First Leg UEFA Cup Quarter-Final II

"This group of fans is absolutely wild!" 

As Sneijder made his way toward the center circle, he glanced up at the stands, taking in the vibrant yellow waves of Villarreal supporters, collectively known as the Yellow Submarine. The whole grandstand seemed to pulse in unison, a vast, undulating sea of yellow that filled the stadium with electric energy. 

"The man's a genius—Riquelme is something else," Yang Yang remarked, admiration clear in his tone. 

Riquelme's journey had been anything but smooth. Back in Barcelona, he had arrived with high expectations but found himself sidelined by Van Gaal's tactical rigidity. Unable to establish himself in the lineup, the Argentine maestro moved to Villarreal on loan, a decision that had turned his fortunes around completely. Here, he was resurrected, unleashing his full potential and proving his doubters wrong. 

This season, Riquelme had transformed Villarreal's midfield, not only setting up plays but scoring 13 goals in La Liga—a career-high for him. He was in the best form of his life, orchestrating Villarreal's play with a vision and finesse that had captivated Spanish fans. 

But Riquelme wasn't Villarreal's only weapon. Their forward line boasted José Mari, once hailed as the golden boy of Atlético Madrid, and Diego Forlán, a Uruguayan star who had struggled to make an impact at Manchester United. Villarreal had picked him up for a modest €1.8 million, and Forlán had been proving his worth ever since, finding the back of the net 18 times this season, trailing only Eto'o in the La Liga scoring charts. 

Both strikers had recently shown excellent form. José Mari had netted a brace in their last match against Athletic Bilbao, while Forlán scored a crucial goal, helping Villarreal secure a win at home. This attacking duo, combined with Riquelme's creative spark, made Villarreal a formidable opponent under Pellegrini's guidance. 

Pellegrini had crafted a unique setup, an asymmetrical 4-4-2, that maximized his squad's individual strengths. Up front, José Mari and Forlán provided contrasting styles—José Mari played a defined tactical role, while Forlán's natural instinct made him unpredictable and dangerous. In the midfield, Riquelme held the central playmaker position, with Juan Pablo Sorín, another talented Argentine, occupying the left flank. Brazilian Marcos Senna and captain Gonzalo Rodríguez, a solid defensive pair, anchored the backline. 

Marcos Senna, known for his tough appearance and aggressive style, was surprisingly more focused on quick ball recovery and distribution, adding stability to Villarreal's transitions. In contrast, Sorín played with a fearless edge, throwing himself into challenges with a tenacity that could catch opponents off guard. Pellegrini's years of experience in South American football had shaped Villarreal's style, a blend of South American flair and European structure, bringing out the best in his players. 

Key to Villarreal's strategy was the connection between Riquelme and the front two, an aspect Ajax's coach had emphasized pre-match. Yet Ajax's double pivot struggled to contain Riquelme's movement and vision, and in just twelve minutes, he had orchestrated an opportunity that led directly to a goal, leaving Ajax's captain Galásek searching for words to rally his team. 

Yang Yang quickly picked up on the mood. As they returned to position, he clapped his hands, his voice rising above the ambient noise. 

"Stay calm! It's only the twelfth minute—plenty of time to get back in this. Let's tighten up defensively, control our shape, and our chances will come!" 

Yang Yang's words carried weight; though he wasn't the captain, his influence in the dressing room had grown. Galásek nodded, acknowledging Yang Yang's encouragement and the shared determination to regroup. 

... 

... 

"He's really becoming a star," remarked Ruud Krol, his tone filled with admiration. 

Ronald Koeman nodded in agreement with his assistant's assessment. Yang Yang had indeed become an indispensable presence within Ajax's squad, both on and off the pitch. 

"Villarreal's commitment to a South American strategy has been steady for the past three years," Krol continued. "Starting from Muñoz's tenure and the signing of players like Palermo, they've focused intensely on bringing in South American talent. Pellegrini's arrival has only strengthened that direction, shaping it into the club's core philosophy." 

