UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals Draw

On March 10th, for England fans, it was a day destined to be remembered with a heavy heart.

The previous evening, the mighty Red Devils of Manchester United, perennial champions of the Premier League and a dominant force in European football, had faced off against Porto at Old Trafford. The match was the return leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie, and the stakes were enormous. Manchester United, managed by the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, had suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat in the first leg in Portugal. Porto, led by a young and ambitious coach named José Mourinho, had turned the tables on United, putting them on the back foot. To make matters worse, United's captain, Roy Keane, had been sent off, adding to their woes.

Despite the gravity of the situation, United's performance at Old Trafford lacked the firepower and precision that had earned them their status as European giants. Paul Scholes had given the Red Devils hope with an early goal, his trademark precision finishing off a well-worked move. But Porto, resilient and unyielding, clung to their defensive structure, frustrating United's attacks. As the match edged into stoppage time, with Old Trafford anxiously awaiting the final whistle, Porto delivered a devastating blow. A last-gasp equalizer silenced the Theatre of Dreams, and the aggregate score of 3-2 sent Manchester United crashing out of the Champions League, leaving their fans in despair.

The pain of Manchester United's elimination had barely begun to settle when another shockwave hit English football.

On the evening of March 10th, at Highbury Stadium in London, Arsenal faced off against Ajax. Arsenal, under the stewardship of Arsène Wenger, had been one of Europe's most feared teams, known for their fluid attacking football and defensive solidity. Yet, with the clock ticking towards the final whistle, Ajax, a team once feared across Europe but now seen as underdogs, produced a moment of magic. In the 87th minute, Zlatan Ibrahimović, the enigmatic Swedish striker, found space on the edge of the box. With a deft touch, he threaded a pass through the Arsenal defense, and Rafael van der Vaart, the Dutch prodigy, calmly slotted the ball home to equalize. The match ended 1-1, but with Ajax winning 4-3 on aggregate, Arsenal too were knocked out of the Champions League.

Two of England's biggest clubs, Manchester United and Arsenal, had been eliminated on consecutive nights, and the news reverberated across the football world.

The entire British media erupted in a frenzy. The shock of seeing two Premier League giants, both considered superior in terms of squad depth and experience, fall to teams from the Eredivisie and Portuguese Primeira Liga, was palpable. Discussions flooded television screens and newspaper columns, with pundits and fans alike dissecting the failures. The winter break in the Premier League, or rather the lack of it, was once again thrust into the spotlight, with calls growing louder for its introduction to ease the burden on English clubs. The impact of domestic cup competitions like the Carabao Cup was also scrutinized, with debates raging over whether they added unnecessary strain on players.

In contrast to the somber mood in England, the Netherlands and Portugal were buzzing with excitement.

For Dutch football, Ajax's victory was a beacon of hope in an otherwise bleak season. Dutch clubs had struggled in Europe, and Ajax was the last team standing. Their triumph over Arsenal not only secured a place in the quarter-finals but also rekindled national pride. The Dutch media hailed the team's resilience, particularly the combination of Ibrahimović and Van der Vaart, whose partnership had sparked hope that Ajax could once again challenge Europe's elite. The handshake between the two after the final whistle was celebrated as a symbol of unity and potential, with fans dreaming of greater things to come.

Amid the celebrations, another name started to gain recognition—Yang Yang. The young winger had not only caught the attention of Ajax fans but also that of the broader football community. His performances, often as a super-sub, had become pivotal in Ajax's journey through the Champions League. In this second leg against Arsenal, it was Yang Yang who initiated the move that led to the equalizer, weaving his way past defenders and linking up with Hatem Trabelsi to set up the attack. The term "super-sub" became synonymous with his name, as he consistently turned games in Ajax's favor with his energy and creativity off the bench.

Ronald Koeman, Ajax's head coach, was full of praise for the young talent. In a post-match interview with the Dutch newspaper "De Telegraaf," Koeman expressed his amazement at Yang Yang's rapid development. "He always manages to surprise us, and his progress has been extraordinary. No one can say for certain how far he can go, but one thing is clear—he is becoming an increasingly important player for us, someone we can rely on in crucial moments."

