moment of crisis. 

"We're a young team," Van Gaal continued, "and that inexperience showed at the start of the half. We were a bit careless, and Arsenal took full advantage. The combination between Henry and Pirés was world-class—our defense might have struggled to stop it even if we had been fully focused. So conceding that goal is understandable." 

His eyes remained fixed on the pitch, observing every movement with analytical precision. He noticed Koeman, standing at the edge of the technical area, urging his players on, trying to rebuild their shattered confidence. A flicker of approval crossed Van Gaal's face; Koeman was making the right decision by stepping in at this critical juncture. 

"This is also a test for our young players," Van Gaal added. "Challenges on the football field act like a touchstone—they reveal whether a player is gold or merely stone. Through these trials, true talent will shine through." 

Van Praag nodded in agreement. He wasn't an uninformed chairman, ignorant of the intricacies of the game. Even if Ajax were to lose this match, it wouldn't be entirely unexpected. After all, they were facing a formidable Arsenal side, and an Ajax victory would have been considered an upset. 

Yet, as he gazed out at the stadium, there was a glimmer of hope in his eyes. The situation was dire, but it also presented an opportunity—a chance for one of Ajax's young stars to step up and make a name for themselves. 

As Van Gaal had pointed out, adversity is the ultimate test. Whether a player is gold or stone would soon become evident. 

He glanced at the pitch, scanning the faces of the young talents—players like Ibrahimovic, Van der Vaart, Wesley Sonck, and Sneijder. Each of them had the potential to change the course of the match. 

The question lingering in Van Praag's mind was: Who would rise to the occasion and rescue Ajax? 

... 

... 

What a truly formidable opponent! 

Yang Yang glanced at the French teenager walking back beside him, panting heavily from the relentless pace of the game. The speed, explosive power, and impressive endurance of his opponent left Yang Yang with a sinking feeling that all his own strengths paled in comparison. It was almost as if his advantages were rendered insignificant in the face of such raw talent. 

It was hard to believe that this was an 18-year-old player. 

If Clichy, still just a teenager, could perform at this level, how terrifying must Ashley Cole be—one of the best left-backs in the world? The comparison made Yang Yang acutely aware of the gap between the elite defenders in Europe and the ones he was used to facing in the Dutch Eredivisie. Against a player like Clichy, the usual freedom and space Yang Yang enjoyed were nowhere to be found. 

As the match wore on and entered the second half, Clichy tightened his grip even further, refusing to give Yang Yang an inch of space or a moment's opportunity. The young Frenchman was relentless, and it became clear to Yang Yang that breaking free from his shackles would be no easy task. 

Meanwhile, Trabelsi was visibly exhausted, struggling to cope with the constant pressure from Pirés and Henry. There was no way he could provide the support Yang Yang desperately needed. Sneijder had been forced to drop deeper, his influence on the game waning as Arsenal's midfield asserted control. Up front, Ibrahimovic found himself isolated, tightly marked and unable to create the kind of havoc he was known for. And Van der Vaart, the team captain, was gradually fading out of the game, succumbing to his usual physical limitations as the match progressed. 

Yang Yang wasn't surprised by Van der Vaart's struggles. The captain's performances often followed this pattern. It was widely known that a serious knee injury in the past had robbed him of his speed, forcing him to abandon his preferred position as a forward and transition into a midfield role. However, playing in midfield required extensive running, something that had become his Achilles' heel. 

In this game, Van der Vaart was up against the likes of Vieira and Edu—especially Vieira, whose sheer physical presence and dominance in the midfield were overwhelming. Yang Yang could only imagine the immense pressure Van der Vaart was under. It was hard to blame him; anyone in his position would struggle to play at their best against such formidable opposition. 

But what was Yang Yang supposed to do? 

He looked around the pitch, feeling increasingly isolated and helpless. Arsenal had seized the momentum after equalizing, their confidence soaring as they launched wave after wave of attacks on Ajax's goal. Their strategy was clear: press for another goal and, at the very least, leave Amsterdam with a draw that would give them a significant advantage heading back to London. 

For Ajax, however, a draw was unacceptable. 

Failing to secure a victory at home would leave them with little hope of advancing in the return leg at Highbury. The odds would be stacked heavily against them, and the prospect of pulling off a win away from home seemed almost impossible. 

But with the team under such immense pressure, how could they possibly score? 

How were they supposed to attack when they were being pinned back so relentlessly? 

Yang Yang's mind raced as he tried to think of a solution, but every idea seemed futile in the face of Arsenal's suffocating dominance. He knew that if Ajax were to have any chance, they needed to find a way to turn the tide, to wrest control back from their opponents. But standing there, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him, he couldn't see a clear path forward. 

... 

... 

Ronald Koeman acted swiftly to make tactical adjustments. 

In the 60th minute, Ajax replaced Van der Vaart with Tomáš Galásek. This substitution was clearly aimed at bolstering the team's defensive structure in midfield. Sneijder, who had been playing in a deeper role, was more suited to a central midfielder or a more advanced attacking midfielder position where he could better utilize his passing and playmaking abilities. 

As Van der Vaart left the field, he passed the captain's armband to Galásek, who, at 30 years old, brought a wealth of experience to the pitch. He understood Koeman's instructions perfectly: move Sneijder into a more advanced position and anchor himself alongside De Jong, forming a double pivot that could offer greater protection to the backline. 

This timely substitution and tactical shift helped Ajax regain some stability. Arsenal's relentless attacks were somewhat contained, especially with the added defensive cover provided by Galásek and De Jong in front of the defense. 

However, Arsenal wasn't about to sit back. They quickly responded by making an attacking change of their own. High center forward Nwankwo Kanu came on to replace the underwhelming José Antonio Reyes. The introduction of Kanu was a clear signal of intent from Arsène Wenger—Arsenal was doubling down on their attacking strategy, aiming to exploit Ajax's vulnerabilities. 

This substitution underscored the disparity between the two teams. Arsenal had an abundance of options on the bench, showcasing their depth and overall strength, while Ajax was clearly at a disadvantage. It was evident that Wenger wasn't content with a draw; he wanted the win, even away from home. 

As Arsenal prepared for their next assault, Yang Yang took a quick glance at the scoreboard. The clock showed 64 minutes. 

Before the game, head coach Koeman had told him that he would likely be substituted around the 70th to 75th minute. As the time ticked away, Yang Yang knew that his stint on the pitch was drawing to a close. Yet, despite his efforts, he had struggled to make an impact. Clichy had been a constant thorn in his side, denying him space and opportunities at every turn. 

This time, when Galásek entered the game, he brought no specific instructions for Yang Yang from Koeman. It seemed to confirm what the head coach had mentioned during the halftime talk—Yang Yang had done all that was expected of him. But to Yang Yang, this wasn't enough. 

He wasn't the type to settle for mediocrity, and today's match had been a humbling experience. Clichy, just a year older than him, had effectively neutralized him throughout the game. It was frustrating, almost infuriating, that his worst performance since debuting had come against a fellow teenager—albeit one of Arsenal's most promising prospects. 

Yang Yang felt a fire burning inside him. He wasn't willing to leave the pitch without making an impact, without proving that he could rise to the challenge. He knew he had limited time, but he was determined to give everything he had. Even if he couldn't directly find the breakthrough, he wanted to create opportunities for his teammates—those who would soon come off the bench and carry on the fight. 

The frustration of being outplayed was palpable, but it fueled his resolve. He wanted one last chance to take on Clichy, to test himself against the young Frenchman who had so far bested him. Even if it didn't lead to a goal, Yang Yang needed to push, to find a way to turn the tide in Ajax's favor before his time on the pitch ran out.