Krol reflected on Villarreal's rise. Success didn't happen overnight. Like building blocks, Villarreal had been assembling their South American foundation, and this season's achievements were the fruit of that steady progression. Pellegrini might be receiving much of the credit, but the groundwork was laid long before him by a carefully constructed pipeline of South American imports. 

With the South American leagues hit by an economic crisis in recent years, many talented players moved to Europe for more stability, often at a fraction of their true value. Villarreal had been quick to capitalize on this trend, recruiting strong players like Juan Pablo Sorín and Gonzalo Rodríguez. These South American imports were versatile, technically gifted, and seamlessly adaptable. 

Diego Forlán's recent revival was a prime example. He had struggled to find consistency at Manchester United, but here, in a system tailored to his strengths and surrounded by familiar playing styles, he was flourishing. Villarreal's "South American soil," so to speak, offered the ideal conditions for his skillset to thrive. 

The same held true for Riquelme, who had found himself at home in Villarreal's structure. Pellegrini's approach wasn't just about winning games; it was about elevating Villarreal's distinct South American flair to a level that could compete successfully in La Liga and Europe. This clear identity made their style of play fluid and cohesive, a style fans could easily recognize and admire. 

"As long as they maintain this stability, they'll only get stronger," Krol noted thoughtfully. "We might see a real force in the Champions League next season." 

Koeman nodded, acknowledging the well-established trajectory. 

Observing that his players were back in position, Koeman moved to the sidelines, motioning for Galásek and De Jong. He instructed them to keep a close eye on Riquelme, not allowing him the space to dictate the game. Cutting off his connection with Forlán and the front line would be crucial. 

This season, the synergy between Riquelme and Forlán had been one of Villarreal's primary attacking threats. Riquelme was the heartbeat of the team, setting the pace, linking defense to attack, and driving the offensive play. If Ajax could contain him, Villarreal's threat would be considerably reduced. 

With Riquelme neutralized, Ajax could then take control of the game and look to exploit openings of their own. 

... 

... 

Sometimes, football really is that simple. 

When targeted tactics work effectively, the momentum of a game can shift dramatically. 

After the restart, Villarreal's morale remained high, but their attacking intensity began to ease. Ajax's tactical adjustments had taken effect. The two Ajax midfielders tightened their marking on Riquelme, cutting off his passing lanes and limiting his movement. At the same time, Villarreal showed caution, wary of Ajax's potent counterattack. 

Yang Yang's pace and technical skill had already made him a feared name in the Champions League last season, and this year, he had become Ajax's cornerstone. Pellegrini was well aware of the danger Yang Yang posed. Pushing too high and leaving open spaces for Yang Yang to exploit would be disastrous, so the experienced Chilean coach instructed his team to control the pace, reducing the risk of getting exposed on the break. 

Simultaneously, Pellegrini organized specific defensive measures to counter Yang Yang. Much like Ajax's approach to containing Riquelme, Villarreal was treating Yang Yang as the central threat. Every time Yang Yang touched the ball, Villarreal players closed in swiftly—usually either Sorín or Marcos Senna—adding layers of pressure that disrupted his rhythm. 

But Yang Yang adapted quickly, expanding his range, making more diagonal runs, and trying to pull Villarreal's defenders out of position to open up spaces for his teammates. Despite his efforts, Villarreal's defense held strong, minimizing Ajax's chances. 

With Koeman's tactical adjustments in place and Villarreal easing off the attack, the match entered a brief stalemate. Neither side could carve out clear opportunities, and Riquelme's influence began to wane. 

Then, Ajax regained possession in their defensive half. A long ball soared to the right flank, where Charisteas challenged for the header. He managed to make contact, but Villarreal defender Gonzalo Rodríguez closed in, forcing Charisteas to pass back to Yang Yang, who was advancing from deeper on the pitch. 

As Yang Yang received the ball, Sorín and left-back Arruabarrena abandoned Charisteas and converged on him, forming a defensive wall in front of him. The two Villarreal players shaped into a tight, fan-like formation, giving Yang Yang minimal room to maneuver. 

