UEFA Champions League Final Part 3

As the clock steadily ticked toward the final whistle, the deadlock persisted. Neither Porto nor Ajax had found a breakthrough, and it became clear that regulation time was drawing to a close with the scoreboard still showing 0-0. Both benches had already begun preparing for extra time, signaling their intent with strategic substitutions. 

Ajax had one remaining substitution, while Porto had two at their disposal. The atmosphere along the touchline shifted noticeably when the Ajax coaching staff caught sight of McCarthy warming up. It was a clear signal of Porto's intent — they were preparing for one final push. The likely plan was to bring on their prolific striker, Benni McCarthy, the Primeira Liga's top scorer, in place of Derlei, hoping he could provide the breakthrough. 

The question loomed large: how do you handle a fresh striker like McCarthy, coming off the bench with renewed energy? 

On the pitch, fatigue was palpable. After ninety minutes of relentless running and battling for every ball, the players' legs were heavy, their energy nearly depleted. The tempo of the match had slowed, and even the crowd, vibrant and noisy earlier, began to settle into an anxious lull, urging their teams on with desperate shouts. 

Ajax maintained control of possession, yet Porto's press through the middle stifled their forward movement. The game was locked in a tactical chess match, neither side willing to concede an inch, but both clearly running out of steam. 

When Ajax right-back Hatem Trabelsi received the ball deep in his own half, he was quickly closed down by Alenichev. With the pressure mounting, Trabelsi instinctively looked to retain possession and play the ball safely back to his teammates.. But just as he prepared to pass it back, he caught sight of Yang Yang racing back from his forward position, his right hand raised, demanding the ball. The young winger's positioning was perfect — Alenichev's press had inadvertently shifted the angle, opening up a passing lane. 

Without hesitation, Trabelsi slid a grounded pass directly into Yang Yang's feet. The ball skimmed across the pitch, precise and purposeful. 

Yang Yang, with his quick turn of pace, controlled the ball effortlessly. His instincts kicked in immediately. He had a sense — there were no defenders behind him, and this was his moment. 

As soon as he pivoted, Yang Yang surged forward, the ball glued to his feet. 

Maniche, spotting the danger, reacted swiftly, sprinting to close down the Ajax winger. Behind him, Porto's left-back Nuno Valente tracked back, ready to offer support. But Yang Yang wasn't waiting for them to converge. 

With a deft touch, Yang Yang fed the ball forward to Wesley Sneijder and immediately took off on a blistering run down the flank. 

Sneijder controlled the pass with surgical precision, glancing up just in time to see Yang Yang flying past Maniche, now sprinting into open space. Feeling the pressure from Maniche, Sneijder wasted no time — he lofted the ball over the top, delivering it perfectly into Yang Yang's path for him to chase down. 

... 

"Ajax launches another attack down the right flank." 

"It's Yang Yang driving forward, racing against Valente for pace." 

"Yang Yang is lightning fast, but Valente is closing the gap. Both players are in full sprint, locked in a head-to-head chase." 

... 

The Ajax fans in the stands were caught off guard by the sudden surge of action and erupted into cheers in unison. 

Yang Yang's blazing speed was on full display, and although he held the advantage physically, Valente, the seasoned Porto left-back, wasn't giving up without a fight. Determined and desperate, Valente chased him down, closing the gap inch by inch. In a sneaky move, he reached out and tugged at Yang Yang's shirt, trying to throw him off balance. 

But Yang Yang paid no attention to it. His focus had narrowed to one thing: catching the ball. 

Even without glancing up, his [God's Vision] ability kicked in, allowing him to instinctively judge the ball's trajectory and landing point. Months of grueling training had sharpened his awareness, and he knew his own speed down to the millisecond. He felt confident he could get to the ball first. 

