Second Leg Champions League Quarterfinal Part 1

On the evening of April 7, the Amsterdam Arena was a cauldron of anticipation, packed to the rafters with over 50,000 fans. Ajax, playing at home in the crucial second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, knew they had to overturn a 4-2 deficit against the mighty Real Madrid—a task that seemed daunting, but not impossible. 

Ajax lined up in their familiar 4-3-3 formation, but with some tactical adjustments. The backline remained unchanged, with Robont guarding the goal, Maxwell and Trabelsi as full-backs, and Escudé and Heitinga forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Koeman opted for a double pivot, pairing Galásek and De Jong as holding midfielders to provide extra defensive cover. Wesley Sneijder, tasked with orchestrating the attack, played as the central attacking midfielder. 

Up front, the trident was composed of Van der Vaart on the left, Ibrahimović leading the line through the center, and Wesley Sonck on the right. However, Koeman had given his forwards the freedom to interchange positions, aiming to unsettle Real Madrid's defense with fluid movement. 

On the opposite side, Real Madrid deployed their usual 4-2-3-1 formation. Casillas stood between the posts, with a backline featuring Roberto Carlos, Mejía, Helguera, and Salgado. The midfield double pivot consisted of Borja and Guti, while Zidane, Raúl, and Figo provided the creative spark behind Ronaldo, who led the attack. 

Queiroz's options were limited, and he had little choice but to drop Helguera into the backline to partner Mejía, while Borja and Guti took on the midfield duties. This decision had been anticipated by the Ajax coaching team, and while their predictions were accurate, the reality remained that Ajax were up against a team brimming with world-class talent. 

From the opening whistle, it was clear that Real Madrid intended to stamp their authority on the match. Their slick passing and ball retention quickly forced Ajax onto the back foot, with the home side struggling to gain possession. The Galácticos dictated the tempo, pushing Ajax deep into their own half, and it wasn't long before Roberto Carlos, ever the marauding full-back, began to assert himself on the left flank. 

Ajax's defensive strategy on the wings was precise and disciplined. Trabelsi and Maxwell were instructed to allow the crosses from wide areas but to deny any opportunities for Real Madrid's wingers and full-backs to cut inside. The focus was on preventing Ronaldo and Raúl, who were not known for their aerial prowess, from capitalizing on headers inside the box. 

However, Ajax found themselves in a passive position early in the game. It wasn't until the 12th minute that they managed their first attempt on goal. Sneijder, making a late run into the box, unleashed a long-range shot that soared well over the bar—an effort more akin to an anti-aircraft gun than a real threat to Casillas. 

Real Madrid quickly countered, reasserting their dominance, and Ajax once again reverted to a defensive strategy, relying on counterattacks to relieve the pressure. 

As the game reached the 20th minute, Real Madrid launched a particularly dangerous sequence of play. A flurry of attacks led to three consecutive corner kicks, each one more threatening than the last. Ajax's defense was tested to its limits, and on several occasions, it seemed that the ball was destined for the back of the net. Yet, each time, the home side managed to scramble it clear, albeit often by the narrowest of margins. 

This intense spell of pressure culminated in De Jong receiving a yellow card for a late challenge as he desperately tried to halt a Real Madrid break. The booking meant that if Ajax were to advance, De Jong would miss the next match due to suspension. However, his tenacity in breaking up the play was met with a roar of approval from the Ajax faithful, who understood the importance of his intervention. 

The resilience shown by Ajax in defense bolstered the confidence of the home crowd, who knew that their team's only realistic chance against the Galácticos was to absorb pressure and strike on the counterattack. To go toe-to-toe with Real Madrid in an open game would be akin to suicide. 

Ajax managed to hold Real Madrid at bay, and as the first half wore on, they began to find a foothold in the match. In the 28th minute, Van der Vaart attempted a speculative volley from the edge of the area, but the ball sailed wide of the post, failing to trouble Casillas. 

In the first half hour, Ajax's performance was a mixture of determination and desperation. They trailed significantly in terms of possession and had only managed two shots on goal, neither of which had posed any real danger. Yet, despite the overwhelming odds, the scoreboard still read 0-0. 

Perhaps sensing that Ajax's defense had begun to settle, Real Madrid's players appeared to ease off the intensity of their attacks, allowing the home side to venture forward with more regularity. Ajax, encouraged by this slight shift in momentum, began to organize more counterattacks, and each foray into the Real Madrid half was met with growing excitement from the crowd. The fans, now fully engaged, could sense that a breakthrough might be within reach. 

