Qualification to the Champions League Final

It was midday on May 2nd at the Oosterenkstadion in Zwolle, located in the eastern part of the Netherlands. As soon as the referee blew the final whistle, the entire Ajax contingent rushed onto the pitch in a surge of celebration. From the coaching staff to the players and over a thousand travelling supporters, everyone was swept up in the carnival-like atmosphere. 

The scoreboard told the story of the match: 0-5. 

In international football practice, the home team is listed first, so the away team, Ajax, had just secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Zwolle. 

Wesley Sonck had bagged a hat-trick, with additional goals from Galásek and Sneijder rounding out the emphatic win. 

Meanwhile, in another match, PSV Eindhoven had also secured a 5-0 victory against Volendam. But despite their best efforts, Ajax remained seven points clear at the top of the table. With only two rounds of the league remaining, Ajax had officially clinched the Eredivisie title. 

It was Ajax's first championship trophy of the season. 

Just a week ago, after their 0-0 draw with Nijmegen in the 31st round of the Eredivisie, doubts began to creep in among fans and media alike. With Ajax battling on three fronts—the league, the KNVB Cup, and the Champions League—there were concerns that fatigue might catch up to them. Some feared that PSV might seize the opportunity to overtake them in the title race. 

But today's 5-0 victory had put those fears to rest. Ajax had asserted their dominance once again, showing they were not ready to falter. 

Wesley Sonck's goals came in the 56th, 78th, and 82nd minutes, securing his hat-trick in style. Yang Yang entered the match as a substitute in the 75th minute, and it didn't take long for him to make an impact. He beat his defender with a slick move before slipping the ball to Sneijder, who in turn set up both Sonck and Galásek for their goals. 

It wasn't until the 82nd minute that Yang Yang recorded his own assist, setting up Sonck for his third goal, putting the finishing touch on a dominant Ajax performance. 

With this win, Ajax had claimed the Eredivisie title with two games to spare, a massive morale boost as they now shifted focus to the upcoming UEFA Champions League and KNVB Cup finals. The first of these would be the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Monaco, just three days away. 

Yang Yang couldn't help but smile to himself. The reality of winning the league title hadn't fully sunk in yet. 

Just a year ago, he had been riding a bus in Almere, gazing longingly at the Amsterdam Arena, dreaming of what it would be like to wear the famous Ajax shirt. Now, not only was he wearing it, but he had just helped the team win the Eredivisie title. 

It all felt like a dream. 

What made the situation even more unbelievable was the possibility of what lay ahead. If Ajax could replicate their performance from the first leg against Monaco and secure a spot in the Champions League final, they would be on course for an extraordinary achievement—the chance to win the Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, and the Champions League. 

The treble. 

Only two Dutch teams in history had ever achieved the treble: Ajax in the early 1970s under Johan Cruyff, and PSV Eindhoven in the late 1980s under Guus Hiddink. Both teams had cemented their places in football legend. 

Even though Louis van Gaal's Ajax team in the mid-1990s had come close, they hadn't quite managed to win all three trophies in one season. But now, this current Ajax side was within touching distance of that elusive accomplishment. 

Thinking about it sent a thrill through Yang Yang. The possibility of making history surged within him, filling him with determination and excitement. The same sense of purpose seemed to grip the entire Ajax squad. 

As the players hoisted head coach Ronald Koeman into the air in celebration, the fans in the stands erupted into chants of "Treble, Treble!" Even some of the Zwolle supporters joined in, cheering Ajax on in the hopes that the Dutch giants would reach the Champions League final. 

This wasn't just a triumph for Ajax—it was a victory for Dutch football. The entire Eredivisie took pride in Ajax's accomplishments, and the dream of seeing their team on top of Europe was alive once again. 

... 

... 

Louis II Stadium, Monaco, May 5th. 

This was the match everyone was focused on. 