Yang Yang's impact was undeniable. In the first leg at the Amsterdam Arena, he had been involved in all three goals as Ajax secured a vital victory. Now, in the second leg, his influence was felt once again. His contributions, both direct and indirect, had played a crucial role in Ajax's advancement to the quarter-finals. As the Dutch media and fans pondered his potential, the question on everyone's mind was simple: Just how far could this young star rise?

Yet, despite Ajax's heroic efforts, there was still skepticism about their chances moving forward. The quarter-final draw loomed, and the remaining teams were formidable opponents. Alongside Ajax and Porto, the quarter-finals would feature Chelsea from the Premier League, AC Milan from Serie A, Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruña from La Liga, and French sides Monaco and Lyon. It was a formidable lineup, and Ajax, having long fallen from the ranks of Europe's elite, knew that any match would be a tough battle.

This season's Champions League had already been full of surprises, with many attributing the upsets to UEFA's restructuring of the tournament format. The shift from the two-round group stage to a single group stage followed by a knockout round of 16 had introduced a new level of unpredictability. The knockout format increased the likelihood of upsets, and this year had proven to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.

However, as the quarter-finals approached, one thing was certain: every team left in the competition was there on merit. And for Ajax, the journey was far from over. They had proven their mettle against Arsenal, but the road to glory would only get tougher. In the shadow of Europe's giants, the young team from Amsterdam knew they had to be at their very best to continue their dream run in the Champions League.

...

...

While the entire Dutch media fervently celebrated Ajax's advance to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Yang Yang found himself immersed in a different reality—one far removed from the public eye. He was deep within the Dream Training System, undergoing a grueling special training session that would push him to his limits.

As the Ajax squad made their way back to Amsterdam from London, Yang Yang couldn't let the moment pass without reflecting on the match. Seated on the plane, he replayed the crucial moments of the Round of 16 clash against Arsenal in the Dream Training System. He analyzed every movement, every pass, every mistake, all while the world around him continued to buzz with the excitement of the victory. Upon returning home, he immediately dove into training, focusing on the basics—polishing his dribbling techniques with Ronaldo's finesse, mastering the precision of Beckham's crosses, and refining every aspect of his game. His determination was relentless, carrying him through the night as he trained until daybreak. Yet, even as the sun began to rise, his special training was far from over.

Sitting on the soft, flawless turf of the Dream Training System, Yang Yang gazed at the goalpost on the far end of the pitch, lost in thought.

"What's on your mind?" Zax's voice, calm and almost ethereal, echoed softly in his ear.

Yang Yang didn't shift his focus from the goal in front of him, but a faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "I'm thinking about my time at Almere," he murmured.

He wasn't entirely sure why, but every time exhaustion threatened to overwhelm him, every time the thought of giving up crept into his mind, his memories would drift back to those early days at Almere. He could vividly recall the taunts and ridicule he faced daily in the youth team, how he was mocked by both teammates and onlookers alike. There were countless moments when he considered quitting, moments when the weight of it all felt unbearable. But each time, he clenched his teeth, dug deep, and found the strength to persevere.

Since those days, whenever he found himself on the brink of collapse, when the pain and fatigue seemed too much to bear, he would remind himself of that difficult period. If he could survive that, what challenge could possibly break him now?

Zax, hearing Yang Yang's quiet reflection, chose not to respond immediately. The silence that followed was profound, filling the entire Dream Training System with a stillness so deep that Yang Yang could almost hear his own heartbeat.

After what felt like an eternity, Zax's voice returned, this time with a tone of quiet introspection.

"You know," Zax began, "scientific research suggests that human potential is limitless."

"What do you mean?" Yang Yang asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Some research institutions have found that human behavior is governed by the brain, which in turn is driven by willpower. In essence, if a person's willpower is strong enough, they can push their brain to direct the body to surpass its own limits continuously."