But catching up was only half the battle. Valente was still breathing down his neck, and Yang Yang knew that controlling the ball under such pressure would be critical. His reputation preceded him—every fan knew that his first touch was often lacking, and controlling a high ball, especially in such a tight moment, would be even more challenging. Sneijder likely lofted the ball over the top precisely because of the lurking threats from Maniche, Costinha, and Valente, wanting to avoid their interceptions. 

But the question haunted him for a brief second: How would he control the ball? 

The thought flickered through his mind, and as quickly as it came, Yang Yang remembered his third Star Skill: Bergkamp First Touch. The Non-Flying Dutchman was a master of controlling such passes, and Yang Yang had painstakingly practiced that very skill over and over. 

He hadn't just practiced in the Dream Training System — he'd spent hours in extra sessions, with Maxwell sending him countless high passes to sharpen his touch. He had experience now. 

In that instant, Yang Yang made his decision, but it differed from Bergkamp's. The Dutch legend, in his famous moment against Newcastle, brought the ball under immediate control at his feet. However, his situation had been different — Bergkamp had space, was in the penalty area, and could take a shot after his flawless touch. 

Yang Yang, on the other hand, had Valente breathing down his neck. If he attempted to control the ball at his feet, Valente would be on him in a flash, tangling him up before he could make his next move. 

So Yang Yang made a split-second choice. Instead of controlling the ball in front of him, he decided to control it behind him, where no defenders were lurking, giving him more room to operate. 

The thought process might have seemed long, but it all happened in an instant. As the ball descended, Yang Yang carefully judged its trajectory, and with a fluid motion, he lifted his right foot, positioning it to meet the ball at just the right angle. He adjusted the tilt of his foot and leg, his technique refined by countless hours of practice. 

The ball struck the sole of his foot, and rather than bouncing away, it obeyed his subtle control. It changed direction slightly, flicking over the left side of his shoulder before falling perfectly into the space between him and Valente. 

Valente was left dumbfounded. 

What just happened? 

How could Yang Yang control the ball like that? 

Valente had seen the videos; Yang Yang's first touch was notoriously inconsistent, especially with high balls. Yet here he was, displaying impeccable control. Valente's mind raced, but he had no time to think. 

Yang Yang didn't allow him a moment to recover. As soon as the ball settled, Yang Yang stopped abruptly and shifted his direction. 

Valente, reacting quickly, tried to keep pace. He went from an all-out sprint to a sudden stop, turning sharply to follow Yang Yang's movement. At the same time, he reached out, desperate to grab hold of Yang Yang and slow him down. 

But just as his hand extended, Yang Yang executed a clever trick. He swung his right arm sharply, making contact with Valente's reaching hand, causing Valente to lose his balance. As Valente stumbled and slipped, his feet betrayed him, and he collapsed awkwardly onto the grass. 

Yang Yang, now free of the challenge, calmly guided the ball forward with his right foot, sending it back into the penalty area. 

... 

"An exquisite first touch!" 

"Ajax are pressing down the right wing. Yang Yang controls the ball with a sublime first touch and leaves Valente in his wake!" 

"What will he do next..." 

"Faced with Jorge Costa, he attempts a step-over, but Costa stands firm, refusing to be beaten. Yang Yang smartly opts to lay the ball off to the edge of the box..." 

"Ibrahimović arrives! He takes the shot directly..." 

"But the angle is too tight! Baia reacts quickly and blocks it!" 

"The ball spills loose, still inside the penalty area..." 

"Yang Yang is there, charging forward!" 

... 

When Baia blocked the ball and it flew towards him, Yang Yang was momentarily astonished. 

It was too sudden! 

He had been certain Ibrahimović would score. But now, against all expectations, the ball was coming directly at him. His mind went blank for a brief second, unable to process the quick turn of events. Almost instinctively, he brought his foot up and gently controlled the ball as it arrived. 

The shot hadn't carried much power, and Yang Yang now found himself with the ball calmly at his feet, right in front of goal. In that instant, it was as if time slowed down around him. The air seemed to thicken, and everything around him appeared to move in slow motion. 