Yang Yang shielded the ball, but with Sorín and Arruabarrena closing down, he had no immediate options forward. Through his heightened spatial awareness, known as his "God vision," Yang Yang noted Sneijder's position in midfield, but the pressure made a pass risky. His only choice was to retreat and draw his markers with him, a strategy he hoped would eventually open up an opportunity. 

Yang Yang anticipated that Riquelme wouldn't drop back to defend. If he could lure one of his markers away, Sneijder might find space. 

As he had expected, Sorín held his ground while Arruabarrena stayed close. Meanwhile, Villarreal forward José Mari was shadowing Maicon to block potential passing lanes, showing Villarreal's intent to box Yang Yang toward the touchline. This defensive setup was common yet effective, restricting his options and aiming to force him out of play. 

"The closer they are, the easier they fall for a feint—move fast enough, and you'll leave them behind." 

These words from Ajax legend John van 't Schip echoed in Yang Yang's mind. Van 't Schip had spent time training him one-on-one, preparing him for precisely these tight situations. 

With Arruabarrena pressing hard, Yang Yang had little time to decide. The defender's body blocked his balance slightly, causing Yang Yang's stride to stagger momentarily, but he kept his footing and his eyes on his opponents. 

Suddenly, Yang Yang burst forward. Arruabarrena instinctively reacted, following to his right, expecting Yang Yang to try to break past him along the sideline. From Arruabarrena's position, it seemed the only route Yang Yang could take—if he cut off the right, Yang Yang would be trapped. 

But Yang Yang was one step ahead, waiting for Arruabarrena to commit. 

As Arruabarrena shifted his weight, Yang Yang deftly hooked the ball behind him and executed a sharp turn, stopping abruptly before pivoting to his right. In an instant, the ball was back at Yang Yang's feet, and he turned smoothly to face Villarreal's goal. 

"A Cruyff turn!" 

The exclamation rippled through El Madrigal Stadium as fans marveled at the move. 

With his back to Yang Yang, Arruabarrena was caught off guard, the situation now reversed. Yang Yang accelerated forward, surging down the right flank before Sorín could intercept, and sent a precise pass to Sneijder in the center. 

Sneijder controlled the ball confidently, moving toward the center and drawing Villarreal's midfield focus. Seeing Sneijder shift inward, Sorín veered towards Marcos Senna to reinforce the defense in midfield. But just as Sorín adjusted, Sneijder sent a quick pass into the space behind him. 

Anticipating this, Yang Yang had already sprinted diagonally, arriving in stride to receive the pass near the edge of the box. Only one defender remained between him and the goal—Gonzalo Rodríguez. 

"Ajax with a fast break down the right!" 

"Yang Yang's advancing into the penalty area, and he's showing incredible pace!" 

Rodríguez, the last line of Villarreal's defense, was fully aware that if he failed to halt Yang Yang, it would mean a one-on-one with the keeper. Focused intently, he watched Yang Yang approach, ignoring the sweat trickling down his brow. 

Just as Yang Yang neared his defensive zone, he abruptly accelerated, cutting towards the top of the penalty area. Rodríguez recognized the danger immediately. The pre-game scouting report had emphasized Yang Yang's dual-footed ability—a trait he shared with Villarreal's own Diego Forlán. The scouts had warned that Yang Yang could unleash a powerful shot with either foot, making him unpredictable and dangerous from anywhere in front of the goal. 

Thinking fast, Rodríguez adjusted his positioning, shifting his center of gravity to block Yang Yang's anticipated movement. But just as he leaned to cut off Yang Yang's path, the Ajax forward executed a swift step-over, sidestepping to the left and slipping past Rodríguez in a fluid motion. 

"A brilliant step-over from Yang Yang!" 

"Yang Yang tricks Rodríguez and slips right past him!" 

But as Yang Yang moved beyond Rodríguez, another figure appeared directly in his path, closing the distance at a startling pace. 

What's going on? 

Without time to identify the approaching figure, Yang Yang's instinct told him it was Villarreal's goalkeeper charging out. But they were at the edge of the penalty area—had the keeper really come this far? 

