De Topper Part 2

As soon as the referee's whistle echoed through the Philips Stadion, the entire arena erupted into a frenzy. 

Thirty-five thousand PSV fans filled the air with deafening noise, their collective shock and anger palpable. 

Referee Dick van Egmond, having blown his whistle, quickly sprinted towards the penalty area. His destination: the towering Brazilian center-back, Alex. Without hesitation, van Egmond reached into his chest pocket and dramatically brandished a red card high into the air. 

Pandemonium. 

The PSV faithful were in disbelief, their outrage boiling over. 

"Referee van Egmond has shown a red card to Alex!" exclaimed the commentator. "This is a double blow for PSV—Ajax gets a penalty, and PSV loses a key defender!" 

"Yang Yang's brilliant run and pass into the box left Alex with no choice, but the foul was clear and indisputable. From the replay, you can see Alex pulling him down as the last man. There's no argument, it's a penalty and a red card." 

"From the slow-motion replays, it's obvious: Alex had no time to recover after Yang Yang burst into the penalty area. As the last defender, his foul comes at a huge cost." 

The stadium remained in uproar as PSV's players, led by their captain Phillip Cocu and midfield general Mark van Bommel, swarmed the referee, their faces contorted in protest. They argued the punishment was far too severe—a red card and a penalty seemed excessive—but van Egmond was resolute. He pointed to his eyes, insisting he had seen everything clearly. 

Cocu and van Bommel continued to argue, but it was futile. The referee was immovable. 

"There's no question about it," said the commentator. "Alex's foul was blatant, and van Egmond's decision stands. Eindhoven will play the remainder of the match a man down and must face a penalty." 

PSV's players were visibly frustrated. "They need to keep their heads now," cautioned the commentator. "Emotions are running high, but losing control could result in even more cards." 

Meanwhile, Ajax's players gathered around Yang Yang, who was still lying on the turf after being brought down. Charisteas, ever the first to offer support, extended his hand, pulling Yang Yang to his feet. 

"Well done, mate," Charisteas said with a grin, his voice barely audible over the roaring crowd. 

Sneijder was next to offer his congratulations. "Great job," he added, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. This was a pivotal moment. Not only had Ajax been awarded a penalty, but PSV were now down to ten men—a game-changing shift in the dynamics of the match. 

Yang Yang hadn't been at his best in the first half, but when the opportunity came, he seized it with the calmness of a seasoned pro. That swift counterattack, the decisive burst of speed, and the foul he drew from Alex were all crucial moments. 

As he stood up and dusted himself off, Yang Yang tugged at his jersey, which had been yanked in the foul. Alex, desperate to stop him, had made a committed challenge, but he likely hadn't anticipated that Yang Yang had already broken into the penalty area when he reached for him. 

The entire sequence had unfolded in an instant, and Alex simply had no time to react. 

On the sidelines, the contrasting reactions of the two coaches couldn't have been more pronounced. Guus Hiddink, PSV's legendary coach, was incandescent with rage. He stormed down the technical area, shouting at the officials. His belief was clear—he thought the referee had handed Ajax an undeserved advantage. 

"You're killing the game!" Hiddink bellowed, his voice echoing in disbelief at the decision. 

Meanwhile, on the opposite bench, Ronald Koeman was celebrating, pumping his fists in delight. A red card, a penalty, and PSV reduced to ten men—this was a massive advantage for Ajax. Koeman knew this could be the turning point of the match. 

"The referee has calmed the PSV players," noted the commentator. "Despite the pressure from the home team and their fans, he remained firm in his decision. This is a clear foul and a penalty." 

With his head down, Alex made the long walk off the pitch, clearly dejected. The Brazilian defender knew all too well that his reckless challenge had left his team in a precarious position. 

With only a few minutes left in the first half, tension mounted. "Who will take the penalty for Ajax?" 

... 

"Come on, you take it!" Sneijder urged, his eyes locking onto Yang Yang's. 

Yang Yang hesitated, shaking his head slightly. "No, you're the team's designated penalty taker. It's your responsibility." 

Sneijder frowned, a hint of unease flickering across his face. "I missed the last one, remember? I'm not feeling too confident right now," he admitted, a trace of embarrassment creeping into his voice. 

Yang Yang glanced around at his teammates. Charisteas, Wesley Sonck, and Pienaar, along with the rest of the squad, were all watching him expectantly. Pienaar gave a subtle nod, as if to encourage him to step up. 

