Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 126 - 3 Minutes Of Additional Time

Chapter 126: 3 Minutes Of Additional Time

With a burst of pace, Benjamin accelerated, his legs carrying him beyond the tiring defenders. Martens made a run on his right, and Johannsson was lurking just outside the box.

Benjamin hesitated just for a second, letting the defenders think he was going to cross. But instead, he cut inside once again before sending a curling ball toward Johannsson.

[Oh, he’s found him! Johannsson’s in—this could be another one!] the second commentator called.

Johannsson didn’t need much space. With one clean strike, the ball rocketed toward goal, but the goalkeeper was quick off his line, narrowing the angle just enough to make the save.

[Great work by the keeper there,] the first commentator noted. [But it’s a testament to the precision of that delivery from Benjamin. He knew exactly where Johannsson would be]

The rebound spilled out to Berghuis, but the defender was first to react, clearing the danger with a hurried boot.

[More pressure from AZ Alkmaar, but Roda JC holding on—for now,] the second commentator said, his voice full of disbelief at how relentless the game had been.

With time running out, the final whistle seemed inevitable as stoppage time approached.

But there was still an underlying sense of anticipation among the fans, knowing they had witnessed something special.

[We’re nearing the end,] the first commentator remarked, a sense of finality creeping into his tone. [But no matter what happens in these final minutes, this will go down as one of the more dominant performances you’ll see this season]

The clock edged into the 90th minute, and Benjamin found himself on the ball one last time, his confidence unfaltering.

He passed it to Adam Maher, who played a quick give-and-go with him, and they glided down the left wing once again.

[And here we go,] the second commentator said, as if preparing for a grand finale. [Can they add another? Benjamin’s still pushing forward!]

Benjamin lifted his head, glancing toward goal. A defender closed in, but he’d already made up his mind. With a deft flick, he threaded a pass to Johannsson—this time from a difficult angle.

Johannsson didn’t hesitate. With a slight jump, he met the ball with his head, aiming for the far post.

The ball flashed past the goalkeeper’s outstretched hand, but once again, the woodwork came into play, with the ball smacking against the post before rolling out.

CLANG!!!

[Oh, so close! Another near miss!] the first commentator exclaimed. [That would’ve been a perfect way to end the night. AZ Alkmaar’s attack has been non-stop]

[And how about the delivery? Benjamin’s been on fire with his passing,] the second commentator added. [That could have been his fourth assist of the night]

The clock ticked past the 90th minute, and the fourth official walked toward the sideline, holding up the electronic board which displayed +3 minutes.

The announcement brought a mixture of groans and cheers from the crowd. AZ Alkmaar fans sensed their team’s dominance was unshakable, but the Roda JC faithful clung to hope for one more moment of pride.

[Three minutes added on, and AZ Alkmaar isn’t letting up one bit,] the first commentator said. [You’d think they were the ones chasing the game]

[That’s the mark of a good side, isn’t it? Never satisfied, and always pushing for more] the second commentator replied.

The game resumed with AZ Alkmaar in possession, and their intent was clear—they wanted one more.

Benjamin received the ball deep in midfield, scanning the field with sharp, calculated movements.

He turned swiftly, leaving his marker flat-footed, and surged forward. His touch was light, and controlled. Each step drawing the opposition closer to their breaking point.

The crowd roared in anticipation as Benjamin danced past one, then two defenders with quick shifts of his body.

[Look at that! Benjamin Rijkaard slicing through the midfield like a hot knife through butter,] the first commentator said, his voice brimming with excitement.

He played a quick one-two with Adam, the ball zipping back to him with precision. The give-and-go opened up space down the right flank, where Berghuis sprinted into position.

Without breaking stride, Benjamin sent a perfect through pass into his path.

[Oh, that’s beautiful football,] the second commentator said. [Benjamin and Adam combining effortlessly, and now Berghuis has acres to work with!]

Berghuis controlled the pass and drove toward the byline, his marker scrambling to keep up.

Inside the box, Henriksen and Johannsson positioned themselves, ready to pounce on any pass or loose ball.

Berghuis feigned a cross, drawing the defender into a premature slide, before cutting back inside. He lifted his head and drilled a low pass toward the 18 yard box.

Henriksen, sensing an opening, stepped forward to collect the ball, but just as he turned to shoot, he was clattered from behind.

Fweeeee!

The referee’s whistle rang out as Henriksen tumbled to the ground.

The AFAS Stadion erupted, and the AZ Alkmaar fans demanded retribution, while the Roda JC players protested with arms raised in disbelief.

[It’s a free kick right on the edge of the box! Henriksen brought down in a dangerous area, and the referee has gone straight for his pocket,] the first commentator exclaimed.

A yellow card was raised, and the Roda JC defender shook his head in frustration as the referee gestured for him to step back.

[No complaints there. That was reckless, and Henriksen was in a prime position to pull the trigger,] the second commentator added. [But now, AZ Alkmaar has a golden chance to finish this in style]

Benjamin, Henriksen, and Martens stood over the ball, discussing their options as the wall was set up. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, the tension palpable.

[This is the moment. Can AZ Alkmaar put the cherry on top of a stellar performance?] the first commentator asked, his voice tinged with expectation.

Benjamin stepped back with a calm yet focused body language. He adjusted his stance, locking eyes briefly with Henriksen, who nodded.

[Looks like Benjamin might take this one. He’s been sensational tonight, hasn’t he?] the second commentator said.

[Absolutely. What a way it would be to cap off his performance. Let’s see if he’s got it in his locker,] the first commentator replied.