Yang Yang chuckled softly, the idea seeming almost too fantastical. "Are you saying we could become Superman?" he quipped, a hint of disbelief in his voice.

Zax's response was patient. "You misunderstand. I'm not talking about a short burst of energy in a single game. I'm referring to the capacity for long-term endurance and progress. Think back to the Pelé era. Back then, running seven or eight kilometers in a match was considered extraordinary—only an iron man could achieve that. It was beyond imagination for most players to cover ten kilometers in a single game."

"But times have changed. Today, running ten kilometers is not just common; it's expected. Consider the 2001 World Cup qualifier between England and Greece. David Beckham covered an astonishing 16.1 kilometers in that match, setting a world record and redefining the physical limits of the game."

Zax paused, allowing Yang Yang to absorb the significance of his words. "Perhaps in another decade, running ten kilometers will be the norm for every player. As the game evolves, more and more players will emerge who can run 13, 14 kilometers in a match—maybe even more. Someone may even surpass Beckham's record."

"Do you see what I'm getting at? In every era, there are always a few individuals whose willpower is so formidable that they push their brains to direct their bodies beyond what was previously thought possible. They break boundaries, shatter records, and make the impossible, possible."

Yang Yang nodded, his expression thoughtful as he took in Zax's words. The meaning resonated deeply with him, reminding him of his own journey. It was like the match against Arsenal the previous night—he had kept running, relentlessly seeking opportunities, failing time and time again, only to rise once more, driven by sheer willpower. Without that inner force compelling him to push harder, to keep striving, there would have been no late-game reversal, no moment of triumph.

"Thank you, Zax," Yang Yang said quietly as he stood up from the grass.

Though his body felt physically fine, his spirit had been weary. But now, that weariness had lifted, replaced by a renewed sense of determination.

"Don't thank me," Zax replied. "Even here, in this system, your progress depends entirely on you."

Yang Yang smiled faintly, a flicker of resolve in his eyes, and nodded. He knew that the journey ahead would be long and arduous, but with each step, he was ready to push his limits—just as Zax had said, to make the impossible, possible.

...

...

The early morning air in the Netherlands still carried the chill of March, biting at any exposed skin. Yang Yang, bundled up in his warm sportswear, stepped out of his front door, the crisp coldness brushing against his face. He began his usual warm-up routine, stretching and loosening his muscles in the quiet of the morning. The neighborhood was still and serene, with only the occasional chirp of a bird breaking the silence. As he bent down to touch his toes, he heard the creak of another door opening across the street.

To his surprise, out stepped the towering figure of Zlatan Ibrahimović, a wide grin plastered across his face. The sight was unusual enough to make Yang Yang pause in the middle of his stretch, blinking as if to confirm he wasn't still dreaming.

"Training alone is boring, isn't it?" Zlatan called out, his voice carrying easily in the still air. "I'll keep you company."

Before Yang Yang could even process what was happening, Ibrahimović had already made his move. In one fluid motion, he snatched the ball from Yang Yang's feet and took off down the street, dribbling with a speed and finesse that belied his large frame.

Yang Yang stood frozen for a moment, his mind racing. Was he still asleep? Was this really happening? It was entirely out of character for Zlatan to be up this early, let alone to join him for a morning training session. Zlatan, known for his confident swagger and larger-than-life personality, was not the type to engage in such spontaneous acts of camaraderie—especially not at dawn.

But there he was, some distance away now, waving for Yang Yang to catch up. The whole scene felt surreal.

"Am I still dreaming?" Yang Yang muttered to himself, glancing up at the sky where the sun had yet to rise. "Or did the sun decide to come up in the west today?"

Just then, a shout interrupted his thoughts. "Hey, catch this!"

Yang Yang's instincts kicked in as he looked up to see the ball soaring towards him. With quick reflexes, he controlled it with his chest, letting it drop to his feet before sprinting forward to chase after Zlatan.

"You lunatic!" Yang Yang called out as he caught up, his breath visible in the cold morning air. "Are you trying to knock me out with that pass?"