Monaco came out with a bold attacking formation, deploying a 4-4-2 system. Morientes and Pršo led the attack, with Rothen and Giuly providing width on the wings. Deschamps had set his team up to press Ajax hard from the outset, knowing they needed to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the first leg. 

Ajax, as expected, stuck to their tried-and-tested 4-3-3 formation. Galásek and De Jong formed a solid midfield duo, with Sneijder playing just ahead of them as the playmaker. Up front, Van der Vaart, Ibrahimovic, and Wesley Sonck made up a potent attacking trio. 

From the very first whistle, the game was intense, with both teams pushing hard. Monaco, in particular, came out with fierce attacking intent, determined to break through Ajax's defenses. The pressure was relentless, and by the 34th minute, Morientes had managed to get on the scoresheet. The Louis II Stadium erupted as Monaco's hopes of a comeback were ignited. 

With their confidence soaring, Monaco continued to press Ajax hard. The pressure resulted in three Ajax players receiving yellow cards as the match became increasingly physical. 

At halftime, Ronald Koeman knew his team was in for a battle. Monaco's aggressive approach was causing Ajax significant problems, and the second half began with even more intensity from the home side. 

Just five minutes into the second half, disaster struck for Ajax. Veteran midfielder Galásek, already on a yellow card, committed a foul that earned him his second yellow. The referee didn't hesitate, showing him the red card and reducing Ajax to ten men. The Louis II Stadium exploded in celebration, sensing that the match was turning in Monaco's favor. 

Deschamps wasted no time, making an immediate tactical switch. He brought on Édouard Cissé for the ineffective Pršo, pushing Giuly further up the field to increase Monaco's attacking options. Meanwhile, Koeman responded by making a defensive substitution, bringing on Vermaelen to replace Sonck, shoring up the defense by moving Heitinga into midfield alongside De Jong. 

As the clock ticked into the 70th minute, Monaco continued to dominate possession. Their attacks were becoming more frequent, and Ajax's defense was beginning to look shaky. Koeman made another change in the 73rd minute, bringing on Grygera for Maxwell in an effort to steady the backline. 

But Deschamps wasn't done. In the 78th minute, he replaced left-back Evra with Ibarra, signaling his intent to continue piling on the pressure. Monaco knew a 1-0 win wasn't enough; they needed two more goals to progress. Deschamps was clearly going all in, determined to find a way past Ajax's defense. 

Then came Koeman's final substitution. In the 80th minute, Yang Yang was brought on to replace Van der Vaart. It was a bold move—swapping a midfielder for a right winger—but Koeman had a plan. With Monaco pushing so many players forward, there would be space to exploit on the counter-attack, and Yang Yang's pace could be the key. 

Just two minutes after Adebayor had been introduced for the tiring Morientes, Ajax finally broke free on the counter. 

Sneijder, who had been relatively quiet during Monaco's onslaught, spotted an opportunity and launched a long diagonal pass into space behind the Monaco defense. Yang Yang, using his blistering speed, sprinted past Squillaci and latched onto the ball before the Monaco defender could recover. 

Though forced wide on the right, Yang Yang slowed down, drawing Squillaci closer before suddenly accelerating again. With a series of quick step-overs and feints, he managed to shake off the Monaco defender. Curling the ball into the box with his right foot, Yang Yang found Ibrahimovic waiting in the middle. 

The towering Swede muscled his way past Rodríguez, controlling the ball expertly before firing a low shot into the bottom right corner of the net. 1-1. 

The goal was a dagger to Monaco's hopes. The roar from the travelling Ajax fans was deafening, while the home crowd fell silent. Ajax had effectively sealed their place in the final. For Monaco, the task ahead became insurmountable—they now needed to score four goals in less than ten minutes. 

As Ajax players and staff celebrated on the sidelines, tempers flared on the pitch. Monaco's frustration boiled over when their captain, Giuly, pushed Sneijder to the ground, sparking a brief scuffle between the two teams. The referee quickly intervened, showing Giuly a straight red card and warning the Ajax players to avoid provoking their opponents further. 

