Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 215: A Turn Of Events

Chapter 215: A Turn Of Events

Henriksen placed the ball down near the byline for an indirect free-kick, taking a few steps back as he assessed his options in the crowded penalty area.

The Udinese players packed the 18 yard box, bracing themselves for the delivery.

[This is a great position for AZ Alkmaar,] David noted. [Henriksen has the quality to put this right on a teammate’s head]

Marco agreed. [Martens and Viergever are both good in the air. If the delivery is right, this could be dangerous]

Henriksen took a deep breath before swinging his right foot through the ball. It curled in with pace, angling toward the six-yard box where Martens rose highest, towering over his marker.

[Martens with the header!]

The crowd held its breath as the ball connected with his forehead and rocketed toward goal—

—but it smashed against the post!

CLANG!~

[Oh, so unlucky!]

Brkić reacted instantly, pouncing on the loose ball before anyone in red could follow up. He smothered it to his chest, taking a moment before jumping to his feet. The Udinese keeper had no intention of slowing things down.

[And look at this! Brkić spots Di Natale in space!]

With a quick motion, Brkić hurled the ball forward, sending it flying over the halfway line. It dropped perfectly into the path of Di Natale, who was completely unmarked.

[AZ Alkmaar are caught out!]

Di Natale controlled the ball on the bounce, his first touch setting him up perfectly as he surged forward. The home crowd roared, sensing the danger.

[He’s through on goal!]

Viergever and Reijnen scrambled to recover, but the veteran striker was already clear. He took a glance at Alvarado’s position and steadied himself, shifting the ball onto his favored right foot.

[Does he go for power or placement?]

Di Natale kept his composure, waiting for Alvarado to commit before attempting a delicate chip over the onrushing keeper—

—but suddenly, Marcellis came charging in from behind!

[Marcellis is coming in fast—can he get the challenge right?!] Marco shouted, his voice rising with urgency.

The AZ Alkmaar defender lunged, but he couldn’t stop himself in time. His shoulder crashed into Di Natale’s back just as the Udinese striker struck the ball.

THUD!~

Di Natale stumbled forward, thrown off balance by the impact, and the ball took an unexpected deflection.

[Oh no—where’s that going?!]

Instead of floating over Alvarado, the ball spun awkwardly, clipping the outside of the post before bouncing out for a goal kick!

CLANG!~

[What a bizarre sequence!] David exclaimed. [That could have ended in disaster for AZ Alkmaar!]

Di Natale sprawled on the ground, holding his arms out in disbelief as the Udinese players rushed toward the referee. They were furious, demanding a penalty.

[They’re convinced that’s a foul!]

The referee hesitated for only a second before bringing the whistle to his lips—

FWEEEE!~

He pointed straight to the penalty spot.

[And the referee gives it! Penalty for Udinese!] Marco shouted, his voice cutting through the noise of the stadium.

[Oh, that’s a huge call!] David added. [You can see the frustration from the AZ Alkmaar players—they can’t believe it!]

Marcellis stood frozen on the spot with his hands on his head as the reality of the decision sank in. Around him, his teammates swarmed the referee with their arms raised, shouting in protest.

[They’re surrounding the referee now. They’re pleading their case, but it won’t change anything. Once that whistle goes, there’s no turning back]

Meanwhile, Di Natale was still down, clutching his lower back as the medics rushed onto the pitch.

The Udinese captain winced as they checked him over, his teammates watching anxiously.

[That was a heavy hit from Marcellis,] Marco noted. [Di Natale’s an experienced player, but even he’s struggling to get back up here]

As the medics continued their work, the referee took a step back, his expression firm. Then, without hesitation—

FLASH!

A red card shot into the air.

[Oh my word, he’s off!] David gasped. [Marcellis is sent off! AZ Alkmaar are down to ten men—and we’re only 32 minutes in!]

The reaction was immediate. The AZ Alkmaar players erupted in disbelief, some throwing their hands up, others turning away in frustration.

Marcellis looked stunned, running his hands through his hair before dropping his head.

Across the touchline, Gertjan Verbeek erupted, storming toward the fourth official.

[Look at Gertjan Verbeek—he’s furious!] Marco said. [He’s demanding an explanation!]

The AZ Alkmaar coach gestured wildly, shouting as the fourth official did his best to calm him down.

Gertjan Verbeek pointed toward the big screen replay, shaking his head in disbelief.

[Well, you can understand his frustration,] David added. [From his perspective, that’s a harsh red. Marcellis was trying to win the ball, but he mistimed it completely]

On the other side, Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin stood near his technical area with his arms crossed, nodding in approval. As soon as the penalty was given, he turned to his assistants, giving quick instructions.

[And look at Guidolin—he’s already thinking ahead. This is a massive advantage for Udinese now]

[That is absolutely brutal for AZ Alkmaar] Marco sighed. [A penalty AND a red card? That changes everything]

Marcellis finally trudged off the pitch with his head low as the home crowd whistled and jeered.

Meanwhile, Di Natale was back on his feet, rolling his shoulders before walking toward the penalty spot. He placed the ball down with precision, taking a few steps back as he prepared himself.

[And after all that chaos, it comes down to this. Antonio Di Natale from the spot. Can he put Udinese in front?]

Alvarado bounced on his line with his arms wide, trying to make himself as big as possible. The tension inside the stadium was electric.

FWEEEE!~

Di Natale took a steady breath—then stepped forward.

He made a clean strike, low and hard to the left.

Alvarado guessed right, diving with all his strength—but he was a fraction too late!

The ball slammed into the net.

GOOOOAAAAAALLLLL!!!~

[Di Natale scores! Udinese lead in the 33rd minute!]

The home crowd erupted as Di Natale wheeled away in celebration, pumping his fist while his teammates rushed to embrace him.

[Cool as you like from the captain. A perfect penalty.] Marco said.

David exhaled. [Well, AZ Alkmaar have a mountain to climb now. Ten men and a goal down in the Stadio Friuli. This is going to be a real test of character]

The AZ Alkmaar players gathered near the center circle, frustration clear on their faces. They had no choice now. They had to fight back.