However, just as Ajax's confidence began to swell, disaster struck. In the 34th minute, De Jong attempted a risky pass out from the back, but Zidane, ever the predator, anticipated the move and intercepted the ball. With a single touch, Zidane played a perfectly weighted pass in behind the Ajax defense, releasing Ronaldo. 

Although Ronaldo was no longer in the peak physical condition that had made him the most feared striker in the world, his instincts remained razor-sharp. With a burst of pace, he broke free of his markers, driving towards the goal with lethal intent. As he approached the penalty area, Ronaldo coolly squared the ball to Raúl, who had made a supporting run to his left. 

Raúl, with all the composure expected of a player of his caliber, slotted the ball past the helpless Robont, silencing the Amsterdam Arena. The scoreboard flashed 1-0 in favor of Real Madrid, and the reality of the task ahead weighed heavily on Ajax's players. 

In one moment of brilliance, Real Madrid had turned the tide back in their favor. It was a textbook example of what made them so dangerous—a team of superstars capable of punishing even the slightest mistake with clinical efficiency. 

This was Real Madrid at their finest. This was the reason they were called the Galácticos. 

... 

... 

"Seven minutes—just seven minutes until the end of the first half!" 

Ronald Koeman felt as though a fire was raging within him, a searing frustration that threatened to burst from his chest. He wanted to let loose, to scream, to release the fury that had built up with that one catastrophic mistake. But deep down, he knew that there was no one to blame. 

Mistakes happen. De Jong had played well up to that point, and in that critical moment, Zidane's lightning-fast reaction to intercept the pass and deliver the deadly through ball was the stuff of legends. Ronaldo's movement was impeccable, and Raúl was right where he needed to be, capitalizing on the opportunity with ruthless efficiency. 

What could Koeman say? 

As the ball hit the back of the net, the entire Amsterdam Arena fell into a stunned silence. The collective hope of the Ajax faithful seemed to evaporate in an instant, replaced by a heavy sense of despair. With Real Madrid now leading 5-2 on aggregate, Ajax needed three goals without conceding another—an almost insurmountable challenge, especially against a team of Real Madrid's caliber. 

The enormity of the task was crushing. Koeman could feel the despair creeping into his thoughts, the cold grip of doubt whispering that it might be time to accept defeat. 

But then, a reassuring hand rested on his shoulder. It was Ruud Krol, his assistant coach, who had seen enough football to know that games could turn on a single moment, and that hope, however faint, still existed. 

"Don't give in, Ronald," Krol said, his voice calm yet firm. He understood the pressure bearing down on Koeman, the weight of expectation from the fans, the club, and the players. But he also knew that the match wasn't over—not by a long shot. 

"We still have the second half. There are still opportunities, still hope," Krol continued, his words carrying the quiet conviction of someone who had seen miraculous comebacks before. 

Koeman looked up, his eyes reflecting the turmoil within him. But Krol's words struck a chord, and slowly, a flicker of determination reignited in Koeman's gaze. He remembered the tactical plan they had crafted, the meticulous preparations, and the secret weapon they had kept in reserve—their right-winger, Yang Yang, who was waiting on the bench. 

"Yes, you're right. We still have a chance," Koeman said, his voice steadying as he took a deep breath, trying to quell the storm of emotions inside. He knew that now was the time for clear thinking, for decisive action. 

He turned to Krol, his decision made. "Ruud, tell Yang Yang to start warming up. We'll make the substitution at halftime." 

Krol nodded, understanding the significance of the move. Yang Yang had been the spark in their previous matches, and now, with the game hanging in the balance, he would be called upon to deliver once more. 

As Krol walked over to relay the message to Yang Yang, Koeman turned his attention back to the pitch, his mind already racing with adjustments and strategies for the second half. The task ahead was monumental, but the game was far from over. With the right changes and a bit of luck, Ajax could still find a way back into this match. 

The tension in the stadium was palpable as the first half drew to a close. The fans, though subdued, hadn't lost hope entirely. They knew that football was a game of moments, and sometimes, all it took was one moment of brilliance to turn the tide. 

Koeman watched the final minutes of the half tick away, his mind focused, his resolve hardened. He had to believe—because if he didn't, how could his players? 

... 

... 

"It's over, it's completely over!" 