The game resumed, but Monaco's composure had unraveled. Several reckless fouls followed as they desperately tried to salvage some pride. In the 89th minute, another red card was shown—this time to Zikos, who picked up his second yellow for a dangerous challenge. 

With three red cards shown in total, the match had turned chaotic, and the referee's whistle couldn't come soon enough. Monaco had lost all discipline, their confidence shattered, and Ajax were comfortably seeing out the final minutes. 

When the final whistle finally blew, the score remained 1-1, but the aggregate score of 4-1 meant that Ajax had booked their place in the Champions League final. 

The victory was sweet, but there was a price to pay. Galásek's red card meant he would be suspended for the final, a significant blow for Ajax's midfield. 

Meanwhile, in the other semi-final, Porto secured a 1-0 victory away to Deportivo La Coruña, setting up a showdown with Ajax in the Champions League final. 

For the first time since the restructuring of the competition, none of the four major leagues would be represented in the final. It was to be a clash between Ajax and Porto, two teams aiming to make history. 

... 

... 

On May 9th, in the 33rd round of the Eredivisie, Ajax returned to Amsterdam from Monaco, their sights now set firmly on the upcoming Dutch Cup and Champions League finals. For their league match against NAC Breda, Ajax fielded a full bench, resting most of their key players. Despite the rotated squad, they still managed to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory at home. 

Following the match, Ajax were officially presented with the Eredivisie championship trophy, having already clinched the title earlier. However, in keeping with their laser focus on the finals ahead, the club opted for a low-key celebration. There were no grand festivities, no parades—only quiet determination as they continued to prepare for the two crucial finals that lay ahead. 

A week later, the Eredivisie season came to a close. 

In their final league match, Ajax fielded a stronger lineup and comfortably defeated Willem II 5-2 away from home. The goals came from a variety of sources, with Obodai scoring twice, while Soetaers, Pienaar, and Daniël de Ridder added their names to the scoresheet. 

With the domestic league wrapped up, Ajax shifted their full attention to the KNVB Cup final, scheduled for May 22nd. The match would be held at the De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam, and Ajax's opponents were Utrecht. 

Ajax came into the final full of confidence and in excellent form after their league triumph and Champions League semi-final success. The team, after a few tactical adjustments, was looking even sharper than before. 

From the very beginning of the match, Ajax took control. Utrecht struggled to contain Ajax's quick passing and dynamic movement. In the 31st and 32nd minutes, Ajax's relentless pressure finally paid off. Van der Vaart, in top form, found the back of the net twice in quick succession, breaking through Utrecht's defenses with clinical finishing. 

After the break, Ajax continued to dominate. In the 65th minute, Ibrahimovic added a third, further deflating any hopes Utrecht had of a comeback. 

Yang Yang was introduced from the bench in the 70th minute, entering the game when Ajax were already firmly in control. He slotted into the attack seamlessly, finding space to exploit on the flanks. As the team dictated the tempo of the game, Yang Yang grew more comfortable, adjusting to the rhythm of play and taking every opportunity to fine-tune his performance with the upcoming Champions League final in mind. 

With the final whistle, Ajax secured a comprehensive 4-0 victory, adding the KNVB Cup to their trophy haul for the season. The win was a huge confidence boost for the squad, and it further solidified their momentum heading into the biggest match of their season: the Champions League final. 

The final would be played at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. All the preparations, all the hard work, had led to this moment. 

Ajax, having already conquered the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup, were now just one game away from completing a historic treble. 

... 

... 

In the early morning, in the quiet northern suburb of Gelsenkirchen, Yang Yang began his daily training routine in Berg Park. Despite the looming pressure of the Champions League final, Yang remained focused, determined to prepare himself for the biggest game of his life. 