Zlatan let out a booming laugh, his strides effortless as he kept pace with Yang Yang. "Just making sure you're awake, kid!"

Yang Yang shook his head in disbelief, a smile tugging at his lips despite himself. "I was surprised to see you, but now I'm wondering if I'm still asleep."

"Surprised?" Zlatan grinned mischievously. "You should feel honored!"

"Honored?" Yang Yang shot back, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "More like shocked out of my senses!"

They continued down the street, their banter echoing in the quiet neighborhood. It was a rare moment of levity, the usually intense Zlatan showing a side that few got to see.

"Hey, is this how you treat your friends?" Zlatan teased, nudging Yang Yang with his elbow.

Yang Yang feigned indignation. "Friends? Don't I still owe you one for the last time you pulled something like this?"

Zlatan chuckled, a deep, resonant sound that matched his towering presence. "You're just now realizing that?"

"Unbelievable," Yang Yang muttered with a grin. "You've got no shame, do you?"

Zlatan shrugged, his smile widening. "I told you, I left my pride at home today."

Yang Yang couldn't help but laugh. As they continued their impromptu training session, the early morning cold seemed to fade away, replaced by the warmth of their playful rivalry. It was moments like this, away from the stadium lights and the pressure of professional football, that reminded Yang Yang of the pure joy the game could bring.

...

...

"What? You went out for training with Yang Yang early in the morning?"

When Yang Yang and Zlatan Ibrahimović returned home, carrying breakfast and newspapers under their arms, both Maxwell and Thomas Vermaelen were so shocked they nearly dropped their coffee mugs. It was as if they had just witnessed something otherworldly.

"Zlatan, are you feeling alright?" Maxwell asked, feigning concern as he reached out to check the Swedish striker's forehead.

With a sharp smack, Ibrahimović swatted the Brazilian's hand away. "Get off me, you bunch of slackers," he grumbled, though the grin on his face suggested he was enjoying the moment. He set the breakfast bags down on the dining table with a flourish, adopting a mock authoritative stance as he looked down at his younger teammates.

"Look at yourselves," he began, his tone half-serious, half-teasing. "What time do you even go to bed? Do you think this is how a professional footballer should live? How do you expect to improve if you don't put in the work? How do you expect to perform on the pitch? Look at Yang Yang here—out training every day, no matter the weather. That kind of dedication is something we should all learn from."

Maxwell and Vermaelen exchanged a glance, their expressions a mix of amusement and disbelief. They nodded at each other, silently agreeing that Zlatan must have lost his mind.

"Brother, I appreciate the sentiment, but you don't need to use me as an example," Yang Yang said, smiling at Ibrahimović.

Zlatan waved off Yang Yang's comment, as if dismissing it entirely. "Don't worry about it. I know what I'm saying."

"Should we feel ashamed for sleeping in while you two were out working hard?" Vermaelen asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Zlatan leaned in, eyes narrowing as if he were preparing to make a grand point. "Well? Do you feel guilty now?"

Maxwell and Vermaelen shook their heads in unison, matching his seriousness with deadpan expressions. "No, not really," they chimed together.

Zlatan slammed his hand on the table, his frustration theatrically exaggerated. "Come on, you're telling me you don't even feel a bit guilty?"

Maxwell suddenly perked up, his eyes gleaming with suspicion. "Hold on, Zlatan—did Raiola give you some good news?" he asked, his voice tinged with a knowing smirk.

Yang Yang, who was taking a sip of his coffee, nearly spat it out as he struggled to contain his laughter. He had already picked up on Zlatan's unusual enthusiasm during their morning exercise and now it was all starting to make sense.

Ibrahimović, who had been playing the role of the strict mentor, could no longer keep up the act. He sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping as he nodded. "Alright, alright, you got me," he admitted, a sheepish grin breaking through. "Raiola called last night—there's interest from the big clubs in Serie A."

Maxwell broke into a broad smile, clearly pleased with himself. "I knew it! That's the only thing that could get you out of bed this early. Otherwise, not even an earthquake could rouse you."

