AFC Youth Championship

Cheras Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

It was the opening match of the AFC Youth Championship Group B, and the China U20 team was set to face off against Iran U20. 

As the players from both teams emerged from the tunnel, led by the head referee, the stadium erupted with a thunderous roar. The sound was overwhelming. Countless Malaysian Chinese fans, along with supporters who had traveled from China to Malaysia specifically for this match, were passionately chanting one name: Yang Yang. The atmosphere was electric, something rarely seen at a youth match, and it left the Iranian players visibly surprised. 

For a brief moment, as they stepped onto the pitch, the Iranian players must have questioned whether they were in Kuala Lumpur or somewhere in China. Such was the fervor of the crowd's support for China's National Youth Team. 

Despite being two years younger than most of the players around him, Yang Yang's presence on the pitch was anything but timid. Physically, he stood almost as tall as his older teammates, and thanks to the rigorous strength and conditioning training he had undergone at Ajax, he held his own in terms of physicality. His lean yet muscular frame caught the eye of the Iranian defenders, who eyed him with a mix of caution and respect. 

Yang Yang had already made waves across Asia. At just 17, he was no longer an unknown quantity. His standout performances in the Asian Cup, where he helped China defeat Japan and earned the tournament's Best Player award, had cemented his reputation as a rising star. 

The Iranian players knew this, and their body language revealed their unease. They understood that containing Yang Yang would be crucial to their game plan. Tonight, at Cheras Stadium, the young forward was certain to be the focal point of Iran's defensive efforts. 

As the national anthems began to play, the live television cameras panned across the players, finally zooming in on Yang Yang's face. His expression was unwavering—steely and resolute. His eyes shone with a quiet determination that belied his age. 

"Yang Yang will be the target of Iran's defense tonight, no doubt," the commentator said. 

Yet despite the obvious pressure, Yang Yang didn't flinch. The close-up revealed his resolve—he was ready. Whatever challenges lay ahead, the young Chinese star had clearly prepared himself mentally for the battle. 

"Look at his expression, full of grit and perseverance," the commentator continued. "We believe Yang Yang is ready for the difficulties that await him, and we can only hope he delivers another remarkable performance tonight." 

... 

... 

As Yang Yang stepped onto the pitch, he jogged toward the center circle, loosening up with a few light jumps, stretching his muscles in preparation for the game ahead. The air was thick with anticipation, and Yang Yang felt the familiar surge of energy coursing through him. 

For the sake of stability, Coach Zhang Huarong had opted for a defensive counter-attacking strategy. The team lined up in a 4-5-1 formation. On the wings were Hao Junmin and Chen Tao, while Zhou Haibin took charge of organizing play in the middle of the park. Zhao Xuri and Wang Shouting anchored the midfield as the double pivots, tasked with both shielding the defense and supporting the attack. 

Up front, Yang Yang was the lone forward. 

During the pre-match training sessions in Qingyuan, Guangdong, the coaching staff had considered adopting a more aggressive 4-4-2 formation, pairing Yang Yang with Zhu Tingding to increase their attacking threat. However, considering the strength of Iran—arguably the toughest opponent in the group—they decided to go with the more conservative approach, relying on Yang Yang's ability to spearhead the attack alone. 

To maximize Yang Yang's effectiveness, Hao Junmin, Zhou Haibin, and Chen Tao were given the freedom to push forward whenever the opportunity arose. The wingers, in particular, were expected to function as auxiliary forwards when the team transitioned into attack. 

Yang Yang turned to Chen Tao, who appeared a bit tense, and offered a reassuring smile. "Don't be nervous. Just play your game," he said, giving his teammate a confident nod while clapping to lift the spirits of the team. 

Chen Tao glanced back, admiring Yang Yang's calm demeanor. This guy's only 17, but he plays with the poise of someone far more experienced, Chen thought to himself, feeling a mix of admiration and envy. 

Yang Yang then suggested with a grin, "Let's test them early on after the kickoff. See if their defense is solid." 

Chen Tao looked a bit puzzled. "Test them how?" 

"Simple," Yang Yang said, his smile widening with confidence. "We push forward, see if they can handle the pressure. If not, we exploit it." 