Michael Van Praag, the chairman of Ajax, stared down at the pitch where Real Madrid players were celebrating their first-half goal, his head shaking with a mixture of disbelief and frustration. The sight of the Galácticos basking in their advantage was almost too much to bear. Three goals down on aggregate against a team of Real Madrid's caliber—how could they possibly come back from this? 

"If it were just two goals, maybe we'd have a glimmer of hope," Van Praag muttered to himself. "But three? Against them? How is that even possible?" 

Beside him, Louis van Gaal, the club's technical director, clenched his jaw, his expression one of grim determination. "The game isn't over until it's truly over," Van Gaal said, his voice tight with resolve. 

Van Praag turned to him, surprised by the defiant tone. "What?" he asked, his disbelief clear. "We're three goals behind, and we're facing Real Madrid. How can it not be over?" 

The chairman's incredulity was understandable. Just the day before, he had watched another Champions League quarterfinal—Deportivo La Coruña against AC Milan. La Coruña had been demolished 4-1 in the first leg, only to return home and shock the world with a 4-0 victory, overturning the deficit and knocking out the mighty Rossoneri. But that remarkable turnaround had hinged on tactical brilliance and early goals. Deportivo had stunned Milan with a goal in the first five minutes and added two more before halftime, entering the break 3-0 up. It was a masterclass in how to overturn a daunting deficit. 

But here, at the Amsterdam Arena, things felt different. Ajax had played passively in the first half and had even conceded another goal, further widening the gap. The situation seemed bleak, and Van Praag couldn't see a way back. 

Yet Van Gaal's eyes remained fixed with a fiery determination. "We still have the second half," he said, his voice laced with belief. "And we have Yang Yang." 

At the mention of Yang Yang's name, Van Praag felt a flicker of hope, though it was quickly tempered by doubt. Yang Yang had earned a reputation as Ajax's super-sub, a player who had consistently turned games around when brought off the bench. He had done it against Club Brugge, against Eindhoven, and most impressively against Arsenal. Each time, he had delivered when it mattered most, breathing new life into the team when the odds were stacked against them. 

But this was Real Madrid they were facing now. Could Yang Yang truly make a difference against such an illustrious opponent? 

Van Gaal sensed the chairman's hesitation and pressed on. "Look, Real Madrid might have the momentum, but their players are running on fumes. They might have the lead, but they aren't moving like they should. Zidane, apart from that one assist, has been quiet. Ronaldo, despite his brilliance on that assist, has been largely invisible. And Figo—what has he done in this match? Not much." 

Van Praag listened intently as Van Gaal continued. "Their physical condition is deteriorating. They can't keep up the intensity. If we hold our nerve, if we refuse to fall apart, we can turn this around. We have to make up our minds to fight back. With Yang Yang on the field, we have a chance to exploit their fatigue, to press them when they least expect it." 

Van Gaal paused, the intensity of his words hanging in the air. But then, perhaps sensing his own words lacked the absolute certainty he wished they carried, he added, "Even if we do lose in the end, even if we are eliminated, we cannot go down like this. Not without a fight." 

Van Praag nodded slowly, the determination in Van Gaal's words gradually seeping into his own resolve. "You're right," he said, his voice firming. "We can't let them walk all over us. We have to make them fight for it." 

With that, the chairman felt a renewed sense of purpose. The second half was yet to be played, and in football, miracles could happen. Yang Yang had delivered miracles before—maybe, just maybe, he could do it again. 

As the whistle for halftime echoed in the stadium, Van Praag and Van Gaal exchanged a look that said it all. The challenge was enormous, but they weren't ready to throw in the towel. Not yet. 

The real test was about to begin, and Ajax would not go down without a fight. 

... 

... 

The first half concluded with Real Madrid leading 1-0, adding to Ajax's mounting challenges. As the referee's whistle echoed through the Amsterdam Arena, a palpable tension hung in the air. The home crowd, draped in red and white, sat in a stunned silence, their hopes momentarily dampened but not extinguished. 

Players from both teams began making their way off the pitch, the contrasting moods evident in their body language. Real Madrid's stars, though leading, walked slowly, their faces etched with fatigue and exertion. In contrast, Ajax's players jogged briskly toward the tunnel, determination gleaming in their eyes despite the setback. 

The intermission allowed only fifteen precious minutes—hardly enough time for rest but ample for regrouping and strategizing. As the Ajax squad disappeared into the tunnel, assistant coach Ruud Krol approached Yang Yang, who had been warming up diligently along the sidelines throughout the first half. 