For over ten consecutive days, Yang Yang had been training relentlessly in the Dream Training System, where he faced a virtual representation of Porto's formidable left-back, Nuno Valente, and the rest of the Portuguese side's ironclad defensive line. But despite his efforts, the results were frustratingly unsatisfactory. 

Jose Mourinho had built a Porto team known for its exceptional defensive strength. The players' discipline and tactical awareness were second to none, with each player meticulously following Mourinho's instructions. Their defense could only be described as impenetrable, especially during the knockout stages of the Champions League. 

Yang Yang found it increasingly challenging to break through Porto's defense, even in simulated training. The Porto players seemed to always be one step ahead, shutting down attacks before they could develop. The frustration of repeatedly hitting a wall began to weigh on him, but it also fueled his determination to find a way through. 

Both Ajax and Porto had come a long way to reach the Champions League final, and their journeys had been anything but smooth. Neither team had been dominant in the group stages. Ajax had progressed with moments of brilliance, while Porto had stumbled, notably suffering a 3-1 defeat at home to Real Madrid. 

But the knockout stages had seen both teams rise to the occasion. In the Round of 16, both Ajax and Porto had been paired with Premier League giants. Ajax had stunned Arsenal, while Porto had pulled off an equally shocking result by eliminating Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United. These victories had made all of Europe take notice. 

The quarter-finals had been even more challenging. Ajax faced the might of Real Madrid, while Porto had drawn Lyon. Ajax's victory over Madrid was an epic upset, while Porto progressed as expected, though Lyon had put up a tough fight. 

But the tables were turned in the semi-finals. Ajax had comfortably beaten Monaco, while Porto struggled but ultimately overcame Deportivo La Coruña with difficulty, managing to progress to the final after a hard-fought second leg on the road. 

Porto's defense was their backbone. Goalkeeper Vítor Baía and defenders Nuno Valente, Ricardo Carvalho, Jorge Costa, and Paulo Ferreira formed one of the most solid defensive units in European football. Their tactical discipline and positioning made them one of the best defenses in the Champions League that season. 

But Porto's strength didn't stop with their defense. Mourinho had built a well-balanced midfield shield in front of his backline, with Maniche, Costinha, and Pedro Mendes providing a second layer of protection. This unbreakable midfield trio acted as a security blanket, making it nearly impossible for opponents to find space or time to create meaningful chances. 

At the heart of Porto's midfield was Deco, a Brazilian-born playmaker with an uncharacteristic style for a Brazilian. He wasn't flashy or overly technical, but he was immensely practical and effective. His vision and ability to control the tempo of the game had attracted interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs, including Barcelona, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea. 

Porto's front line wasn't filled with star names, but it was equally dangerous. Their forwards operated more like roaming hunters, constantly pressing, harrying defenses, and plugging gaps. They were not the type to light up a game with individual brilliance, but their tireless work ethic and mobility made them difficult to contain. Their ability to track back and fill defensive gaps when necessary only made them more effective. 

Porto's entire team operated like a well-oiled machine. From defense to attack, they moved in unison, like a hedgehog curled into a ball, impenetrable and full of hidden dangers. Every part of the team worked together, leaving no easy way through for opponents. 

For Ajax, this posed a daunting challenge. Their usual attacking fluency would be stifled by Porto's tight defensive structure, and any mistake could lead to a devastating counter-attack. 

Even Ronald Koeman, Ajax's head coach, had to admit that Porto was a team with no glaring weaknesses. Breaking them down would require patience, precision, and discipline. 

Against a team like Porto, conceding the first goal could spell disaster. Once Porto took the lead, they were masters at shutting down the game, frustrating opponents, and forcing them into desperate mistakes. Mourinho's side thrived on these kinds of situations, where they could sit deep, absorb pressure, and then strike on the counter. 

Yang Yang knew the enormity of the task ahead. To overcome Porto's defense would require more than just skill; it would demand mental toughness, composure, and perhaps a touch of brilliance. If Ajax conceded first, the game could already be as good as lost. 