"You've got a great record with penalties," Pienaar chimed in. "You're calm under pressure. This one's yours." 

So far, Yang Yang had taken just two penalties in his professional career—but he had converted both with remarkable composure. On both occasions, he had opted for a straight push down the center, showcasing his nerve and mental toughness in critical moments. 

It was precisely that composure which made both Sneijder and Pienaar believe Yang Yang was the right man for the job. They knew this wasn't just about skill; it was about handling the weight of the moment. 

Needless to say, players like Charisteas and Wesley Sonck, though talented, didn't possess the same level of psychological resilience under high-stakes situations. Sneijder, too, was still carrying the mental burden of his previous miss. Given that Yang Yang had earned the penalty, it only seemed fitting that he be the one to take it. 

"Look, don't overthink it," Sneijder added, trying to reassure him. "We've got the red card advantage, so even if things don't go perfectly, we're still in a strong position." 

Yang Yang managed a faint smile, but inside, he felt the weight of expectation. "Easier said than done," he thought to himself. The pressure of the moment was undeniable, no matter how much his teammates tried to downplay it. 

But this was his chance—a moment that could shift the entire match in Ajax's favor. 

... 

... 

"It looks like they're going to let Yang Yang take the penalty," Ronald Koeman observed, a touch of surprise in his voice as he watched the players' discussion on the pitch. 

Beside him, Ruud Krol's eyes gleamed with approval. This wasn't just about Yang Yang taking the spot-kick; it symbolized the trust and respect that a core group of Ajax players, led by Sneijder, had in the young winger. 

"Sneijder's still shaken from his last penalty miss. It's clear he's not fully confident," Krol remarked. 

Koeman nodded thoughtfully. "Since Van der Vaart and Ibrahimović left the squad, and with Galásek not featuring today, Yang Yang is probably the best choice after Sneijder." 

The attention of the entire Netherlands seemed to converge on the Philips Stadion. Thirty-five thousand PSV fans created a cauldron of noise and pressure. For a player like Yang Yang, still relatively young and inexperienced, the weight of expectation felt as heavy as a mountain. The question lingered: could he hold his nerve in this intense moment? 

"I'm concerned about the pressure," Krol admitted. "With so many eyes on him, it's a huge responsibility." 

Koeman agreed, recognizing the magnitude of the situation. "But this is exactly the kind of challenge Yang Yang needs to face. If he wants to become a leader for Ajax, he has to rise to the occasion." 

"PSV's goalkeeper, Gomes, has been in incredible form this season. He's commanding and quick, and since he cemented his place in the starting lineup, he's been tough to beat. Yang Yang will have to be at his best to get past him," Krol added, his brow furrowing with concern. 

Koeman nodded once again. Gomes was a formidable obstacle. The Brazilian shot-stopper had been in stellar form since arriving at Eindhoven, and his presence only added to the difficulty of the penalty. 

But moments like these were defining. If Yang Yang could remain composed, convert the penalty, and silence the crowd, he would take a massive step toward becoming Ajax's new talisman. 

"This is the kind of test that separates the good from the great," Koeman mused. "If Yang Yang can handle the pressure and deliver in these critical moments, he'll not only win the game for us but also start to win over the entire team." 

... 

... 

Heurelho da Silva Gomes, 23 years old, stood at an imposing height of 1.91 meters and weighed in at 82 kilograms. The Brazilian goalkeeper had arrived in Eindhoven this past summer for a modest fee of one million euros, transferring from Cruzeiro. His start in the Eredivisie, however, had been far from smooth. In his debut against Roosendaal, he committed a costly error, leading Guus Hiddink to bench him for the next three matches. 

But starting with the September 18th game against NEC Nijmegen, Gomes reclaimed his spot between the posts. He helped PSV secure a 3-0 away victory and played the full 90 minutes in each of the following five matches, conceding just one goal in the process. That lone goal came in a midweek clash against Rosenborg, but it hadn't been his fault. 

As of tonight, Gomes had kept four consecutive clean sheets in the Eredivisie, solidifying PSV's defense into a near-impenetrable fortress. His heroics in goal were one of the reasons for PSV's recent dominance. 

Yang Yang took a long, deliberate look at the tall, muscular figure of Gomes. The Brazilian shot-stopper's reputation had grown quickly, and now he stood between Yang Yang and Ajax's critical opening goal. 