He glanced back at Zhou Haibin and then over to Feng Xiaoting. With a quick nod and a slight grin, he conveyed a quiet but undeniable sense of confidence, a hunger to succeed that seemed contagious. His teammates felt it too—they could sense Yang Yang was ready to lead them, no matter the challenge ahead. 

... 

... 

With the sharp blast of the referee's whistle, the game officially began. The atmosphere in the stadium buzzed with anticipation as China U20 kicked off, taking the lead in possession. 

Chen Tao gently nudged the ball to Yang Yang, who quickly turned, surveying the field before making a controlled pass back to the midfield. Zhou Haibin received it cleanly before knocking it further back to Feng Xiaoting in defense. Feng Xiaoting had a clear view of the pitch as he steadied the ball at the back line, eyeing the early movements of his teammates. 

Yang Yang, true to his instincts, was already making his run forward, slicing through the Iranian defensive line. Iran's forwards put in a symbolic press, attempting to disrupt China's build-up play, but Feng Xiaoting, well aware of his teammate's style after their experience together at the Toulon Cup, knew exactly what Yang Yang was preparing for. 

Spotting an opening, Feng Xiaoting launched a long ball forward. It arced through the air, bypassing the Iranian midfield. 

Yang Yang, sprinting at full speed, took a quick glance over his shoulder, analyzing the situation both around him and behind him. His "God's vision"—a skill honed through countless hours of training—allowed him to read the game with precision. He swiftly calculated where the ball would land and moved to position himself perfectly. 

As the ball descended, Yang Yang raised his right foot, cushioning it with a touch so smooth it seemed as though the ball had stuck to his boot. The control was flawless. Hours of repetition in training had made moments like these feel second nature to him. 

The instant he controlled the ball, Yang Yang sensed a defender closing in from behind—an Iranian player, desperate to halt his progress. 

Too slow. 

With a feint to his left, Yang Yang deceived the approaching Iranian defender, sending him stumbling the wrong way. In an instant, Yang Yang spun to his right, touching the ball forward with a burst of acceleration, leaving his marker struggling to keep up. 

It took only that first touch for Yang Yang to slip past the Iranian player, and now the real danger began. The Chinese forward charged down the field, dribbling with pace and precision. The Iranian defense scrambled. The two central defenders, now forced into action, hesitated momentarily before deciding to confront him head-on. They converged, trying to close the gap. 

But this was exactly the scenario Yang Yang had been waiting for. As the defenders approached, he shifted gears, abruptly accelerating, disrupting their defensive rhythm. The first defender lunged to block the ball, but Yang Yang anticipated the challenge, pulling the ball back effortlessly, leaving the defender overcommitted and off balance. The second defender surged forward, attempting to close him down, but with a quick flick of the foot, Yang Yang shifted the ball once again, darting past his opponent. 

In the blink of an eye, Yang Yang found himself at the edge of the penalty area, and within moments, he had breached it. 

The Iranian goalkeeper reacted immediately, rushing off his line in an attempt to close down the angle. But Yang Yang had already made up his mind. 

Without a moment's hesitation, Yang Yang unleashed a powerful shot, striking the ball with precision. It soared like a missile, its trajectory unstoppable. The Iranian keeper barely had time to react as the ball crashed into the back of the net. 

1-0! 

The stadium erupted. Yang Yang, having already known the shot was destined for the net, turned sharply and sprinted toward the sidelines, arms wide open in celebration. He ran toward the stands where the Chinese fans were gathered, a triumphant smile on his face. 

The crowd, electrified by the early goal, chanted Yang Yang's name with fervor. His teammates quickly caught up, surrounding him in a jubilant huddle as they celebrated the crucial opening goal. 

... 

"Goal!!!" 

"Incredible! Just one minute into the game, and the Chinese team has already taken the lead, breaking through the Iranian defense with ease!" 

"Yang Yang has pulled off a spectacular play, weaving through three Iranian players, and has truly showcased his exceptional talent, proving he's operating on a different level compared to everyone else on the pitch!" 