He saw Jorge Costa turning, having just rushed to close down Ibrahimović. Now, Costa was reacting, moving towards Yang Yang, but his motions seemed delayed, sluggish. 

Baia, sprawled on the ground, was shouting something, his arms slowly retracting as if he was trying to get back to his feet. 

Carvalho, stationed in the center, was preparing to slide in for a block, eyes locked on Yang Yang. 

And behind him, Valente was just beginning to rise after slipping. His recovery was too slow. 

Around the stadium, disbelief rippled through the crowd. Ajax fans were on the edge of their seats, caught between hope and excitement, while Porto fans were paralyzed with fear, knowing how quickly the situation had shifted. 

On the Porto touchline, José Mourinho's face was twisted in frustration, his voice rising in a guttural roar, "Stop him!" 

At the same moment, Ronald Koeman stood at the edge of the Ajax technical area, eyes wide in shock. His mouth opened in a shout, urging: "Shoot!" 

Amidst the cacophony of sights and sounds, Yang Yang's mind snapped back to the present. Everything clicked. In a flash, he shifted his weight and swung his right foot with purpose, striking the ball firmly forward. 

As Jorge Costa turned with urgency, Carvalho slid desperately, and Baia struggled to lift himself from the ground... 

The ball shot off Yang Yang's boot like a bullet, cutting through the air with deadly precision, aimed directly at the almost unguarded net. 

At the moment his foot connected with the ball, Yang Yang knew — the goal was his. 

He didn't need the referee's whistle. He didn't need to see the ball cross the line. The countless hours of practice, from Almere's skatepark to Ajax's De Toekomst training ground, had prepared him for this moment. The ball, the shot, it felt like an extension of himself, an action ingrained deep in his soul. He could already picture it hitting the back of the net. 

As the ball rocketed towards its target, Yang Yang's entire body exploded with emotion. Without hesitation, he let out a scream of pure joy and sprinted off the pitch, his eyes immediately seeking out the stand where his parents were seated. 

Behind him, the referee finally blew the whistle, confirming the goal! 

The crowd erupted in waves of noise, and the Ajax players came to life, suddenly aware of what had just transpired. But Yang Yang was already gone, racing toward his family. He dropped to his knees, his head bowed, hands raised in a moment of personal triumph, tears streaming down his face as the stadium seemed to collectively hold its breath. 

This goal wasn't just for Ajax; it was for his parents, who had stood by him through every hardship. It was for his uncles, aunts, cousins, and his brothers, Wei Zhen and Wei Zheng. It was for Johnny Rep and all the people in Almere. It was for legends like Van Gaal and Van Basten who had guided him at Ajax, and for every fan who had believed in him along the way. 

The Ajax players celebrated like wild men! Whether on the pitch or on the bench, every one of them — even head coach Ronald Koeman and his staff — rushed towards Yang Yang. They surrounded him, shouting with joy, embracing him in the center of the storm. 

No one had expected it. No one could have predicted that Yang Yang would score the decisive goal — the winning goal. 

But at this moment, it didn't matter who had scored. It didn't matter how it had happened. All that mattered was that Ajax had scored. 

That was enough. 

... 

... 

In the stands, countless Ajax fans were overcome with emotion, crying tears of joy. 

When they saw Yang Yang kneeling with tears streaming down his face, even Shen Lifang, Shen Yuzhu, and others who had supported him from the beginning couldn't hold back their sobs. The moment was too powerful, too overwhelming. 

The brothers, Yang Yongqiang, Shen Ming, and Wei Zheng, found themselves equally affected, tears rolling down their faces. The raw intensity of the moment struck a chord deep within them. 

Even the young girl Su Ye, who neither knew Yang Yang nor understood football, was wiping her eyes with a tissue, unable to resist the emotional wave that had swept through the stadium. She, too, was moved to tears by the sheer beauty of the moment. 

This was the Champions League final. 

This was the magic of football and sport. 

... 

... 