"Yang, finish up your warm-up and head straight to the locker room," Krol instructed, his tone urgent yet composed. "Coach wants you ready to come on immediately." 

A surge of adrenaline coursed through Yang Yang's veins at the news. Originally slated to enter the fray around the 60th to 65th minute mark, the circumstances now demanded his presence from the start of the second half. The early substitution signaled head coach Ronald Koeman's intent to inject fresh energy and creativity into the team, aiming to overturn the deficit against their formidable opponents. 

As Yang Yang jogged along the touchline, completing his final stretches, he found himself crossing paths with several Real Madrid superstars heading toward their dressing room. Ever respectful, Yang Yang offered polite greetings, but was met with minimal acknowledgment. Zidane and Figo, usually the epitome of grace and composure, appeared particularly drained—faces drawn, shoulders slumped, their breaths coming in heavy, labored gasps. 

Yang Yang observed them keenly, noting the beads of sweat trickling down their foreheads and the fatigue evident in their eyes. As an athlete attuned to the physical demands of high-level football, he recognized the telltale signs of exhaustion. The Galácticos, for all their skill and prestige, were showing clear signs of weariness. 

A spark of optimism ignited within Yang Yang. The pre-match analysis conducted by Ajax's coaching staff had highlighted Real Madrid's potential vulnerability due to fatigue, especially in the later stages of the match. Their grueling season schedule, compounded by a lack of effective squad rotation, was beginning to take its toll. The sight of their weary faces confirmed these predictions and offered a glimmer of hope. 

Buoyed by this revelation, Yang Yang quickened his pace, eager to relay his observations. He dashed through the maze of corridors beneath the stadium, the echoes of chanting fans reverberating through the concrete walls, fueling his determination. Pushing open the door to the locker room, he was met with the intense gaze of his teammates and the focused demeanor of the coaching staff. 

Inside, the atmosphere was charged yet tense. Some players sat quietly, towels draped over their heads, while others engaged in hushed conversations, analyzing the first-half shortcomings. Koeman stood at the center, clipboard in hand, preparing to deliver his halftime address. 

Catching his breath, Yang Yang stepped forward. "Coach, everyone—I just saw the Real Madrid players up close," he began, his voice steady but urgent. "They're exhausted. Zidane, Figo, even Ronaldo—they all look spent. They're breathing heavily and barely acknowledged me as they walked by. I think their fitness levels are dropping fast." 

The room fell silent as his words sank in. Players exchanged glances, and a wave of renewed energy seemed to ripple through the squad. Defender Johnny Heitinga leaned forward, eyes alight with interest. "Are you sure about this, Yang?" he asked, his voice tinged with cautious optimism. 

"Absolutely," Yang Yang affirmed, nodding emphatically. "They looked drained, like they're struggling to keep up. This could be our chance to press harder and turn the game around." 

Ronald Koeman's face broke into a subtle but confident smile. "That's exactly what we needed to hear," he said, his voice rising with newfound conviction. "Our analysis suggested they would tire, but having that confirmed is invaluable." 

He turned to address the entire team, his presence commanding and his words deliberate. "Listen up, everyone. The first half didn't go as we planned, but this game is far from over. Real Madrid may have the lead, but they're vulnerable. Their fatigue is our opportunity." 

... 

... 

Yang Yang has undoubtedly become Ajax's talisman, and Ronald Koeman knows it well. 

The first half had ended with Real Madrid leading 1-0, a blow that had sent Ajax's morale plummeting. As Koeman returned to the locker room during halftime, he tried every trick in the book to lift his players' spirits, but nothing seemed to work. The weight of the situation—being three goals down on aggregate against one of the best teams in the world—was crushing. 

Koeman was desperate. He understood that they had to go on the offensive from the very first minute of the second half to have any hope of clawing their way back into the match. But how could they do that with a team that had lost its confidence? 

And then, like a lifeline tossed to a drowning man, Yang Yang delivered the news that would change everything: the Real Madrid players were exhausted. They could barely catch their breath, and their fatigue was evident. 

This was nothing short of a blessing from the heavens, but more importantly, the news came from Yang Yang. 