"Let's take another look at this brilliant goal." 

"Notice how the Iranian midfield seems static, like wooden posts, as Yang Yang effortlessly spins away from them. The ball sticks to his feet as if it's glued there, and no Iranian defender could even come close to snatching it away." 

"This entire move perfectly highlights Yang Yang's individual brilliance." 

"At this moment, it feels like he's the undisputed king of the field!" 

... 

As Yang Yang and his teammates celebrated with high-fives, the excitement on the sidelines was palpable. Coach Zhang Huarong could hardly contain his emotions, feeling a surge of pride and exhilaration. 

Ever since the Toulon Cup, he had realized just how fortunate he was to have a player like Yang Yang on his team. 

Yang Yang wasn't just strong—he was exceptional. His skills set him apart from his peers, but more than that, it was his tenacity and relentless drive on the pitch. His desire to win, his willingness to give everything for the team, made him a natural-born winner. 

Zhang Huarong firmly believed that with Yang Yang leading the charge, they had a real shot at achieving their goal: advancing to the semi-finals of the Asian Youth Championship, securing a spot in the World Youth Championship in the Netherlands next year. With the right tactics, he was confident the Chinese team could make it. 

And if Yang Yang could replicate his stellar performances from the Asian Cup, maybe, just maybe, they could go all the way and win the championship. 

At this moment, Zhang Huarong's belief in his star player was stronger than ever. 

"He's even better than he was at the Toulon Cup," the assistant coach remarked with admiration. 

Zhang Huarong nodded in agreement. "He's matured since then. After all, he's been through the pressure of a Champions League final and the Asian Cup. He's becoming more synchronized with his teammates. I'm starting to wonder if we should stick with our current tactics." 

Yang Yang himself had expressed a preference for playing alongside a traditional center-forward, someone to absorb the defensive pressure and create space for his off-the-ball runs. But the reality was, there wasn't anyone like that in the China U20 squad. 

In fact, not even the senior national team had a striker of that mold. After the Asian Cup, even Arie Haan had been on the lookout for a quality striker. 

"Either way, he's playing brilliantly tonight," Zhang Huarong said with a grin, feeling confident that whatever the tactical setup, Yang Yang was going to make a difference. 

... 

... 

After Yang Yang's goal, the fans supporting the Chinese team erupted into even louder cheers, their enthusiasm igniting the atmosphere inside the stadium. The energy from the crowd seemed to spill onto the pitch, as China U20 began playing with increased aggression and confidence. 

With the solid foundation of the double pivot in midfield, the Chinese defense felt secure. Feng Xiaoting demonstrated his composure at the back, distributing the ball well, while Zhou Haibin orchestrated the play from central midfield. On the wings, Hao Junmin and Chen Tao provided width and pace, and at the tip of the spear was Yang Yang, who thrived in his role as the focal point of the attack. The Chinese team's ability to maintain possession and transition smoothly from defense to attack was impressive. 

In stark contrast, the Iranian team looked shell-shocked after conceding the early goal. They were forced to retreat, trying to regain their composure and reorganize their defense. Their initial game plan had crumbled, and now they were simply focused on damage control. 

With Iran on the back foot, the Chinese team began to dominate possession, and their fluid, pass-and-move style started to take shape. The midfielders linked up effortlessly, moving the ball from side to side, probing for openings in the Iranian defense. 

Yang Yang, enjoying his role as the star man in the attack, found himself at the center of the action. His teammates worked tirelessly to feed him the ball, knowing that his flair and clinical finishing could be the key to breaking down the Iranian defense once again. 

After a period of intense pressure, in the sixteenth minute, China struck again. 

Chen Tao, charging down the right wing, saw his chance and cut inside into the penalty area. With a quick burst of acceleration, he slipped past his marker and delivered a low cross into the box, aimed perfectly at Yang Yang. 

Yang Yang, calm and composed, controlled the ball with ease. With a deft touch, he shrugged off the challenge of an Iranian defender, creating just enough space to turn. In one fluid motion, he unleashed a powerful shot towards the goal. 

The ball rocketed past the Iranian goalkeeper, nestling into the back of the net. 2-0! 