Reacting instantly, Yang Yang recalled the advice from Zax in the Dream Training System. For two years, he'd drilled tirelessly to keep the ball within reach, no matter the situation. 

As he navigated past Rodríguez, Yang Yang kept close control, managing to maintain possession. Just as Villarreal's goalkeeper, Pepe Reina, lunged forward with arms spread wide, Yang Yang anticipated his move and quickly poked the ball past him, bypassing the obstacle with a deft touch. 

Reina had committed fully, expecting to trap the ball as Yang Yang evaded Rodríguez, but Yang Yang's rapid reaction left him a step behind. Reina twisted, scrambling to intercept, but it was too late—the ball slipped by him, rolling towards the open goal. 

Yang Yang chased down the ball as it drifted toward the goal line. Just in time, he extended his leg and tapped it across the line, the ball brushing past the right post and into the back of the net. 

As Yang Yang sprinted toward the billboard behind the goal, El Madrigal Stadium erupted. 

"Gooooooal!!!" 

"In the thirty-eighth minute, Ajax have drawn level!" 

"What a sensational solo effort from Ajax's eighteen-year-old sensation, Yang Yang!" 

The fans were left in stunned silence as they processed what had just happened. Though the play had unfolded in mere seconds, the complexity of Yang Yang's moves had left many struggling to keep up. Yet, there was no mistaking the outcome—Ajax had scored! 

Rising from the billboard, Yang Yang clenched his fists and raised them high, shouting in exhilaration before being mobbed by his teammates. 

"You're a magician, Yang! Absolutely brilliant!" Sneijder exclaimed, throwing his arms around him. 

Yang Yang laughed. "Magician? Not quite, but I know how to score!" 

The Ajax players encircled him, celebrating their equalizer in joyous relief. 

"What a remarkable goal! Yang Yang displayed outstanding skill and composure," the commentator announced. "Starting with a Cruyff turn, followed by a skillful step-over to bypass the defense, and finishing with a perfect poke past the keeper. It's a goal that demonstrates his talent and precision—truly a memorable strike." 

"This young Ajax star has been phenomenal all season, and this goal marks his fourth in the UEFA Cup—a performance that's earning him admirers all over Europe." 

As Yang Yang made his way back, he glanced towards Villarreal's goal and caught a glimpse of their bald-headed keeper. Although young, Reina's swift advance had impressed him, leaving a lasting impression. 

"Reina," Yang Yang repeated to himself, noting the name of the goalkeeper who had come so close to denying him. 

... 

... 

The first half concluded with a tightly contested 1-1 draw. 

Ajax had found their equalizer in the 38th minute, thanks to Yang Yang's brilliant individual play. His goal injected a surge of energy into Ajax's lineup while dealing a blow to Villarreal's confidence. 

This was a UEFA Cup knockout round, where every goal held significance. By the rules, Yang Yang's away goal could prove invaluable, putting Ajax in a favorable position should the aggregate score remain close. 

Pellegrini hadn't anticipated that, even with Villarreal's tight defensive coverage, Yang Yang would manage to break through, penetrate the penalty area, and score. It was a spectacular moment for Ajax, but it introduced a difficult twist for Villarreal, who now faced increased pressure. 

During halftime, Ronald Koeman gathered the players in the locker room, his voice filled with enthusiasm as he acknowledged their strong first-half performance. 

"Riquelme may have scored, and he truly is a magician on the field," Koeman noted, referring to Villarreal's enigmatic playmaker. "He's unpredictable; nobody truly understands how he plays. He doesn't need to run much, yet every move he makes creates a dangerous chance." 

Koeman paused, looking at each player. "Riquelme directs his teammates with his passes, controls the pace of the game, and dictates the direction of their attacks. He's undoubtedly a genius." 

A hush fell over the room as they reflected on the threat Riquelme posed. But then Koeman's face broke into a smile. 

"But we have our own answer to Riquelme." His voice rose as he looked directly at Yang Yang. "We have Yang Yang!" 