Suddenly, a thought flashed through Yang Yang's mind—before coming to Eindhoven, Gomes had played for Cruzeiro. Realizing this connection, he quickly motioned towards Maicon, who was positioned not far behind. 

"Maicon!" Yang Yang called out. The Brazilian right-back jogged over swiftly. "What's up?" Maicon asked, slightly puzzled. 

"Does Gomes have any particular habits when facing penalties?" Yang Yang asked, his eyes still locked onto the looming figure of the goalkeeper in the distance. 

Maicon, understanding the urgency, glanced toward his former Cruzeiro teammate. Gomes noticed the interaction and was already suspicious, aware of their shared past. 

Maicon thought for a moment before responding. "He doesn't have any obvious habits. But he's right-footed, and I've noticed he tends to favor bouncing to his left." 

Yang Yang gave a subtle nod, appreciating the information. He patted Maicon on the shoulder. "Thanks, that's all I needed." 

"Good luck!" Maicon replied before jogging back to his position. 

Yang Yang took a deep breath as he stepped up to the penalty spot. He placed the ball carefully, eyes never leaving Gomes, who stood alert in the center of his goal, bouncing lightly on his toes. Yang Yang took a few steps back, adjusting his stance on the turf, all while keeping his gaze fixed on the goalkeeper. A faint smile played on his lips. 

From the other side, Gomes stared intently. He had noticed the brief exchange between Yang Yang and Maicon and suspected that Maicon might have given away some crucial insight. But Gomes couldn't dwell on it—his job was to make the save. 

As Yang Yang positioned himself for the kick, the referee blew the whistle, signaling for the penalty to be taken. 

The atmosphere in the Philips Stadion was electric. All 35,000 fans fell into a tense silence, and millions of viewers across the Netherlands held their breath as they watched the number 11 in the Ajax jersey prepare to strike. 

Yang Yang inhaled sharply, took a deep breath, and sprinted forward with purpose. Gomes, trying to predict the direction of the shot, focused intently on Yang Yang's body language. He watched as Yang Yang angled slightly towards the right side of the goal—the side of Gomes' weaker left foot. 

The moment Yang Yang made his approach, Gomes instinctively dove left. He knew if he waited too long, it would be too late to react. 

But just as Gomes committed, Yang Yang suddenly paused, throwing off the timing. In a split second, he calmly struck the ball straight down the middle. 

"Oh my God, he's done it again!" the commentator shouted. "Yang Yang has gone straight down the middle for the third consecutive time!" 

The ball sailed effortlessly into the back of the net, while Gomes, already airborne, could do nothing to stop it. 

"Unbelievable!" the commentator continued. "For the third penalty in a row, Yang Yang has calmly slotted it straight down the center! Is this becoming his signature move?" 

"1-0 to Ajax! Yang Yang's calmness under pressure is extraordinary! He forced the red card, earned the penalty, and converted it with ease!" 

PSV's defensive fortress, which had held firm for over 400 minutes, had finally been breached, and Gomes—who had been in such stellar form—was left lying in disbelief. 

Yang Yang erupted with excitement, sprinting toward the corner flag to celebrate with his teammates. His gamble had paid off. 

It had been a calculated risk. He knew that by pausing during his run-up, he could force Gomes into making an early decision. Yang Yang had seen the doubt in the Brazilian goalkeeper's eyes—Gomes had likely assumed that Maicon had given Yang Yang insider information. But in reality, Maicon hadn't provided anything decisive. The pause in Yang Yang's approach had been enough to plant a seed of doubt, and Gomes had fallen for it. 

As Yang Yang celebrated, he couldn't help but feel a rush of satisfaction. Outsmarting a goalkeeper like Gomes, who had been in such fine form, made the moment even sweeter. 

This feeling was exhilarating! 

... 

As the referee blew his whistle to signal the end of the first half, a deafening wave of boos swept through the Philips Stadion. The atmosphere was hostile, and the source of the fans' frustration was clear. This chorus of jeers was aimed squarely at the Ajax players, a reflection of PSV's home crowd venting their fury after a controversial half. 

Yang Yang, having scored the crucial penalty, was the primary target. Many of the fans in the front rows of the stadium hurled insults at him, their faces twisted in anger. Despite the vitriol, Yang Yang remained unfazed, walking off the pitch with a smile, exchanging light-hearted words with his teammates. 