The crowd erupted once more, their cheers echoing around the stadium. Yang Yang's teammates rushed to celebrate with him, knowing they had taken a commanding lead early in the match. The Chinese fans were in full voice, and the team was in complete control. 

... 

"Fantastic!" 

"It's a brace! Yang Yang scores his second goal of the match!" 

"What a brilliant start to the Asian Youth Championship for him! Yang Yang is in superb form, and he's making it look easy out there." 

"Look at how active he is on the pitch—his connection with his teammates is seamless. Iran's defenders simply have no answer for him. They're powerless to stop him and can only watch as he finds the back of the net once again." 

"2-0! The Chinese team has surged into a two-goal lead within just 16 minutes!" 

"Come on, boys! Keep the momentum! Keep scoring 

... 

The passionate commentary from the national TV broadcaster echoed across China, though Yang Yang and his teammates, far away in Kuala Lumpur, couldn't hear it. On the pitch, they continued to dominate, relentlessly creating chances and keeping the Iranian team under constant pressure. 

By the 38th minute of the first half, the Chinese team launched another swift counterattack after regaining possession in midfield. 

Yang Yang drifted out to the left flank, skillfully receiving the ball in stride. With a series of rapid step-overs, he effortlessly shook off the Iranian defender marking him. Spotting an opportunity, Yang Yang delivered a perfectly placed cross with his right foot toward the far post. 

Chen Tao timed his run perfectly, arriving in the box and striking the ball cleanly on the volley. The shot flew past the Iranian goalkeeper and smashed into the net. 

3-0! 

The crowd erupted once more as the Chinese fans in the stands celebrated wildly, their cheers growing louder with each goal. 

Before the match, few would have believed that Iran, the favorites to win the tournament and considered the strongest team in the group, would be trailing so heavily to China in their opening game. 

But here they were, overwhelmed and outplayed by a Chinese team brimming with confidence and guided by the brilliance of Yang Yang. 

With this form, and as long as Yang Yang is on the pitch, what could be impossible for China U20 in this Asian Youth Championship? 

... 

... 

When China U20 secured a 3-0 victory over Iran U20 in their opening match of the Asian Youth Championship in Kuala Lumpur, the entire nation erupted in celebration. 

This victory was especially sweet for Chinese fans, as it came on the heels of the senior team's hard-fought win against Iran in the Asian Cup semi-finals. Now, at the youth level, China had triumphed once again, but this time with a commanding three-goal victory, adding to the excitement across the country. 

After just sixty-five minutes on the pitch, Yang Yang had already made an indelible mark, scoring two goals and providing one assist. His stellar performance earned him the Best Player of the Match award, and soon, the media and fans alike were buzzing about him once more. 

Major outlets, including National Television, were quick to heap praise on Yang Yang, giving him high ratings for his outstanding display in the first game of the tournament. Many recognized his role in setting an example for his China U20 teammates and for players across the country. 

The post-match analysis didn't stop there. Several domestic media outlets quoted the remarks of the Iranian coach, who had candidly admitted, "Yang Yang's abilities are clearly superior to the other players in the Asian Youth Championship. We did everything we could to contain him, but in the end, we simply couldn't." 

"He's a phenomenal player for someone so young." 

These words of praise from an opponent were echoed by domestic football experts, many of whom noted that Yang Yang's participation in the Asian Youth Championship felt like he was playing at a level far beyond his competition. 

"He's been playing in the Eredivisie and the UEFA Champions League in Europe. He's even represented the senior national team. For him, competing in the Asian Youth Championship doesn't offer much in terms of development—it's more about his love for his country and his desire to help the team." 

From the match, it was evident that the Iranian defense had struggled to neutralize Yang Yang's influence. His individual brilliance stood out, and under his leadership, the Chinese team played fluid, attacking football in the first half, overwhelming their opponents. 

However, many observers also noted that Yang Yang appeared to ease off in the second half. After he was substituted, Iran managed to mount several counterattacks, exposing some of the Chinese team's vulnerabilities. This highlighted just how vital Yang Yang was to the team's overall success. 