The room erupted in cheers, the players rallying around their young star, energized by the goal that had leveled the game just before halftime. The atmosphere was charged, their spirits lifted by Yang Yang's impact on the match. 

"As long as we hold steady, as long as we keep Riquelme contained, we can take a victory here at El Madrigal," Koeman continued, his tone commanding and confident. 

He glanced around at his players, their eyes sharp and focused, fully engaged with his words. "And we…" Koeman's voice rose with determination, "…are going to end their unbeaten home record of the past six months!" 

The Ajax squad cheered, their adrenaline pumping as they rallied around the vision of toppling Villarreal on their home turf. They felt the momentum on their side, and each player's resolve was clear—they were ready to make history tonight. 

... 

... 

The teams returned to the field, ready for the second half. 

Villarreal adopted a more aggressive approach from the outset, a tactical shift born out of necessity. If the game ended in a 1-1 draw, Ajax would leave with a crucial away goal, putting Villarreal at a disadvantage ahead of the second leg in Amsterdam. A victory here was essential for the home side. 

For Ajax, though young, their squad was seasoned with players who had experienced the highs of winning the Champions League the previous season. Despite their youth, they had matured quickly under high-stakes conditions, and their resilience showed as Villarreal pressed forward. 

As Villarreal piled on the pressure, Ajax tightened their defense, prepared to absorb the attacks and strike on the counter. 

In the 48th minute, Villarreal earned a dangerous free kick after a foul by Maicon on Diego Forlán, who had been in sync with Riquelme throughout the match. Maicon received a yellow card, and the opportunity for Villarreal to take the lead presented itself. 

Riquelme, ever the threat from set pieces, lined up the free kick, aiming for the top corner. His shot was skillfully placed, but Ajax keeper Maarten Stekelenburg read it perfectly, diving to parry the ball away and keeping the score level. 

As Villarreal maintained relentless pressure, Ajax remained patient, defending their half with composure. The first ten minutes of the second half saw Ajax pinned back, barely attempting a shot as they weathered Villarreal's storm. Yang Yang, normally stationed on the right wing, had retreated to defend deep within Ajax's own third, underscoring the intensity of Villarreal's offensive efforts. The home side was in control, and Ajax's goal seemed constantly under siege. 

But relentless attacks often reveal cracks in even the strongest defenses. In the 74th minute, a turning point emerged. Yang Yang was entangled in a duel with Sorín on the left side, battling for possession. De Jong took advantage of the moment, sliding in with a well-timed challenge to dispossess Sorín, poking the ball free. 

Maicon swiftly sprinted forward on the right, gathering the loose ball and charging down the wing. Arruabarrena was quick to pursue him, but Maicon's pace forced him into a full sprint. Maicon played a quick pass back to Yang Yang, who, recognizing the opportunity, returned it in a swift one-two exchange. 

"Ajax on a rapid counterattack down the right flank!" 

"Yang Yang and Maicon linking up with a one-two!" 

Maicon regained possession and continued his run, speeding down the right side as Yang Yang trailed slightly behind, positioning himself closer to the center in anticipation. Arruabarrena stayed on Maicon's heels, forcing him wide as they neared the edge of the penalty area. 

Unable to cut inside, Maicon opted to cross, sending a sharp, low ball into the box—a move perfected through countless hours on the training ground at De Toekomst. But this wasn't just another practice drill, and the defender standing in Yang Yang's path was Villarreal's Gonzalo Rodríguez, not a familiar training partner. 

Maicon's cross landed near the penalty spot, and Yang Yang accelerated, timing his run perfectly to slip past Rodríguez. Just as he'd done so often in training, Yang Yang positioned himself and struck the ball cleanly, sending it low and hard into the left side of the net. 

Goal! 

Ajax surged ahead 2-1, and Yang Yang secured a brace, his second goal of the match. 

The stadium echoed with mixed emotions—a hushed shock from the Villarreal fans and jubilation from the Ajax supporters. Yang Yang's decisive finishing had put Ajax back in control, tilting the balance firmly in their favor.