If someone like Ibrahimović or Maxwell had made the observation, it might have been taken with a grain of salt, given their personalities and tendency for bravado. But Yang Yang was different. He was a young player who spoke little but worked tirelessly, both in training and in matches. At just seventeen, he had earned the respect of the entire squad through his performances and dedication. When Yang Yang spoke, people listened—because they trusted him. 

Even more crucially, they wanted to believe him. They needed to believe him. 

Ronald Koeman didn't doubt for a moment that Yang Yang was telling the truth. The coaching staff had anticipated that Real Madrid's physical condition would falter as the match wore on, which was why they had planned to introduce Yang Yang in the second half. His report confirmed their pre-match analysis and offered a ray of hope in what had seemed like a hopeless situation 

Yang Yang's observation wasn't just a stroke of luck; it was a result of his meticulous attention to detail, his ability to notice the subtle signs that others might miss. 

"Everyone, listen up!" Koeman's voice boomed through the locker room, cutting through the tension. 

The players, who had been sitting in quiet despair, now stood up, their eyes fixed on their head coach. They could sense that something had shifted. 

"Yang Yang's observations confirm what we suspected all along," Koeman continued, his voice filled with renewed determination. "In fact, their situation is even worse than we anticipated. Yes, we're three goals down, but that's not the end. We can score three goals, maybe even more." 

The players nodded, absorbing the words. Real Madrid might be a team of superstars, but if those stars were physically drained, they were nothing more than a paper tiger—intimidating to look at, but lacking the strength to back it up. 

"From the start of the second half, we press them. We press them hard," Koeman instructed, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "If we keep the pressure on, they'll start making mistakes. And when they do, we'll be ready to pounce and hit back quickly." 

The locker room buzzed with a renewed fighting spirit. The players exchanged determined glances, a fierce desire to fight back burning in their eyes. They knew that their opponents were on the ropes, and now was the time to deliver the knockout blow. 

This was their chance to etch their names into football history. A comeback against Real Madrid, one of the most storied clubs in the world, would be remembered forever. The media headlines would be dominated by Ajax's incredible reversal. The thought of such a triumph sent a surge of adrenaline through the team. 

"Our counterattacks need to be faster," Koeman emphasized, returning to the tactical aspects of the game. "Focus on the flanks, especially the right side. Roberto Carlos loves to push forward, and that leaves a lot of space behind him. That's where we hit them. And remember, their midfield is vulnerable—Borja and Guti aren't offering much protection. That's our opportunity." 

Everything Koeman was saying had been drilled into the players during the pre-match preparations, but now it carried a new urgency, a belief that this wasn't just a strategy—it was the key to their survival. 

Finally, Koeman's tone shifted to something deeper, more primal. "We have no more room to retreat. The only way forward is attack. We can't afford any more mistakes, especially in defense. We cannot give Real Madrid another chance. Stay sharp, stay united, and play as a team. That's the only way we win." 

He paused, his eyes scanning the room, ensuring that his message had hit home. "If we concede another goal, it's over. We're done." 

To emphasize his point, Koeman slammed his fist on the table, the impact sending a jolt through the room. The veins in his neck stood out, a visible sign of the intensity with which he spoke. This wasn't just a match; it was a battle for survival. 

The players were silent, but the determination in their eyes spoke volumes. They understood the gravity of the situation. They knew they were standing on the edge of a cliff, with nothing but a sheer drop behind them. There was no turning back. 

The only way forward was to fight. 

... 

... 

"The two teams are back on the pitch, and the tension in the Amsterdam Arena is palpable," the commentator's voice buzzed with excitement as the players resumed their positions. "Real Madrid have made no changes during the break, but Ajax has rolled the dice by substituting De Jong for their young right-winger, Yang Yang." 

The switch was as bold as it was necessary. De Jong, who had struggled defensively in the first half and picked up a yellow card, was a liability against Real Madrid's relentless attack. Ronald Koeman's decision to replace him signaled a clear intent: Ajax was going all-in on the offensive. 

"Ajax sticks to their 4-3-3 formation, but with some critical adjustments," the commentator continued. "Sneijder drops deeper into a more defensive role, Van der Vaart returns to his natural position as an attacking midfielder, and Yang Yang takes up his usual spot on the right wing, while Wesley Sonck shifts to the left." 

As the players settled into their new roles, the atmosphere in the stadium shifted. The Ajax fans, noticing Yang Yang's entrance, erupted with excitement. Banners bearing his name unfurled in the stands, and chants of "Yang Yang!" echoed throughout the arena. The 17-year-old had become a fan favorite, a beacon of hope who had consistently delivered when it mattered most. 