Although this was only the first game of the Asian Youth Championship, the 3-0 victory over a strong Iranian side, combined with Yang Yang's influence, reignited the enthusiasm of fans back home. His exceptional performance in this opening match once again sparked a national frenzy. 

Now, the whole country waits in anticipation to see if Yang Yang can continue leading China U20 on a deep run in the tournament. 

... 

... 

Back at Cheras Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, the China U20 team faced Indonesia U20 in their second Group B match of the Asian Youth Championship. 

China deployed the same starting lineup as in their previous match, with Yang Yang once again leading the line as the lone forward. Supporting him were Hao Junmin, Chen Tao, and Zhou Haibin, forming a familiar and effective attacking trio. 

The match barely got underway before China struck. In just the third minute, Yang Yang received the ball inside the penalty area, his back to goal and an Indonesian defender tightly marking him. With his body shielding the ball, Yang Yang leaned into his marker before laying off a perfectly weighted pass to Hao Junmin, who unleashed a low, driven shot from just outside the box. The ball found the bottom corner, and China took an early lead, 1-0. 

From the eighth minute, China unleashed a relentless wave of attacks. In just ten minutes, their offense tore through the Indonesian defense. 

First, Yang Yang orchestrated a brilliant play through the middle, threading a precise pass to Chen Tao. Chen Tao dribbled into the penalty area and fired a shot that the Indonesian goalkeeper managed to save. However, the ball rebounded into the path of the onrushing Yang Yang, who calmly slotted it home to make it 2-0. 

Moments later, Yang Yang was involved again, this time delivering a pinpoint cross from the right side. Zhou Haibin timed his run perfectly, rising above the defense to head the ball into the net from close range, extending China's lead to 3-0. 

After conceding three quick goals, the Chinese team eased off slightly, managing their lead while controlling possession. But just before the end of the first half, China once again threatened. Zhou Haibin found Li Di with a crisp pass, and Li Di threaded a precise through-ball to Yang Yang. In one fluid motion, Yang Yang controlled the ball expertly, then beat the advancing Indonesian goalkeeper with a clever step-over before calmly rolling the ball into an empty net. 4-0! 

By halftime, Yang Yang had already registered two goals and two assists, putting in yet another commanding performance. 

When the teams switched sides for the second half, Yang Yang wasted no time in making an impact. Early on, he pulled out to the left wing, received the ball, and quickly drove toward the penalty area. With a sudden lateral cut, he shook off a defender, and with another deft step-over, he created space for himself. Yang Yang then curled a beautiful shot toward the far top corner, the ball sailing past the outstretched Indonesian goalkeeper and into the net. 

5-0! 

A hat trick for Yang Yang—his first in his career! 

The stadium erupted, with fans chanting Yang Yang's name, their cheers echoing around the stands. The live commentary on National TV was filled with excited shouts, praising Yang Yang's performance as unstoppable. 

With five goals in just two games, Yang Yang's form was nothing short of extraordinary. He was quickly becoming the star of the tournament, a player who seemed impossible to contain. 

... 

... 

With two consecutive wins in the group stage, China U20 approached their third match, this time against Qatar, with confidence. In a strategic move, Yang Yang was rested and started the game on the bench. It was clear that the coaching staff wanted to preserve his energy for the upcoming knockout stages, where his impact would be crucial. 

Despite Yang Yang's absence from the starting lineup, China U20 managed to control the game. Although Qatar posed some challenges, the Chinese team remained composed and disciplined in their approach. The match was a tighter contest than their previous outings, but China still maintained the upper hand. 

The breakthrough came in the second half when substitute Dong Fangzhuo entered the game. In the closing stages, he found space inside the box and, with a well-timed shot, sent the ball past the Qatari goalkeeper, securing a 1-0 victory for China. 

With three wins from three games, China U20 advanced to the knockout rounds with full momentum, their strategy to rest Yang Yang proving to be a smart decision as they prepared for the next phase of the tournament. 

... 

... 

In the quarterfinals of the Asian Youth Championship, China U20 faced the host nation, Malaysia. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere in the stadium was electric. 