"Oh my God, this is absolutely unbelievable!" 

"Ajax have finally broken the deadlock against Porto in the 89th minute of regular time." 

"A goal from Ajax's number 99, Yang Yang, has opened the door to victory for the Dutch giants." 

"1-0, and Ajax are now within touching distance of their fifth Champions League trophy." 

"Yang Yang, a seventeen-year-old Chinese sensation, is a name that will be remembered in football history. At the beginning of this match, he had already broken the record as the youngest player to ever feature in a Champions League final, surpassing Patrick Kluivert's mark from 1995. Now, with this goal, he has shattered Kluivert's second record, becoming the youngest player to ever score in a Champions League final!" 

"This is the golden goal that could bring Ajax their fifth UEFA Champions League title." 

"It's so unexpected, yet so spectacular." 

"If we look at the replay in slow motion, you can see Yang Yang's incredible fighting spirit. He recognized the pressure in the back and quickly dropped deep to help his teammates. His interplay with Sneijder was crucial, especially that give-and-go which set him free on the right wing. The key moment was his first touch, a piece of skill that allowed him to glide past Nuno Valente." 

"In the past, critics pointed to Yang Yang's first touch as his greatest weakness. But after tonight's performance, those opinions will change. He's only 17, and still developing, but that first touch was nothing short of elegance, reminiscent of Bergkamp. His potential is limitless, and we've all witnessed a glimpse of that tonight." 

"After entering the box, Yang Yang unselfishly played the ball across to Ibrahimović. The Swedish striker's shot was saved by Baia, but the ball ricocheted back into Yang Yang's path. Valente, who was supposed to be tracking him, had slipped outside the penalty area and couldn't recover in time." 

"Yang Yang's finishing was calm and composed, demonstrating solid fundamentals and incredible maturity for his age. This goal has not only secured Ajax's fifth Champions League title but has also cemented Yang Yang's place in football history overnight!" 

... 

... 

The 30,000-strong Ajax supporters roared Yang Yang's name in unison, their voices echoing throughout the stadium. The energy was electric, a powerful wave of emotion that swept through the arena as they celebrated their new hero. 

After the initial rush of excitement, Yang Yang managed to collect himself. He gently pushed away his ecstatic teammates, rising from the ground, and wiped the tears from his cheeks. He turned toward the stands, his heart swelling as he thought of his family. They must have seen this. 

Yang Yang extended his right hand, brushing his lips with his fingers before lifting his hand to the sky. "I love you," he mouthed. 

In the stands, the already feverish Ajax fans exploded with renewed fervor, misinterpreting the gesture as one meant for them. They chanted Yang Yang's name even louder, a deafening celebration of the moment. Nearby, Ibrahimović and Maxwell surrounded Yang Yang, playfully jealous of the attention he was receiving. 

"If you scored that goal, you should thank me, you know?" Ibrahimović teased with a smirk. "I'm the real hero here. I deliberately shot into the bottom right-hand corner because I knew Baia would save it, and I guessed it would bounce back to you. Pretty smart, huh?" 

Maxwell couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Zlatan, can you stop lying for once?" 

Vermaelen chimed in, equally unimpressed. "Come on, Zlatan, just admit you missed your shot, and Baia made the save." 

"I'm telling the truth!" Ibrahimović insisted, feigning hurt. "You guys just don't appreciate my brilliance." 

But this time, no one was paying attention to Zlatan's antics. The night belonged to Yang Yang. 

Ronald Koeman embraced Yang Yang tightly, shouting his gratitude. The Ajax coach knew that this night, and this victory, would elevate not only his own standing but that of the entire team. They were Champions League winners, and such a triumph would forever change their careers. 

For every player in the squad, this championship was more than just a trophy — it was the gateway to a future filled with recognition, opportunity, and rewards that would follow them for the rest of their footballing lives. 

... 

... 

The Porto players were crushed by frustration, but none more so than Valente. 