"Yang Yang has been nothing short of a revelation since breaking into the first team midway through the season," the commentator noted. "Though he often starts on the bench, every time he's called upon, he brings something special to the game. The big question tonight is: can he do it again, this time against the might of Real Madrid?" 

The second half kicked off with Ajax taking the initiative, determined to change the course of the match. Real Madrid, intent on maintaining control as they had in the first half, tried to reassert their dominance through possession. But they quickly discovered that Ajax had altered their approach, and the dynamics of the game had shifted dramatically. 

Barely a minute into the restart, Ajax launched an attack down the left. Maxwell surged forward, linking up with Van der Vaart, who had dropped deep to collect the ball. Maxwell received a quick return pass, and with a swift movement, he delivered a precise cross into the penalty area. Wesley Sonck, timing his run perfectly, rose to meet the ball with a powerful header, directing it towards Ibrahimović. The Swedish striker, surrounded by defenders, managed to get a foot on the ball, but his shot was blocked by Helguera and cleared out of danger. 

The Real Madrid defense had been shaken, but not broken. However, Ajax's intent was clear—they were pressing harder and faster, and they were not going to let up. 

"Ajax is pressing high and fast," the commentator observed. "Every time Real Madrid tries to play out from the back, they're met with relentless pressure from the Ajax forwards. This is a clear change in tactics from the first half." 

Real Madrid attempted to counter, but Ajax's front line swarmed them immediately, forcing the Galácticos to hurriedly clear the ball out of their own half. The quick turnover allowed Ajax to regain possession, and less than a minute later, they were back on the attack. 

Van der Vaart found himself in space just outside the box. With a defender closing in, he unleashed a low, driven shot towards the bottom corner of the goal. Casillas, ever the acrobat, leaped to his left, stretching every muscle to tip the ball around the post. The stadium groaned as another opportunity slipped away. 

"The pace has picked up significantly," the commentator remarked. "Ajax is refusing to give Real Madrid any breathing room. They're pushing forward with intensity, and you can feel the energy in the crowd—the fans are feeding off this aggressive play." 

As the match continued, it was clear that Real Madrid's left-back, Roberto Carlos, was still eager to push forward and contribute to his team's attack. But this eagerness played right into Ajax's hands, and both the coaching staff and Yang Yang were ready to exploit it. 

Each time Ajax launched an attack, Yang Yang shadowed Carlos, waiting for the moment when the Brazilian left his defensive duties to surge up the field. Twice, Ajax's attacks focused on the left, frustrating Yang Yang's runs into the space behind Carlos. But the young winger remained patient, knowing that his time would come. 

Sure enough, in the 48th minute, Ajax's persistence paid off. After a series of quick passes, Sneijder intercepted a loose ball in midfield. Sensing an opportunity, he quickly played a low, slicing pass out to the right wing, perfectly exploiting the gap left by the marauding Roberto Carlos. 

"There it is! The ball's gone wide to the right—Carlos is out of position!" the commentator shouted as the fans roared in anticipation. 

Yang Yang sprinted into the space, his eyes locked on the ball as he raced towards the edge of the penalty area. He caught up with Sneijder's pass, and with a single glance into the box, he saw Ibrahimović already muscling his way past Mejía, positioning himself for the header. 

Yang Yang took one touch to steady himself before delivering a perfectly weighted cross with his right foot, curling the ball around the defense and into the danger zone. The timing was flawless. 

Ibrahimović, rising above the defenders, met the cross with a powerful header. The ball rocketed towards the far corner of the goal, leaving Casillas no chance. 

"Goooooooooooal!!!" the commentator's voice boomed over the noise of the crowd. "Ajax finally finds the back of the net! Forty-eight minutes in, just three minutes into the second half, and they've broken through Real Madrid's defense!" 

The stadium erupted into a cacophony of cheers and applause, the Ajax faithful on their feet, celebrating wildly. Banners waved, and the sound of Yang Yang's name reverberated around the arena. 

"It's Yang Yang again! The magical Yang Yang!" the commentator continued, struggling to be heard over the roar of the crowd. "This young man is something special—every time Ajax needs him, he delivers!" 

The commentator could hardly contain his excitement as he replayed the moment in his mind. "It was a simple yet brilliantly executed goal," he marveled. "Yang Yang timed his run to perfection, found space where there seemed to be none, and delivered a pinpoint cross. Ibrahimović did the rest, powering the header past Casillas with authority." 