The battle with Porto wouldn't be just physical; it would be tactical warfare at its finest. 

As Yang Yang completed his training, his mind stayed focused. He knew the odds were against him, but he was determined to make a difference in the final. Breaking through Porto's defense felt like an impossible task, but Yang Yang thrived on challenges. 

The final was just days away, and Yang Yang, along with the rest of Ajax, would need to be at their absolute best if they were to lift the Champions League trophy. 

... 

Yang Yang passed the ball forward and sprinted after it, his mind racing with thoughts. 

The day before, after arriving at their hotel in Gelsenkirchen, the Ajax squad had gathered for a briefing led by assistant coach Ruud Krol. It was the first meeting since their arrival, and Krol emphasized the importance of the game ahead. 

For over ten days, Ajax had meticulously studied Porto, analyzing their players, tactics, and style of play. Every detail had been scrutinized, and yet, Porto's defensive resilience remained a formidable obstacle. Despite Ajax's thorough preparations, there were still no obvious weaknesses to exploit. 

Gelsenkirchen, located in western Germany and close to the Netherlands, could have been a short trip for Ajax. However, the club made the decision to fly from Amsterdam two days early, underscoring the significance of the Champions League final. They even borrowed Schalke 04's training ground, taking no chances with their preparation. 

Yang Yang had been tirelessly simulating Porto's defense in the Dream Training System, but the results were mixed—he found himself losing more often than winning. The thought of it frustrated him, and he let out a quiet groan of annoyance. He kicked the ball hard and sprinted after it, his frustration fueling his pace. Catching up with the ball, he kicked it forward again, chasing it with every ounce of energy he had. 

Finally, when his legs burned and his breath came in ragged gasps, he stopped, panting heavily, hands on his knees. 

Over the past two weeks, his focus had been relentless. In the Dream Training System, he had done three things: simulated Porto's formidable defense, refined his star skills, and trained with singular determination. 

He knew that how he performed in the game would ultimately reveal whether his efforts had been enough. One thing was certain—Porto would be the toughest opponent he had faced since his debut. The stakes were higher than ever before. 

Like everyone else in the team, Yang Yang was keenly aware of what was at stake. Having already secured the Eredivisie title and the KNVB Cup, the prospect of a historic treble was tantalizingly close. The only thing standing between Ajax and footballing immortality was this Champions League final. 

No one in the squad wanted to fall short now. The determination to fight to the very end was palpable in every player. They had come this far, and nothing would stop them from giving everything they had when the game finally arrived. 

... 

... 

The Champions League final was to be held at the Arena AufSchalke, in Gelsenkirchen's northern suburb. Ajax's hotel was nearby, situated at the northern end of the stadium in the peaceful surroundings of Berg Park. 

The hotel itself was surrounded by three winding lakes, with the largest, Berg Lake, serving as the center of a sports complex and tennis club. Nearby was a famous beer garden, but the entire area around the hotel had been cordoned off for Ajax's exclusive use. 

The hotel's size meant it could only accommodate the first team and the coaching staff. Players' families were staying elsewhere in the city, while the club made meticulous arrangements to ensure the players could focus entirely on preparing for the match. 

As Yang Yang returned to the hotel from his morning run around the park, he bumped into assistant coach Ruud Krol. The coach immediately guessed where Yang Yang had been. 

"Good thing this is a quiet suburb—if there were Porto fans around, you might not have come back," Krol joked. 

Yang Yang grinned. "If there were Porto fans here, I wouldn't have gone out." 

The assistant coach chuckled before reminding Yang Yang to head back inside. "Shower and change up. We've got a meeting after breakfast." 

Yang Yang didn't need to be told twice. He made his way back to his room, where Sneijder was just waking up. After exchanging greetings, Yang Yang headed straight for the shower. 

Ajax maintained a strict routine. Everyone had to eat breakfast together, and being late resulted in punishment. Meetings were scheduled regularly, and this morning's tactical briefing was especially critical. 