Zlatan scowled, though it was clear he wasn't truly upset. "Hey, what are you saying?"

Maxwell and Vermaelen exchanged a quick glance before replying in unison, "Just being honest."

Zlatan threw his hands up in exasperation, shaking his head. "I'm really starting to wonder why I hang out with you two."

Yang Yang, Maxwell, and Vermaelen burst into laughter, the room filling with the sound of their camaraderie. Despite the teasing and banter, the four of them shared a close bond, forged through countless hours of training and competing together. Moments like these, filled with laughter and light-hearted jabs, were a welcome break from the intensity of their professional lives.

But as the laughter faded, the conversation gradually turned to more serious matters—specifically, Ibrahimović's potential transfer.

"Raiola told me that the top clubs in Serie A are all interested," Zlatan began, his tone now sober. "Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Roma—they all reached out to him last night. You know how much I've wanted to play in Serie A. It's the top league in the world right now, and if I'm going to be the best striker in the world, that's where I need to be."

Maxwell and Vermaelen listened intently, their expressions reflecting a mixture of excitement and concern. Zlatan's dream of moving to Serie A was no secret, and the interest from Italy's elite clubs only confirmed that the move was on the horizon.

"How far along are the talks?" Maxwell asked, his voice laced with genuine curiosity.

"It's still in the early stages," Zlatan replied, leaning back in his chair. "The club's not allowing any negotiations until the end of the season. They want everyone focused on finishing strong. But once the season's over, I'm sure things will move quickly."

Yang Yang nodded, his thoughts drifting. He had known that Zlatan's departure was a possibility, but hearing it discussed so openly made it all the more real. The idea of losing a friend and mentor was bittersweet—he was happy for Zlatan's success, but the thought of him leaving Ajax felt like the end of an era.

"What about playing time?" Vermaelen asked, cutting through Yang Yang's thoughts. "Will they guarantee you regular minutes?"

"That's non-negotiable," Zlatan said with a grin. "Raiola's making sure it's in the contract. I'm not moving to Italy to sit on the bench."

Yang Yang tried to focus on the conversation, but a part of him was still processing the reality of the situation. Ibrahimović had been more than just a teammate—he had been a constant presence, a source of both challenge and support. Now, with his impending departure, Yang Yang couldn't help but feel a sense of loss.

Sensing the mood shift, Zlatan spoke up, trying to lighten the atmosphere. "Come on, when I get to Italy, you guys better come visit me. And you better work your asses off to get out of Ajax so we can face each other in Serie A. Whether we're teammates or opponents, it'll be something to look forward to."

Yang Yang, Maxwell, and Vermaelen all nodded, understanding the sentiment behind Zlatan's words. Ajax was a club where players came and went—a stepping stone for many on their way to greater things. It was the nature of the club, a place where talent was nurtured before being unleashed on the world stage.

"You're right," Yang Yang said, his voice steady with determination. "But before any of that happens, we've got work to do here. This season isn't over yet. We've got the Eredivisie, the KNVB Cup, and the Champions League to fight for. Let's make sure we give everything we've got and go out with a bang."

"Well said," Zlatan replied, his grin returning. "That's the spirit I like to see."

...

...

The morning after the intense match against Arsenal, the focus for Ajax was on recovery training. This session was crucial, especially after such a demanding game, and its importance couldn't be overstated. The intensity of the training was deliberately kept low, almost resembling a light game in itself, but its purpose was clear: to help the players recover physically and mentally, preparing them for the challenges ahead in a tightly packed schedule.

This was something Yang Yang had come to understand deeply since joining Ajax. Through experience and the guidance of the coaching staff, he learned that restorative training was far more effective than simply taking a break. The body needed to stay active to heal and prepare for the next challenge. Today, as a reward for their hard-fought victory over Arsenal, the team was granted a rare treat—a one-day holiday.

For the players, this meant no training in the afternoon and no need to report until the following day's afternoon session. The announcement brought a wave of relief and excitement; after all, who doesn't enjoy a well-deserved break?