Right from the start, Yang Yang made his presence felt. Early in the match, he unleashed a powerful long-range shot from outside the penalty area that narrowly missed the target, setting the tone for what was to come. Yang Yang quickly became the focal point of China's attack, constantly creating chances and keeping the Malaysian defense on edge. 

Just four minutes after his initial shot, China's midfield pressed high and won the ball back. Yang Yang, with his vision and precision, sent a perfectly timed pass through the Malaysian defense. Chen Tao made a sharp run, beat the offside trap, and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to give China the lead, 1-0. 

Malaysia, rattled by the early goal, struggled to regain control. Their attempt to build an attack after the kickoff was quickly thwarted when China intercepted the ball again. This time, Zhou Haibin threaded a direct pass to Yang Yang, who found space inside the box. With a composed finish using his left foot, Yang Yang easily doubled the lead, 2-0, leaving Malaysia reeling. 

China continued to dominate, and in the 19th minute, Yang Yang once again played a pivotal role. He drifted to the left flank, pulling defenders with him and creating space in the center. Spotting the opportunity, he sent a well-placed pass to Hao Junmin. Hao delivered a sharp ball into the middle of the penalty area, where Zhou Haibin, timing his run perfectly, struck it first-time to score China's third goal, 3-0. 

With three goals in the first 20 minutes, the match was effectively over before Malaysia could mount any serious response. China U20 comfortably controlled the rest of the game and secured a commanding 3-0 victory to book their place in the semifinals. 

Back in China, fans were overjoyed. Not long before, the senior national team had scraped by with a narrow 1-0 victory, but the youth team's dominant performance stirred excitement and raised expectations. The domestic fanbase now had high hopes for this talented group, led by Yang Yang. 

With their semifinal place secured, the China U20 coaching staff boldly declared their intentions, aiming for the tournament title. With a star player like Yang Yang leading the charge, China U20 became the talk of the Asian Youth Championship, with many now seeing them as genuine contenders for the crown. 

... 

... 

In the semi-finals of the Asian Youth Championship, China U20 faced off against Syria. With high stakes and the pressure mounting, Yang Yang once again rose to the occasion. 

Just three minutes into the game, Yang Yang received a well-timed pass from Hao Junmin on the left wing. With his trademark burst of speed, he dribbled laterally, cutting inside past a Syrian defender. Sensing an opportunity, Yang Yang struck a powerful volley with his right foot from just outside the penalty area, and the ball rocketed into the back of the net. 

1-0! 

It was a dream start for China, and for Yang Yang, this marked yet another goal from his favored position. He began to realize that as a right-footed player, using his [Ronaldo's skillset] to cut inside from the left and shoot was becoming a potent weapon. The more he executed this move, the more confident he became in his ability to threaten the opposition's goal from that area. 

But Yang Yang wasn't satisfied. He also began to contemplate improving his left-footed shooting, knowing that if his right foot was lethal from the left side, mastering his left foot would make him just as dangerous from the right. 

After his first-half goal, the game resumed in the second half with Syria trying to fight their way back. However, in the midst of their efforts, they made a critical error. A poor clearance from the Syrian defense rebounded off Zhou Haibin and fell directly to Yang Yang. With the ball at his feet, Yang Yang executed a clever body feint, tricking the center-back who rushed in to defend. Without hesitation, he pushed the ball into the net with his left foot, extending China's lead to 2-0. 

With this second goal, Yang Yang took his tally to eight goals in the tournament, cementing his status as the top scorer of the Asian Youth Championship. His performances earned him widespread admiration, both from fans in China and across Asia. 

Meanwhile, in the other semifinal, South Korea U20 faced Japan U20 in a dramatic match that ended in a 2-2 draw after regular time. South Korea eventually triumphed, winning 5-2 in a penalty shootout, setting up a highly anticipated showdown with China in the finals. 

The prospect of a China vs. South Korea final electrified fans back home, with many eagerly awaiting the clash between the two footballing rivals. All eyes were now on Yang Yang and the Chinese team as they prepared for the biggest match of the tournament. 

... 

... 