Though his teammates refrained from pointing fingers, Valente couldn't shake the weight of responsibility. He knew that had he not slipped, he would have been in the penalty area, positioned to block Yang Yang's shot. Even if it meant committing a foul, he could have stopped the goal. But instead, he had lost his footing at the crucial moment. 

An entire season's worth of hard work from more than 30 players, dozens of coaches, and staff, all evaporated in an instant. Valente's mind raced with regret — why did I reach out to pull him? 

He knew he had better options. He could have kept his balance, focused on his positioning. But in the heat of the moment, instinct took over, and the decision to reach for Yang Yang instead of staying on his feet now haunted him. 

On the touchline, José Mourinho stood stone-faced, his expression dark and unreadable. No one could tell what was running through the coach's mind, but it was clear that conceding in the final minute of regular time was a bitter pill to swallow. 

Could there be anything more gut-wrenching than conceding in the dying moments of a match? 

Adding to the awkwardness was Benni McCarthy, who had come off the bench moments before the goal. Now, as his team stood on the brink of defeat, he was left wondering if he would even be called into action after the devastating blow. 

In the stands, the Arena AufSchalke, once roaring with Porto supporters, had now fallen into stunned silence. The only sound that reverberated through the stadium was the triumphant celebration of Ajax fans. Their cheers echoed strangely in the midst of Porto's disheartened crowd, a haunting reminder of the final moments that had undone their hopes. 

... 

... 

One by one, the Ajax players returned to the field at the insistence of the referee, their adrenaline still pumping from the celebrations. The fourth official signaled for five minutes of stoppage time, accounting for the pause when Yang Yang was injured and the time spent celebrating his dramatic goal. 

Porto acted swiftly, making a substitution. McCarthy, who was originally set to replace Derlei, instead came on for Nuno Valente. The change was a clear signal: Porto were throwing everything forward in search of an equalizer. 

Ajax, however, responded with their own tactical adjustment. Vermaelen replaced Ibrahimović, solidifying the defense. The intentions were unmistakable — Porto were pushing for a goal, while Ajax were determined to protect their slim 1-0 lead at all costs. 

But Ajax's defense proved resilient. Wesley Sonck and Yang Yang tirelessly tracked back from the wings to help out, while Escudé, Vermaelen, and Heitinga formed an impenetrable wall in the middle. Porto found it impossible to break through the Ajax defense, growing more desperate with each passing minute. 

In fact, it was Ajax who nearly struck again on the counter-attack. Yang Yang sprinted forward, catching Porto off-guard, and played in Wesley Sonck, but the Belgian's effort went agonizingly wide. Exhaustion had set in, and Sonck's movements were becoming labored as the clock wound down. 

As the match ticked into the 95th minute, the final whistle finally blew, and the stadium erupted in celebration. 

At the sound of the whistle, Yang Yang suddenly felt his legs grow heavy. The adrenaline, the pressure, everything he had held in during the match, caught up with him at once. Overcome with emotion, he dropped to his knees on the turf, his face a mix of exhaustion and pure elation. He threw his head back and shouted with all the strength he had left. 

Champions League! Champions League! We are the kings of Europe! 

He couldn't believe it — not only had he played in the Champions League final, but he had scored the winning goal! It all felt like a dream. Just over a year ago, Yang Yang had struggled to secure a place in Almere's youth team, and now, here he was, a Champions League champion. It was surreal. 

Yang Yang's disbelief mirrored that of his teammates. Each Ajax player felt the same mix of exhilaration and awe. Even Ronald Koeman stood in stunned silence for a moment. Just six months ago, his team had been in disarray, struggling to find form. At that point, even qualifying for the group stage of the Champions League had seemed like an impossible goal. But now, half a year later, they had reached the pinnacle of European football. 

When you thought about it, it seemed too incredible to be real. 

Yang Yang was their lucky charm. Time and again, he had come off the bench to turn games around for Ajax. Tonight was no different — except this time, it wasn't just a game he had changed. He had decided the Champions League final. 