However, while most of his teammates relished the thought of a day off, Yang Yang's schedule was a bit different. When the team didn't need him on the pitch, he chose to spend his time at school, attending classes. It was a commitment he had made to his parents and his uncle, Shen Ming, to continue his education alongside his football career.

After the restorative training session that morning, the players didn't rush home. Instead, many chose to stay at the training facility, enjoying lunch together in the players' restaurant. There was a sense of camaraderie in the air, as they all headed to the rest area afterward, eager to watch the live draw for the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

At 12:30 sharp, the draw began. It was being conducted at UEFA's headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, with Ajax represented by their technical director, Louis van Gaal, who was there to witness the entire process. For the players, the excitement was palpable—they were anxious to find out who their next opponents would be.

The draw for the quarter-finals was different from the previous round. Gone were the restrictions about avoiding teams from the same country or group. Now, it was an open draw—any team could be paired with any other, and the fate of each club rested in the hands of Friedrich Stickler, the chairman of UEFA's competition committee. As he prepared to draw the names, the tension among the players grew. This draw would determine the path they would have to navigate if they were to continue their journey in the competition.

According to the bookmakers, Real Madrid was the clear favorite to win the tournament, with odds of 2.5 to 1. AC Milan followed closely at 3 to 1, while Porto, buoyed by their UEFA Cup victory the previous season, had odds of 15 to 2. Chelsea and Deportivo La Coruña were both at 9 to 1, while Ajax and Lyon trailed with odds of 15 to 1. Monaco, the dark horse, had the longest odds at 25 to 1. While these odds didn't guarantee victory or defeat, they gave a clear indication of the perceived strength of each team.

Ajax, despite reaching the quarter-finals for the second consecutive season, was still seen as the underdog. Their group stage performance had been shaky, and although they had pulled off a surprising upset against Arsenal, many still doubted their overall strength. This skepticism was reflected in their long odds, just slightly better than those of Monaco.

The first name to be drawn from the glass jar was Porto. The players in the Ajax lounge immediately perked up, hoping for a favorable draw. Porto was seen as one of the more beatable teams, along with Lyon, Monaco, and Deportivo La Coruña. But then, to their collective dismay, Lyon was drawn as Porto's opponent. There was a sigh of disappointment in the lounge—both teams had likely breathed a sigh of relief at avoiding one of the tournament heavyweights.

Next came AC Milan versus Deportivo La Coruña. On the television screen, the Ajax players could see AC Milan's representatives, including Adriano Galliani, looking pleased. The Rossoneri had a psychological edge over Deportivo, having thrashed them 4-0 at the Riazor in the previous season. Milan's confidence was evident, and it was clear they felt they had a favorable path to the semi-finals.

The draw then moved to the second half of the bracket. The first team drawn was Chelsea. Under the management of Claudio Ranieri, the Blues had become a formidable side, but Ajax would have preferred to face them over the likes of Real Madrid. As the next ball was drawn, a collective breath was held in the Ajax lounge.

Monaco.

For a moment, the room fell into a stunned silence. The relief was short-lived as the realization set in: with only two teams left in the draw, Ajax's fate was sealed—they would face Real Madrid, the tournament's number one favorite, brimming with superstars.

As the draw confirmed Ajax versus Real Madrid, the tension in the lounge reached its peak. The first leg would be played at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, a daunting prospect for any team, let alone one as young and relatively inexperienced as Ajax.

"This draw… it's really awful," one of the players muttered, echoing the thoughts of everyone in the room.

Yang Yang, who had a school commitment that afternoon, stayed a while longer with his teammates, processing the news. Facing Real Madrid was the ultimate challenge—a clash with the Galácticos, a team loaded with world-class talent at every position. The odds were stacked against them, and everyone knew it.

But Yang Yang also felt a flicker of excitement. This was what football was all about—testing yourself against the very best. Despite the daunting task ahead, he was determined to rise to the occasion, just as he had done before.

The draw had been made, the die cast. Now, it was time to prepare for the battle of their lives.