The previous evening, after the team had arrived at the hotel, the coaching staff had held their first meeting, focusing on video analysis of Porto. The video featured carefully selected highlights from Porto's Champions League matches that season, giving the players a clear idea of the Portuguese side's strengths and weaknesses. 

Today's meeting was all about game strategy. 

The afternoon would see another training session, during which the coaching staff would implement the strategy discussed in the morning meeting. This session would be vital, as it would set the tone for the final preparations. 

By this point in the season, both Ajax and Porto had played all their cards. There were no secrets between the two teams. Everything would now depend on how each side executed their plans on the pitch. 

Ronald Koeman believed that Porto would rely on their usual defensive counter-attacking approach. It was both an opportunity and a challenge for Ajax. If they could score first, Porto would be forced to open up and attack, which would allow Ajax to exploit their vulnerabilities with counter-attacks of their own. 

This scenario would be ideal for Ajax. 

But the worst-case scenario, as Koeman warned, was that Ajax could struggle to find an early goal, make a costly mistake, and allow Porto to strike on the counter. In that case, Porto's defensive block would become even more resolute, and Ajax would face an uphill battle. 

Of course, it was also possible that both teams would take a more cautious approach, unwilling to take risks and allow their opponent a foothold. Such a conservative match would depend entirely on the players' nerves and discipline. 

There's a saying in football that there's no such thing as a "beautiful" final. Last year's Champions League final, which saw two Serie A teams play out a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes, was a prime example. The skill level was high, but both sides had been overly cautious, afraid to make mistakes. 

Mourinho's Porto was expected to adopt a similar approach—prioritizing defense over attack. Their defense, both in midfield and at the back, was stronger than Ajax's, but their attacking prowess was less potent. Mourinho would likely focus on keeping his team error-free, possibly even taking the game into extra time or penalties. 

Ajax's main concern was their youth. Koeman and Van Gaal both worried that their players, in their eagerness to take control, might rush into mistakes and open themselves up to danger. Such lapses could prove fatal against a team as disciplined as Porto. 

For that reason, composure was the key message in the pre-match meeting. 

"Anything can happen in a game," Koeman emphasized to his players. "We might score first, but that's no reason to get overconfident. We could concede first, but that's no reason to get discouraged. We've equalized and come back before, and we have the strength to do it again." 

As the meeting drew to a close, Koeman urged the team once more to stay calm and focused. 

"I've been to three Champions League finals," he said. "The first was with PSV, against Benfica. It ended 0-0, and we won on penalties. We had to rely on a rock-solid defense and a tenacious will to win. 

"The second was with Barcelona, against Sampdoria. It was another tough game—Serie A was at its peak back then, and their defense was impenetrable. Both teams had chances, but it took a winning goal in extra time to separate us. 

"And the last one... you all know about that. We played Capello's AC Milan and lost 4-0. That loss was down to one thing—our mentality wasn't right, and we collapsed completely." 

"In addition to the three finals I personally witnessed, Ajax reached the UEFA Champions League final twice, in 1995 and 1996," Ronald Koeman continued, his voice calm yet filled with authority. "In 1995, we defeated AC Milan with a last-minute goal—cruel, but decisive." 

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. 

"The second time, we conceded first, but Litmanen equalized for us. The match ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, but we lost to Juventus on penalties." 

Koeman's experience was invaluable to the team. The young players sitting in front of him understood they were listening to a man who had lived through some of the highest and lowest moments in football. 

"In these Champions League finals, there's no doubt that the players need a steely will and unyielding fighting spirit," Koeman emphasized. "You have to stabilize your mind and focus on the game, no matter what unexpected situations arise." 

After Koeman finished, the squad's veteran, Jari Litmanen, who had played in both of Ajax's Champions League finals in 1995 and 1996, took the floor. Having experienced both victory and defeat, his words carried weight. 