"Good job, lads!" Ronald Koeman greeted each player as they walked toward the tunnel. His eyes shone with satisfaction as he shook hands with each one. The penalty and red card had given Ajax a massive advantage, and Koeman knew it could change the game in their favor. 

When Yang Yang approached, Koeman didn't hesitate. The Ajax coach spread his arms wide and pulled the young winger into a tight embrace, completely disregarding the sweat that now stained his impeccably tailored suit. The moment was one of pure elation—Koeman knew that Yang Yang's moment of composure had put them in a commanding position. 

"Brilliant work, Yang! Keep that energy going in the second half!" Koeman urged, giving him a firm pat on the back. 

Yang Yang nodded enthusiastically before turning to head toward the tunnel, the boos from the Eindhoven faithful still echoing around the stadium. Yet, those jeers felt distant now. The goal, the red card, and the penalty had given Ajax a crucial lead, and Yang Yang's confidence was riding high. 

Sneijder sidled up next to him as they entered the locker room. "I've never seen Ronald that ecstatic. He's over the moon," Sneijder said with a grin, his voice laced with amusement. 

Yang Yang chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, it's been a long time since we've seen PSV rattled like this." 

A red card and a penalty kick in the first half had dealt a severe blow to PSV's chances, and Ajax knew it. The dismissal of Alex and the subsequent goal had put Ajax in control, but Yang Yang remained cautious. It was too soon to count Eindhoven out, especially with the quality they possessed across the pitch. 

Despite their numerical disadvantage, PSV was still a formidable side, and Yang Yang knew better than to underestimate them. Van Gaal had warned him before the match that PSV were the strongest team in the Eredivisie this season. 

Veteran midfielder Phillip Cocu had returned from Barcelona to anchor the PSV midfield, providing invaluable experience. The defense, led by Wilfred Bouma and Alex—before his red card—was solid, and John De Jong and Park Ji-sung provided creativity and energy. In the heart of midfield, Mark van Bommel orchestrated play, and the Swiss international Johann Vogel gave them stability. Up front, the towering striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink was always a threat in the air. 

This PSV side, expertly drilled by Guus Hiddink, was the most well-rounded team in the league, with a perfect balance of offense and defense. They were favorites to win the Eredivisie this season, and even with ten men, they would not go down without a fight. 

By contrast, Ajax was in a state of transition. Last season had been solid, but this year, the team had seen a significant dip in form. The departures of key players like Zlatan Ibrahimović and Rafael van der Vaart had left a noticeable gap in quality. As Yang Yang reflected on the first half, he realized just how difficult it had been to create meaningful chances. His last-minute burst and the penalty opportunity had been one of the few real openings for Ajax in the entire half. 

"That was a tough first half," Yang Yang admitted as he sat down in the locker room, wiping sweat from his brow. "They're still really strong, even with ten men." 

"Yeah, it wasn't easy," Sneijder agreed. "But that red card changes things. We've got the upper hand now." 

Yang Yang nodded. A goal up and with a man advantage, Ajax had a real chance to seize control in the second half. Now, it was about capitalizing on that momentum. 

As the team prepared for the second half, Yang Yang knew that PSV's fight was far from over. But with the boost of his penalty and the tactical edge that Koeman could exploit, Ajax would be much better positioned to see out the game. 

Now, it was about finishing what they'd started. 

... 

... 

Back in the locker room, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and joy. The team was thrilled with their lead, and most of the conversation centered around Yang Yang's brilliant moment of individual skill before the end of the first half. 

Everyone was particularly impressed by the way he used the Marseille turn to evade Young-Pyo Lee, a move that had left the PSV defender off-balance and the crowd gasping. It was a critical moment in the build-up to the red card and penalty, and it had given Ajax a significant advantage. 

"Honestly, how did you even think of pulling that move off in such a tight spot?" Pienaar asked with a grin, still reliving the moment. 

Yang Yang shrugged modestly. "I didn't really think much about it. I noticed Young-Pyo Lee seemed a bit distracted, not tracking me as closely as he should have. When I saw the ball coming my way, I just felt he was anxious, so I figured, 'Why not?' and went for it." 

The Marseille turn wasn't an overly complicated move—nearly every professional player could perform it—but executing it effectively in a high-pressure match, especially against a top-level defender, was a different story. It required precision and timing, both of which Yang Yang had displayed in abundance. 

In that particular situation, Yang Yang's decision had been perfect, catching Young-Pyo Lee off-guard and earning Ajax the crucial penalty. 

