Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 138: PSV vs AZ Alkmaar

Chapter 138: PSV vs AZ Alkmaar

The lights of the Philips Stadion dimmed momentarily, and was replaced by a pulsating glow from the giant screens as the players emerged from the tunnel.

The roar from the crowd was deafening, the stands were a sea of motion as flags waved and scarves twirled.

Leading the procession were the match officials with their bright yellow kits standing out against the darker tones of the players behind them.

PSV’s team, clad in their iconic red-and-white stripes, walked out to the thunderous applause of their home crowd.

Behind them came AZ Alkmaar, their black kits gleaming under the floodlights, and the smaller section of traveling fans making their voices heard.

The players formed two orderly lines at the halfway line, the captains shaking hands with the officials before exchanging pennants.

The tension in the air was almost tangible, every fan in the stadium glued to the scene unfolding.

The commentary began in a crisp and clear voice over the noise of the crowd.

[Here they come,] Mike started, his voice steady but filled with excitement. [The teams are out on the pitch, and we’re moments away from kickoff here in Eindhoven. What an atmosphere!]

His co-commentator, with his usual dry wit, added, [It’s electric, Mike. Nights like this remind you why we love football. Now, let’s take a look at the starting lineups, beginning with the home side, PSV Eindhoven]

The screen showed PSV’s lineup in a neat graphic as Mike listed the players.

[In goal, Boy Waterman. Across the backline, Jetro Willems, Marcelo, Wilfred Bouma, and Timothy Derijck. In midfield, it’s Atiba Hutchinson, Kevin Strootman, and the experienced Mark van Bommel. Up front, the trio of Dries Mertens, Jeremain Lens, and Tim Matavž. They’ll be lining up in a 4-3-3 formation]

[Strong side,] his partner remarked. [Dick Advocaat is sticking to what works. That midfield trio of Strootman, Hutchinson, and van Bommel has everything—control, physicality, and a bit of bite]

[And on the bench for PSV,] Mike continued, [they have plenty of firepower: Luciano Narsingh, Memphis Depay, Oscar Hiljemark, Przemysław Tytoń, Jürgen Locadia, Zanka, and Marcel Ritzmaier]

[Memphis Depay, Mike. A name to watch. If PSV need a spark, he’s the one who can deliver]

The graphic shifted to AZ Alkmaar’s lineup, and Mike seamlessly transitioned.

[Now for the visitors, AZ Alkmaar. Between the posts, Alvarado. The back four consists of Etienne Reijnen, Nick Viergever, Dirk Marcellis, and Gino Gorter. In midfield, it’s Martens and Viktor Elm sitting deep, with Benjamin Rijkaard, Henriksen, and Steven Berghuis ahead of them. Leading the line, the big man, Jozy Altidore. They’re set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation]

[Interesting lineup from Gertjan Verbeek,] the co-commentator chimed in. [Benjamin in that advanced role will be key. He’s young, but he’s shown he can dictate play. And Jozy Altidore—well, we all know what he’s capable of when he’s in form]

[And on the bench for AZ Alkmaar," Mike said, wrapping up, [it’s Beerens, Overtoom, Aron Johannsson, Adam Maher, Gudmundsson, Thomas Lam, and Mathias Johansson]

The camera returned to the pitch, where the players were breaking off into their final huddles.

The captains, van Bommel and Viergever exchanged a final handshake at the center circle, the referee checking his watch.

[The stage is set,] Mike said, his voice rising in anticipation. [PSV Eindhoven versus AZ Alkmaar, under the lights at the Philips Stadion. Let’s see who takes the spoils tonight]

[And it’s games like these, Mike,] his partner added, [that separate the contenders from the pretenders. Let’s hope we’re in for a classic]

Fweeeee!~

The whistle blew to signal the start, and the stadium erupted as the ball rolled off the center spot. The match was underway.

PSV kicked off the game from the center spot, their passes were sharp, slicing across the pitch as they settled into possession.

The roar of the crowd grew louder with every touch. The home fans were eager to see their team take control early.

[PSV already looking to dictate the tempo,] Mike noted as the ball cycled through the backline. [Bouma with a long diagonal to Willems. They’ll want to stretch this AZ Alkmaar defense]

[They’ve got pace on the flanks,] his co-commentator replied. [Mertens and Lens are nightmares for any full-back]

Willems received the ball near the halfway line, his first touch was clean as he darted forward. Martens was quick to close him down, forcing a hurried pass back to Strootman.

[Good pressure there from Martens,] Mike said. [AZ Alkmaar aren’t sitting back—they’re pressing high up the pitch]

[Risky strategy,] the other commentator remarked. [But if they can force mistakes, it might just pay off]

AZ Alkmaar regained possession moments later, with Henriksen intercepting a loose pass from van Bommel. He turned sharply, his head up as he scanned for options.

[Here’s Henriksen, looking lively in the midfield,] Mike observed. [He finds Benjamin Rijkaard, who’s already drifting into dangerous spaces]

Benjamin controlled the ball with ease, his body shifting to shield it from Hutchinson, who closed him down.

He took a quick glance forward, and threaded a pass into the path of Jozy Altidore, who had peeled off his marker.

[Lovely ball from Benjamin!] Mike exclaimed. [Altidore’s in here—can he make something happen?]

Altidore muscled past his marker, Marcelo, his strength on full display, but Waterman rushed off his line to smother the shot.

The crowd let out a collective gasp as the rebound fell to Elm, who fired a volley just over the bar.

[Close call for PSV!] the co-commentator said. [AZ Alkmaar’s showing they’re not here just to defend]

[Waterman did well there,] Mike added. [But that pass from Benjamin—sublime. The young man’s got an eye for it]

PSV responded immediately, their counterattack swift and precise. Jeremain Lens sprinted down the right flank, leaving Gorter trailing behind.

He whipped a cross into the box, searching for Matavž, but Viergever rose highest to clear it away to safety.

[Fantastic defending by Viergever,] Mike praised. [That could’ve been dangerous]

[It’s end-to-end stuff already,] his partner replied. [Both teams looking to land the first blow]