The chemistry between Yang Yang and Ibrahimović was undeniable—a seamless connection forged through countless hours on the training ground. "Their understanding is remarkable," the commentator continued. "They've practiced this move over and over, and it paid off when it mattered most." 

As the ball nestled into the back of the net, the Ajax players exploded with joy, and the Amsterdam Arena reverberated with an energy that felt almost tangible. The crowd roared in unison, a wave of sound that surged through the stadium, lifting the spirits of every player clad in red and white. The goal was more than just a point on the scoreboard—it was a lifeline, a beacon of hope that the impossible comeback was no longer just a dream, but a tantalizing reality within their grasp. 

The game was truly alive. 

Ibrahimović, the towering Swedish striker, couldn't contain his exhilaration. After scoring the goal, he sprinted towards Yang Yang with the kind of fervor only football can ignite. Dropping to one knee, he slid across the turf, pulling Yang Yang into a bear hug as his voice echoed across the pitch in a triumphant roar. 

The scoreboard now showed 3-5 on aggregate, and with just forty-eight minutes on the clock, Ajax had plenty of time to mount a full-scale assault. The early goal in the second half had breathed new life into the team, rekindling their belief that the deficit could be overturned. With each passing second, that belief grew stronger, and the players fed off the roaring energy of the crowd. 

"Ajax's players are in a state of euphoria, and the fans are right there with them, chanting the names of Yang Yang and Ibrahimović," the commentator enthused, his voice barely audible over the deafening cheers. "This is football at its finest—a brilliant display of teamwork and understanding." 

A slow-motion replay of the goal revealed the intricacy of the move. "From the replay, it's clear that the two players had a plan," the commentator continued. "Ibrahimović didn't rush into the box immediately; instead, he waited for the perfect moment, allowing Yang Yang to deliver the cross. Mejía, caught off guard by Ibrahimović's sudden burst of movement, was outmaneuvered. The Swedish striker didn't even need to leap—he simply used his superior positioning and strength to head the ball home from close range." 

The goal was more than just a physical strike; it was a psychological blow to Real Madrid. "This is the kind of goal that can shatter a team's morale," the commentator observed. "For Ajax, scoring so early in the second half has completely revitalized their confidence. They're back in this match, and they have the momentum on their side. Real Madrid, on the other hand, need to regroup quickly and stabilize their defense, or they could be in serious trouble." 

As the Ajax players continued their jubilant celebrations, a new realization dawned on everyone in the stadium: this was far from over. The belief that Ajax could pull off one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history was no longer just a dream—it was becoming a tangible possibility. 

The energy on the pitch was electric, and the Ajax players, fueled by the roaring support of their fans, prepared to press forward with renewed vigor. The goal had given them the lifeline they needed, and now, they were ready to seize the moment and turn the tide of the match. 

Real Madrid, stunned by the sudden shift in momentum, faced a critical juncture. They could either dig deep and restore their dominance, or risk being overwhelmed by an Ajax side that was now playing with nothing to lose. 

The stage was set for a thrilling second half, where every pass, every tackle, and every shot would carry the weight of the match. Ajax had drawn first blood in the second half, and the question now was whether they could keep up the pressure and complete their incredible comeback. 

The battle was far from over. 

... 

After the frenzy of celebrations, Yang Yang shared a joyous moment with each of his teammates, his laughter infectious as it spread through the group. Every Ajax player wore a broad smile, their faces radiating confidence. They had seen the cracks in the mighty Real Madrid—cracks that had widened with each passing minute, especially as the Galácticos' physical stamina began to wane. 

They knew now that the Real Madrid standing before them was not the untouchable force they had once appeared to be. The giants were tired, their once-imposing presence reduced by the relentless pace and pressure of Ajax's play. 

As the players regrouped, Ronald Koeman stood on the sidelines, waving his arms emphatically and shouting instructions. His gestures were clear—there would be no easing off. They needed to press even harder, to close down every inch of space, and to tighten their grip on the game. The message was simple: push for another goal, and push for it now. 

Koeman's urgency resonated with the players. They knew that striking again while Real Madrid was still reeling could be the key to breaking them completely. The team quickly fell back into formation, their focus sharpened, their determination unyielding. 

The hunt for the next goal had begun, and Ajax was ready to seize every opportunity.