Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 196: Eredivisie Matchday 7

Chapter 196: Eredivisie Matchday 7

The Mandemakers Stadion pulsed with energy as thousands of RKC Waalwijk fans sang in unison, their voices rising into the cool evening air.

The club’s anthem, filled with pride and tradition, echoed through the stands, a sea of yellow and blue scarves waving above their heads.

The rhythmic claps and chants grew louder, the passion in their voices undeniable.

On the pitch, the players from both teams continued their final warm-ups, but there was no mistaking the intensity in the air.

This was more than just another game—it was an Eredivisie battle where both sides had a point to prove—RKC Waalwijk moving seven points above the drop zone or being pushed further into the quagmire by their opponents.

As the camera panned across the stadium, picking up the charged atmosphere, the broadcast transitioned to the commentary booth, where Mike and his co-commentator were ready to guide the viewers through the night’s action.

[Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to matchday seven of the Eredivisie!] Mike began, his voice carrying excitement. [We’re live from the Mandemakers Stadion, where RKC Waalwijk and AZ Alkmaar are set to go head-to-head under the lights]

[And what an atmosphere we have here, Mike,] his co-commentator added, taking in the passionate crowd. [The RKC Waalwijk fans are in full voice, and you can feel the energy from the stands. This place may not be the biggest in the league, but when it’s rocking like this, it’s a tough place to come and get a result regardless of your form]

[Absolutely,] Mike agreed. [RKC Waalwijk may be the underdogs tonight, but this is the Eredivisie—nothing is ever guaranteed. AZ Alkmaar, on the other hand, have started the season strong in second place and will be looking to keep their momentum going, chasing behind league leaders Ajax]

The cameras switched to the touchline, where the two managers stood near their dugouts, their expressions focused.

[Let’s talk about the two teams,] Mike continued. [RKC Waalwijk, managed by Erwin Koeman sit 12th in the League Table, and have had a mixed start to the season. They’ve shown glimpses of quality, but consistency has been their biggest challenge]

[Yeah, and they’ll be desperate to get a result tonight, especially in front of their home fans,] the co-commentator chimed in. [They’re going up against an AZ Alkmaar side that has been playing some fantastic football under Gertjan Verbeek]

[And speaking of AZ Alkmaar,] Mike said, [they come into this match full of confidence. They’ve got some real talent in their squad, and one name that has been catching everyone’s attention since matchday three is Benjamin Yinka Rijkaard]

[Oh, without a doubt,] the co-commentator agreed. [The youngster has been making waves in attack, and if he keeps up his current form, he could be one of the breakout stars of the season]

The camera zoomed in on Benjamin as he jogged across the pitch, stretching his legs. His expression was calm, focused, the weight of expectation resting on his young shoulders.

[But let’s not forget the man leading the line for AZ Alkmaar, Jozy Altidore,] Mike added. [Strong, powerful, and with an eye for goal—he’s always a threat]

[And he’ll be going up against a determined RKC defense tonight,] the co-commentator replied. [It’s going to be a fascinating battle, that’s for sure]

As the teams finished their warm-ups and headed toward the tunnel, the excitement in the stadium reached a new level. The fans roared once more, urging their team on as the final moments before kickoff approached.

[The stage is set,] Mike said. [The players are ready, the fans are ready, and we are moments away from kickoff. Stay with us—this should be a cracking match!]

***

The players lined up, their faces a mix of focus and determination.

The captains exchanged final words with the referees while the stadium above them roared in anticipation.

The cameras captured the moment as both teams emerged from the tunnel, stepping onto the pitch under the floodlights.

The Mandemakers Stadion was alive, the home supporters doing everything they could to make their voices heard.

[And here they come!] Mike announced, his voice rising with excitement. [RKC Waalwijk in their familiar yellow and blue, while AZ Alkmaar step out in their red and white. We are just moments away from kickoff]

[This is always a special moment, Mike,] his co-commentator added. [That walk onto the pitch, the noise from the stands—it never gets old. You can see it on the players’ faces. Some of them are soaking it all in, others completely locked in]

The camera panned across the AZ Alkmaar lineup, stopping briefly on Jozy Altidore, who adjusted his armband before shaking hands with a teammate. Benjamin stood just behind him, rolling his shoulders, his expression unreadable.

[Let’s go through the starting lineups, beginning with RKC Waalwijk,] Mike continued. [They’re setting up in a defensive 5-4-1 formation tonight, looking to frustrate AZ Alkmaar’s attacking threats]

The screen displayed the lineup graphic as he read through the names.

[Jan Willem van den Kieboom starts in goal. Across the backline, we have Dustley Mulder, Frank van Mosselveld, Nourdin Boukhari, Evander Sno, and Kenny forming a five-man defense. In midfield, it’s Imad Najah, Robert van Dijk, Mohamed Nasir, and El Makrini, with Mart Lieder leading the line as the lone striker]

[A clear indication of their approach,] the co-commentator remarked. [They know how dangerous AZ Alkmaar can be going forward, so they’re reinforcing that backline. It’s going to be a tough wall to break down]

[On the bench for RKC Waalwijk, we have Jeroen Zoet, Cuco Martina, Henrico Drost, Sander Duits, Rodney Sneijder, Robert Braber, and Mart Lieder,] Mike added.

The camera switched to the opposite side of the pitch, where the AZ Alkmaar players stood shoulder to shoulder.

[Now, let’s look at the visitors, who come into this game in red-hot form. AZ Alkmaar are lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation]

[Between the sticks, Alvarado gets the start once again. The back four consists of Etienne Reijnen, Nick Viergever, Dirk Marcellis, and Gino Gorter. In midfield, it’s Martens and Viktor Elm sitting deeper, while the attacking trio of Benjamin Rijkaard, Henriksen, and Steven Berghuis will support Jozy Altidore up top]