"Still, we haven't won yet," Yang Yang reminded his teammates. "PSV is a strong side, and we can't afford to lose focus in the second half." 

The rest of the players in the locker room nodded in agreement. Who could argue with that? 

PSV had been a dominant force this season, unbeaten in the Eredivisie save for one draw. They had also only suffered one defeat in the Champions League, and that had been to Arsenal. Their consistency and strength were undeniable. While Ajax were leading, it was far from guaranteed that the game was over. Eindhoven, especially at home, was known for their resilience. 

Sneijder spoke up, backing Yang Yang's caution. "He's right. Even with the lead and the man advantage, nothing is certain. This is the Philips Stadion. It's their home ground, and they'll come out fighting in the second half." 

Johnny Heitinga, who wore the captain's armband in the absence of Tomáš Galásek, stepped forward, adding his voice of leadership. "Exactly. PSV will throw everything at us in the second half. We need to stay sharp and focus on closing the game out." 

The rivalry between PSV and Ajax was the most intense in Dutch football, known as De Topper, the Dutch national derby. Both teams had a rich history of success, and the stakes were always high. Losing this match, especially for PSV at home, was not something they'd take lightly. Guus Hiddink, a manager who fully understood the importance of this fixture, would surely have some tactical surprises ready for the second half. 

As Ronald Koeman and Ruud Krol entered the locker room, they wasted no time in reinforcing these warnings. 

"If I'm not mistaken, PSV will likely make some changes at halftime," Koeman predicted. "They may take off Vennegoor of Hesselink and focus on playing a more counter-attacking game. They'll know they're down a man, but that won't stop them from looking for opportunities." 

Koeman's words carried weight. PSV's usual attacking threat in the first half had centered around their towering striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink. But in the second half, with the need to adjust tactically, Hiddink could bring on faster, more dynamic players to exploit Ajax on the counterattack. 

Farfán, the 3.5 million euro signing from Alianza Lima, was a name that came to mind immediately. Though not particularly tall, the Peruvian forward possessed explosive speed and a robust physical presence. He could cause problems for any defense, especially when PSV broke quickly. 

"Farfán is dangerous," Krol added, echoing Koeman's concern. "He can play across the front line—left, right, or through the middle—and his ability to use both feet makes him unpredictable. With a passer like Vogel in the middle, they'll look to hit us hard on the break. We need to be on alert." 

Koeman nodded and then turned to reorganize the team's defensive setup for the second half. "We need to press them hard from midfield. Vogel and Van Bommel can't be allowed the time to dictate play. We cut off their supply line, and their counter-attacks won't materialize." 

The strategy was clear: Ajax couldn't afford to let their guard down. Despite the advantage of a red card and a one-goal lead, PSV's counter-attacking ability remained a serious threat. 

"This advantage we have now wasn't easy to come by," Koeman said sternly, addressing the squad. The players nodded, glancing at Yang Yang, who had been the key to securing that advantage. 

"We have to make the most of it," Koeman continued. "We can't just sit back and let them come at us. We need to stay aggressive, control the ball, and finish the job. We win today, and we put ourselves back in the race for the Eredivisie title. Got it?" 

"Got it!" the team responded in unison, the determination clear in their voices. 

Yang Yang sat back and prepared himself mentally for the second half. He knew this would be a battle until the final whistle. PSV would come out fighting, and Ajax needed to be ready for whatever came their way. The key now was to seize the moment and make sure that all the hard work in the first half didn't go to waste. 

... 

... 

The second half kicked off, and as expected by Ajax's coaching staff, PSV made tactical changes. Hesselink, their towering striker, was substituted for midfielder Theo Lucius. This shift saw Cocu drop deeper into the back line, and PSV switched to a more defensive 4-4-1 formation, with Farfán the lone man left up front to spearhead counterattacks. 

With the numerical advantage, Ajax began to assert their control over the game. The extra man allowed them to dominate possession, pushing PSV deeper into their own half. Young-Pyo Lee, who had managed to mark Yang Yang closely in the first half, now found it much harder to keep up. The reduced numbers gave Yang Yang more space and freedom to operate, and he wasted no time in exploiting it, frequently creating dangerous situations for Ajax. 

Unfortunately, despite their dominance, Charisteas and Wesley Sonck both missed key opportunities to extend Ajax's lead, leaving the scoreline precariously at 1-0. 

