Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 137: Eredivisie Matchday 5

Chapter 137: Eredivisie Matchday 5

The morning of the match felt electric, and a quiet tension settled over the team as the team bus made its way through the streets of Eindhoven.

The players sat silently, some with headphones on, and others staring out the window as the towering structure of the Philips Stadion came into view.

When the bus slowed and finally stopped, the sound of cheering fans reached them even before the doors opened.

Benjamin adjusted his tracksuit jacket, taking a deep breath as the team began to file out.

The crowd was a mix of red-and-white-clad PSV fans and the smaller cluster of AZ supporters who had made the trip. They waved flags and held up scarves, their voices loud and passionate.

Benjamin stepped off the bus, his eyes scanning the faces in the crowd. Most AZ Alkmaar fans called out his name, while the others simply cheered as he and his teammates walked toward the entrance.

He raised a hand in acknowledgment, giving a quick smile before falling in line behind Martens and Adam.

"Big game today," Adam muttered, glancing around at the roaring fans.

"Yeah," Benjamin replied, his voice calm. "Let’s make it count."

Inside the stadium, the atmosphere shifted. The air felt heavier, and charged with anticipation. The team made their way to the dressing room, the sound of their cleats clicking against the tiled floor.

The space was organized and ready for them. The Jerseys hung neatly in their sitting spots, and the iconic AZ Alkmaar black away jersey shone under the fluorescent lights.

Benjamin found his place, and the sight of his name above the No. 21 jersey gave him a small jolt of pride.

The players quickly changed into their trainers, their movements efficient and familiar. Benjamin tied his laces with practiced ease, while Adam adjusted his socks, his face set in focus.

"Let’s keep it tight out there during warm-up," Martens said to no one in particular, his voice steady. "PSV loves to come out fast."

There were nods around the room, a silent agreement passing between them.

Moments later, they stepped onto the pitch for their light pre-match warmup. The Philips Stadion was a sea of red and black color, the stands already filling with fans despite it still being an hour to kickoff.

Benjamin jogged lightly, the cool air brushing against his face as he moved into the designated area for their warm-up.

Cones had been set up by the coaching staff, and the players began a series of dynamic stretches to loosen their muscles.

High knees, side shuffles, and quick sprints followed, each movement purposeful. The assistant coach barked instructions, his sharp voice cutting through the growing noise from the crowd.

Benjamin stayed focused, moving through the drills with precision. When it came time for passing exercises, he was paired up with Henriksen, and their short, crisp passes zipped back and forth with barely a pause.

Nearby, the goalkeepers were going through their own routines. Alvarado dove to his left, then his right, reacting to shots fired by the goalkeeping coach. His gloves smacked against the ball with a satisfying thud.

After about twenty minutes, the team gathered at the center of the pitch. Gertjan Verbeek joined them with his clipboard in hand.

"Good energy, everyone" he said, his tone encouraging. "Stay sharp. We’ve talked about what to expect, but this is our game to control. Let’s show them who we are."

With that, the players jogged back to the tunnel, the crowd’s noise swelling as they disappeared from view.

*****

Meanwhile, twenty minutes ago, the stadium’s broadcast kicked off with the familiar hum of the Philips Stadion’s lively atmosphere.

The camera panned across the sea of fans, PSV’s red-and-white jerseys glowing under the stadium lights, interspersed with pockets of black-clad AZ Alkmaar supporters.

[Good evening, everyone,] the first commentator began, his voice smooth and enthusiastic. [Welcome to the Philips Stadion in Eindhoven for tonight’s clash in the Eredivisie. It’s matchday five of the 2012/13 season, and we’ve got a big one for you. PSV Eindhoven hosting AZ Alkmaar]

His co-commentator chimed in, his tone slightly gruffer but no less animated. [That’s right, Mike. Both teams come into this one looking to make a statement. PSV, as always, are aiming to keep their place near the top of the table. Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar are trying to build on what’s been a mixed but recently positive start to their campaign]

The screen shifted to show the two teams warming up on the pitch. PSV’s players moved with fluid confidence, and their passes were crisp and precise.

AZ Alkmaar’s squad were clad in their sleek black away kits, mirrored that intensity, and their focus was evident in every movement.

[Let’s talk about the hosts first,] Mike continued. [PSV, under Dick Advocaat, have looked sharp so far this season. They’re coming off a strong win last week and will want to keep that momentum going here at home]

His partner nodded. [And why wouldn’t they? With players like Kevin Strootman pulling the strings in midfield and Jeremain Lens providing that pace up front, this is a team packed with quality. AZ Alkmaar’s defense is going to have their hands full tonight]

The camera cut to a close-up of Gertjan Verbeek on the sidelines with a clipboard in hand as he spoke to his assistants. His expression was stern, and his focus unwavering.

[On the other side, Mike, AZ Alkmaar have recently shown flashes of brilliance after their back-to-back wins but haven’t quite found consistency yet. Gertjan Verbeek will be hoping his side can rise to the occasion tonight, especially against a team as dangerous as PSV]

Mike smiled. [One player to watch for AZ Alkmaar is Benjamin Yinka Rijkaard, the youngster wearing the number 21. He’s been making waves in the past few weeks and could be a game-changer if given the chance]

[Absolutely,] the co-commentator agreed. [The kid’s got talent, no doubt about it. But can he handle the pressure of a big match like this? That’s the real question]

As the commentators spoke, the players wrapped up their warm-ups and began heading back toward the tunnel. The camera followed them, capturing the determined expressions on their faces.

[The stage is set,] Mike said, his voice rising with excitement. [The Philips Stadion is packed, the players are ready, and kickoff is just minutes away. Stay with us for what promises to be a thrilling encounter between PSV Eindhoven and AZ Alkmaar]

His partner added with a chuckle, [Let’s hope it lives up to the hype, Mike. Games like this don’t come around every week]