Litmanen had already decided to leave Ajax at the end of the season, though he hadn't yet made up his mind whether to retire completely or return to Finland for the final games of his career. For now, though, he was fully invested in helping the team prepare for the final. 

Reflecting on the 1995 final against AC Milan, Litmanen focused on two key elements—defense and mentality. "Without a strong defense and a stable mentality, you can't win," he said firmly, recalling the importance of staying composed under pressure. 

In 1996, the Champions League final against Juventus had been a different story. Litmanen admitted that Ajax had created plenty of chances during regular time, but Juventus goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi's heroics denied them on several occasions. By the second half, Juventus had almost completely taken control of the match. 

"Edgar Davids was our best player that night," Litmanen said. "His relentless running and defending kept us in the game. He was also the first to step up for the penalty shootout." 

The players listened closely, knowing what had happened next. "Unfortunately, his penalty was saved by Peruzzi." 

The room was silent. Everyone could imagine the pressure on the first penalty taker after 120 minutes of exhausting football, and Davids—one of the most determined players on the team—had missed. 

"None of us blamed him," Litmanen said. "In fact, it was his incredible performance in that final that convinced Juventus to sign him. They knew his strength and fighting spirit, and when he was struggling at AC Milan, they brought him in." 

Litmanen's words carried a lesson that resonated with the players. "You can never predict the outcome of a game. If Danny Blind hadn't been injured, maybe we could have beaten Juventus and defended our title. And who knows, maybe if Davids had scored his penalty, we would have won. But one thing's for sure—we gave everything." 

His voice softened slightly. "We have regrets, but no guilt." 

Yang Yang sat among his teammates, listening intently to the veteran's words. A single phrase echoed in his mind: Worthy of conscience. It struck him deeply. Litmanen had poured his heart into those finals, and even with the losses, he had no regrets. He had given his all. 

Perhaps that was the message Litmanen wanted to leave with them. No matter what happened in the final, they had to give everything. If they did, win or lose, they could walk away without guilt. 

... 

... 

Germany, 30 km east of Gelsenkirchen, in Castrop-Rauxel. 

European football has long been filled with superstition, and Porto was no exception. They had studied the dates and omens leading up to the game, concluding that the number 26 would bring them luck. And so, Porto decided to stick with this number all the way to the final. Even the hotel they selected was carefully chosen for its location—16 kilometers from Gelsenkirchen, exactly in line with their superstitious beliefs. 

But it wasn't just the distance that mattered. The hotel's interior was entirely decorated in blue—curtains, tablecloths, crockery, carpets—all in Porto's signature color, making the atmosphere feel perfectly in tune with the team. It seemed like a small detail, but for a team driven by ritual, it was important. 

Porto didn't stop there. They booked the entire hotel, ensuring each player had a single room for privacy and focus. Mourinho himself occupied a suite, adding another layer of intrigue. Interestingly, the room Mourinho chose had once been occupied by Chelsea's former manager Claudio Ranieri when his team had stayed at the same hotel the previous year. 

This curious detail didn't escape the British media, who had been closely following Mourinho. Rumors swirled that he had recently met with Chelsea's billionaire owner, Roman Abramovich, on a yacht, leading to speculation that Mourinho would be taking over as Chelsea's manager in the summer, replacing Ranieri. The fact that Mourinho was staying in the very room Ranieri had once occupied only added fuel to the fire. Was it mere coincidence, or a deliberate sign of things to come? 

With the Champions League final looming, the Porto coaching staff was solely focused on the task at hand. They had arrived in Germany two days early and immediately organized a secret training session in a closed-off park, working meticulously to refine their strategy. 

After returning to the hotel for lunch and a short break, Mourinho called a crucial pre-match meeting, where he announced the starting lineup and laid out the detailed battle plan for facing Ajax. 

Mourinho knew Ajax well. He understood the Dutch side's attacking prowess and their ability to dominate the midfield with players like Van der Vaart and Sneijder. But he also highlighted Ajax's weaknesses in defense, which Porto could exploit if they remained disciplined. 