Then, in the 61st minute, Yang Yang once again found himself in possession on the right flank. Maicon delivered a pinpoint pass to his feet. With a smooth touch, Yang Yang controlled the ball and cut inside, gliding past his marker with ease. A gentle push with his left foot set up a pass to Sneijder in the middle of the pitch. 

Sneijder received the ball with a quick glance up, scanning the field. Yang Yang, who had been running laterally, suddenly changed direction, making a sharp diagonal run toward the space behind Cocu. His acceleration caught Young-Pyo Lee completely off guard. The defender struggled to keep up, but Yang Yang's speed was too much. In a matter of seconds, he had left his marker trailing behind. 

Sneijder's vision and timing were perfect. He threaded a precise pass through the PSV defense, right into Yang Yang's path, splitting Cocu and Bouma. Yang Yang darted into the penalty area like an arrow, the ball waiting for him on the edge of the box. 

Heurelho Gomes, PSV's goalkeeper, immediately rushed off his line in an attempt to close down the angle. Bouma, too, was desperately chasing down the play, but Charisteas had kept him occupied in the middle of the pitch. 

As Yang Yang reached the ball, everything seemed to slow down for a moment. His awareness of the situation was razor-sharp. He saw Gomes charging toward him, but he had already made his decision. With a quick glance to his left, he feigned a pass to the far side of the goal. It was enough to freeze Gomes for a split second. 

Then, with his right foot, Yang Yang struck the ball low and hard. 

The Brazilian goalkeeper reacted, but it was too late. The ball skidded along the turf, slipping under Gomes' outstretched arms and into the bottom corner of the net. 

"GOOOOOOOAL!!!!!!!" The commentator's voice rang out. "It's the second goal for Yang Yang! A brilliant brace!" 

"Young Yang Yang from Ajax has done it again! What a performance!" 

"This is the best birthday gift he could have asked for, with his eighteenth birthday just around the corner!" 

The Philips Stadion fell into stunned silence as Yang Yang sprinted away in celebration. His teammates tried to catch him, but he dodged them all, racing toward the corner flag. Once there, he dropped to his knees, arms raised, soaking in the moment as the Ajax fans cheered wildly from the away section. 

Yang Yang couldn't help but smile as he reflected on the sequence. His acceleration had been sharper than usual, and he had left Young-Pyo Lee in the dust. The entire move had felt effortless, almost as if he had unlocked another level of his game. 

"Is this the result of all that strength training I've been doing?" he thought to himself with amusement. "It can't be that quick... can it?" 

Even if it was just a psychological effect, the feeling of improvement was undeniable. As Van Nistelrooy had once told him, confidence can make all the difference in key moments. 

Yang Yang's thoughts were interrupted as his teammates mobbed him, their cheers echoing in his ears. The goal had likely sealed the match for Ajax. The first goal had given them the advantage, but this second strike might well be the knockout blow. 

"Scored twice!" one of his teammates shouted, hugging him. "You're on fire!" 

"This goal could very well secure the victory for Ajax," the commentator declared. "Yang Yang's brace in this Dutch derby is nothing short of outstanding. He has led his team with maturity beyond his years." 

"This is Yang Yang's first brace in the Eredivisie, and what a stage to do it on—in a crucial derby against PSV!" 

"This teenager, soon to be eighteen, has truly left a lasting impression tonight. Under his leadership, Ajax are pushing for a strong comeback in the Eredivisie." 

The scoreboard now read 2-0, and PSV were on the ropes. 

On the touchline, Guus Hiddink stood with his arms wide in exasperation, helpless against Ajax's momentum. His face betrayed his frustration and disbelief. In contrast, Ronald Koeman was a picture of joy. The Ajax coach was practically dancing in front of the visiting team's dugout, overwhelmed by the team's resurgence. 

No one, not even Koeman, had expected Ajax to come to Eindhoven and dominate like this. A 2-0 lead against one of the strongest teams in the league, away from home, was nothing short of incredible. Ajax's recovery this season had been astonishing, and much of it was down to Yang Yang's growing influence on the pitch. 

As the game resumed, it was clear that Ajax had taken a significant step toward victory. PSV, now two goals down and a man short, were facing an uphill battle. Yang Yang had been the difference-maker, his goals turning the tide and putting Ajax in control of the derby. 

With the momentum firmly in their favor, Ajax looked poised to see out the match and secure an emphatic victory at the Philips Stadion.