Once or twice could be dismissed as luck, but now it was clear to Koeman that Yang Yang possessed qualities others hadn't fully recognized. There was something about him — something beyond statistics and training sessions. A quiet, mysterious influence that always seemed to tip the scales in Ajax's favor. 

Like his touch before the goal. It was a moment of brilliance, the kind that only comes from relentless hard work. Ever since Yang Yang had set his mind on improving his first touch, he had stayed after every training session, working tirelessly. Players like Maxwell, Heitinga, Vermaelen, Sneijder, and De Jong would often stay behind to help him, but no one worked harder than Yang Yang himself. 

And yet, even with all that practice, the touch he showed tonight had stunned everyone. Most thought it would be a miracle just to control the ball, but Yang Yang had gone beyond that. He controlled the ball in the most advantageous position possible, leaving Valente — his marker — off balance and scrambling. Valente, desperate, reached out to foul him but lost his footing and slipped, failing to get back into the box in time to stop Yang Yang's shot. 

Sometimes, things just fall into place. One mistake leads to another, and before you know it, everything unravels. 

In the stands, the Ajax fans were in full voice, singing "We are the champions." On the pitch, the players, too exhausted to continue celebrating, sat on the grass, taking in the moment and trying to regain their strength. 

Ronald Koeman, still in disbelief, took a deep breath and turned toward the Porto bench. 

He and Mourinho were old friends, having worked together as Van Gaal's assistants when Barcelona was under his command. But life had taken them on different paths since then. 

Who could have imagined they would meet again in the Champions League final? 

Mourinho, ever gracious despite the defeat, extended his hand. "Congratulations, Ronald." 

"Thank you," Koeman replied. 

"I had planned for everything, but I overlooked someone," Mourinho added, his voice tinged with regret. 

"Yang Yang?" Koeman asked, already knowing the answer. 

Mourinho gave a small, tight-lipped smile, neither confirming nor denying it. But the message was clear. 

"All the same, congratulations," Mourinho said as he walked away. 

Koeman watched him go before turning his gaze back to the pitch. There, surrounded by Ibrahimović, Vermaelen, Sneijder, Van der Vaart, and the rest of his teammates, was Yang Yang, collapsed on the turf, exhausted yet triumphant. 

Koeman realized that Yang Yang had quietly become a pillar of the team. He had never sought the spotlight, but his work ethic, determination, and willingness to fight for every ball had inspired everyone around him. His relentless pursuit of improvement, his refusal to give up — these were qualities that had quietly infected the entire squad. 

Perhaps that was Yang Yang's greatest gift: his ability to lead without saying a word. 

... 

... 

In the chairman's box, Louis van Gaal stood quietly, watching the euphoric scene unfold on the pitch below. His sharp, distinguished features reflected the mixture of emotions swirling inside him. There was undeniable joy and pride in Ajax's achievement, and yet, somewhere beneath that, a tinge of sadness lingered. It was a bittersweet moment for the Dutchman. 

As the celebrations roared on, his phone buzzed softly in his pocket, momentarily pulling his attention away from the spectacle. Glancing down at the screen, Van Gaal saw the message. 

From Mino Raiola. 

"Louis, we can talk about Yang Yang's contract extension now." 

A wry smile tugged at the corner of Van Gaal's lips. Even in moments like this, football was never just about the game—it was always about the next move, the future, and securing the talents that made nights like these possible. 

He pocketed his phone, his mind already shifting from the joy of victory to the reality of business. Yang Yang's meteoric rise had been undeniable, and the world had taken notice. Tonight had only solidified what Van Gaal and everyone at Ajax already knew—Yang Yang was no longer just a promising talent. He was a star, and stars needed to be secured. 

The celebrations carried on around him, but Van Gaal's thoughts were already ahead, anticipating the negotiations to come. Ajax had won tonight, but ensuring Yang Yang's future in the club? That was the next battle.