"We are a team, a collective," Mourinho began, his voice commanding the attention of everyone in the room. "We've come this far because we fight as a team in every match. We must do the same this time." 

He continued, "Our greatest strength is our defense. If we stay focused, as we have been, I believe we can block Ajax's attack. And once we do that, their defense will inevitably reveal its weaknesses—that's when we strike." 

Mourinho's charisma and belief in his team had a way of making every player feel unstoppable. In that moment, everyone in the conference room believed in him, just as they had believed in him throughout the tournament. 

"There are three players at Ajax we need to watch closely," Mourinho warned. "First is their captain, Van der Vaart. If I'm right, he'll play in the center, especially since Galasek is out. Ajax will want to control possession and dictate the tempo, and Van der Vaart and Sneijder are their best options to do that." 

Mourinho paused, his gaze scanning the room. "Our midfield must prevent them from getting near our penalty area. Van der Vaart is a dangerous player, especially with his late runs into the box. Sneijder is also a threat, so we need to be on high alert in the middle of the park." 

The Porto players nodded, absorbing their manager's instructions. 

"Next, we have Ibrahimovic," Mourinho continued, "He's tall, strong, and skillful. A very difficult striker to defend. Our center-backs are smaller than him, but we can't give him even a moment of space." 

Mourinho glanced at his defenders, Ricardo Carvalho and Jorge Costa, who were both aware of the challenge ahead. Ibrahimovic was 1.92 meters tall, while Carvalho stood at 1.82 meters and Costa at 1.88 meters—both shorter than the towering Swede. Mourinho knew they had to be vigilant. 

"Keep him under constant pressure," Mourinho warned. "If he gets even the smallest chance, he'll punish us." 

Finally, Mourinho mentioned Yang Yang, Ajax's 17-year-old winger. "The last player to watch is number 99—Yang Yang." 

At this, some players exchanged glances. The idea of a teenager being a major threat seemed odd to them. 

Mourinho anticipated their thoughts. "I know what you're thinking. A 17-year-old, right? Our coaching staff analyzed his strengths and weaknesses. Yes, his wing play and crossing ability are solid, but his first touch and passing? Not so much." 

Most of the players nodded in agreement. Yang Yang, in their analysis, was a one-dimensional player—dangerous, but easily nullified. 

"But let me remind you," Mourinho added, his tone serious, "Why does Ajax play better, sharper, and more fluidly when he comes off the bench? Why is it that when Yang Yang enters the game, Ajax's attack becomes more dangerous?" 

The room was quiet. No one had an answer. 

"It's because Ajax with Yang Yang is the real threat," Mourinho said. "He elevates their attack. That's why I don't want to see him play at all if possible." 

A few players chuckled at the thought, but Mourinho quickly continued. "Unfortunately, he will play. And that's why I'm telling you, be extra careful. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, we must mark him closely. Don't give him an inch." 

Mourinho turned his attention to Nuno Valente, Porto's left-back. "Nuno, if Yang Yang starts, he's going to attack from the get-go. You must focus on defense. If Koeman puts him on as a sub, I don't care what the score is—you immediately drop back and mark him." 

"Understand?" Mourinho's eyes locked with Valente's. 

"Understood," Valente responded with determination. 

Mourinho smiled. "Relax, he's just a 17-year-old kid. That's why Koeman hasn't made him a regular starter. He's talented, but he's easy to handle." 

Valente, who would turn 30 later that year, nodded confidently. His career had blossomed under Mourinho's guidance. Once a fringe player at Sporting Lisbon, Valente had followed Mourinho to União de Leiria, where his performances had earned him a move to Porto. Under Mourinho's mentorship, Valente had reached heights he never imagined—now a regular starter for Porto, he had even earned a place in the Portuguese national team ahead of Euro 2004. 

"Don't worry," Valente assured his manager. "I won't give him a chance."