While Yang Yang was tearing through defenses in the Asian Youth Championship, earning praise from fans both at home and abroad, Ajax, back in Europe, were enduring a challenging period. 

After starting the season with two wins and a draw in their first three matches, Ronald Koeman's team faced newly promoted ADO Den Haag in the fourth round of the Eredivisie. Despite playing away, Ajax dominated the first half with goals from Wesley Sonck, Steven Pienaar, and Wesley Sneijder, building what seemed to be a comfortable 3-0 lead. 

However, after the break, things unraveled for Ajax. Den Haag came out with renewed intensity, clawing back three goals to end the match in a 3-3 draw. Though a draw is usually an acceptable result in an away game, the manner in which Ajax threw away their lead against a newly promoted side was viewed as a humiliation. 

After the game, Ronald Koeman pointed to the disruptions caused by the international break, noting that the constant travel had affected his players. However, both PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord, who had also been affected by the international break, secured victories. 

This disappointing draw caused Ajax to slip behind their main rivals in the standings. 

Meanwhile, Louis van Gaal's AZ Alkmaar continued their strong start to the season, demolishing their opponent with a 5-0 victory at home. 

But for Ajax, the difficult run of fixtures was only beginning. 

After the draw with Den Haag, Ajax returned to the Amsterdam Arena to face Juventus in the first match of the UEFA Champions League group stage. Despite being at home, Ajax struggled to contain a powerful Juventus side. Pavel Nedvěd scored the only goal of the match, securing a 1-0 victory for the Italian giants. 

Interestingly, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Hatem Trabelsi, both former Ajax players now at Juventus, didn't have standout performances against their old club. However, their reunion with Ajax was overshadowed by Juventus' overall dominance, and the Amsterdam team's inability to cope with the pressure left fans disappointed. 

The media quickly turned on Koeman, criticizing the team's poor showing in their Champions League debut. 

Just three days later, Ajax faced another stern test, this time away to Feyenoord in the fifth round of the Eredivisie. After a scoreless first half, Salomon Kalou put Feyenoord ahead three minutes into the second half. Ajax responded through Nigel de Jong, who equalized, but Dirk Kuyt restored Feyenoord's lead in the 80th minute. Ajax fought back again, with Zdeněk Grygera equalizing in the 86th minute, giving Ajax hope of salvaging a draw. 

However, in the dying moments, Kalou struck again, handing Ajax a painful 3-2 defeat. Ruud Gullit's Feyenoord celebrated another three points, while Ajax's title challenge took another blow. 

Elsewhere, PSV Eindhoven comfortably defeated Nijmegen 3-0 away, extending their lead at the top of the table with 13 points, while Feyenoord also moved to 13 points. Ajax, now with only 8 points, found themselves five points adrift of their two biggest rivals. 

The disappointment didn't end there. The following week, Ajax hosted SC Heerenveen. Despite taking a 1-0 lead in the first half, Heerenveen stormed back in the second half, scoring three unanswered goals to hand Ajax a 1-3 defeat. In contrast, PSV and Feyenoord both recorded 4-0 victories, widening the gap between the top three teams. Ajax now trailed by a full eight points, a gap that seemed insurmountable so early in the season. 

Fans of Ajax were growing increasingly frustrated. Though the club had sold five core players over the summer, the supporters felt the team should still be performing at a higher level. 

Three days later, Ajax faced another daunting challenge, traveling to Munich to face Bayern in the second round of the Champions League group stage. Dutch striker Roy Makaay was in scintillating form, scoring a hat-trick and assisting Zé Roberto to cap off a 4-0 thrashing. The defending Eredivisie champions were left reeling, completely overwhelmed by Bayern's attacking firepower. 

After two rounds of the Champions League, Ajax found themselves at the bottom of their group, even lagging behind Maccabi Tel Aviv. 

Returning home, Ajax faced Van Gaal's AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie. Despite their best efforts, the match ended in a 0-0 stalemate. After the game, Ronald Koeman admitted his frustration as he shook hands with Van Gaal. 

"I shouldn't have let him go back to China," Koeman remarked, a clear reference to Yang Yang's absence as he continued to shine for China U20 in the Asian Youth Championship.