Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 330: AZ On The Hunt

Chapter 330: AZ On The Hunt

[Rob’s voice sharpened. Look at those numbers, Jon. Feyenoord had more shots, but Esteban’s saves—seven, eight? He was a wall. And Viergever, Reijnen—they shut Pellè down after that early scare.]

[Jon nodded, mic close. Esteban was massive, Rob. That save on Pellè’s header before halftime? World-class. And Viergever’s reading of the game—every time Pellè jumped, he was there. Feyenoord ran out of ideas.]

The analysis deepened as the booth’s monitor showed Feyenoord’s missed chances. Pellè’s post-hitting shot in the 88th minute drew a groan from Rob, while Vilhena’s disallowed goal sparked debate. The offside call, tight but correct, flashed again—Vilhena a half-step ahead of Henriksen.

[Rob sighed, shaking his head. That offside killed Feyenoord’s momentum, Jon. Vilhena’s volley was pure, but the flag doesn’t lie. Koeman’s got to be fuming.]

[Jon’s tone was measured. He’ll be gutted, Rob, but it’s fair. Feyenoord’s issue wasn’t chances—they created plenty. It was finishing. Clasie pulled strings, Boëtius had his moments, but they couldn’t find the net.]

The conversation shifted to tactics. Verbeek’s setup—crowding Clasie, letting Benjamin exploit Janmaat—paid off. Koeman’s halftime adjustments, tightening Janmaat and doubling up on Benjamin, slowed AZ’s winger in the second half, but Altidore’s late goal exposed Feyenoord’s defensive lapses. The monitor showed Mathijsen’s stumble in the 87th-minute corner, Janmaat’s poor marking, and Mulder’s hesitation.

[Rob’s voice buzzed. Verbeek outsmarted Koeman tonight, Jon. AZ’s press choked Clasie, and that second goal? Feyenoord’s backline just collapsed.]

[Jon agreed, sipping water. Koeman’s got work to do, Rob. Janmaat’s been exposed, and Mathijsen’s not getting younger. But AZ? They’re clicking. This puts them right behind Ajax in the Eredivisie chase.]

The broader picture emerged. AZ Alkmaar’s win strengthened their second-place push, their Europa League form spilling into the league. Feyenoord, stung by the loss, faced questions about their home fortress and their ability to convert chances. The booth’s screen flashed the table: AZ now three points clear of Feyenoord, who slipped to fourth.

[Jon’s voice lifted. Big result for AZ, Rob. They’re flying—Europa League knockout spot secured, now this. Can they keep it up?]

[Rob grinned, scribbling. They’ve got the tools, Jon. Benjamin’s a star, Altidore’s lethal, and Verbeek’s got them drilled. Feyenoord, though? They need a spark. Pellè can’t do it alone.]

The broadcast wrapped, the stadium nearly empty, only a few AZ fans still singing. Jon and Rob shuffled papers, their voices softening as the director signaled the end. The monitor showed Altidore’s celebration again, his sprint to the fans, Benjamin’s grin wide. Post-match interviews were starting—Verbeek praising his team’s grit, Koeman terse but vowing a response.

[Jon’s tone was final, warm. That’s it from De Kuip, Rob. AZ Alkmaar take a huge 2-0 win, Altidore the hero. Feyenoord fought, but it’s AZ’s night.]

[Rob clapped, his voice bright. What a game, Jon! AZ are the real deal. For Feyenoord, it’s back to the drawing board. Goodnight, folks!]

The booth went quiet, the De Kuip’s lights dimming. Outside, Alkmaar’s fans spilled into Rotterdam’s streets, chanting Benjamin’s name, their pride a spark in the cold November night. Feyenoord’s supporters shuffled home, scarves stuffed in pockets, already looking to the next fight.

***

The euphoria of AZ Alkmaar’s 2-0 victory over Feyenoord lingered in Alkmaar’s streets, where fans still hummed Benjamin’s name and replayed Altidore’s brace on their phones.

At the AFAS Training Complex, training resumed the next day, Monday, November 26, under a gray November sky. The air was crisp, the grass damp from morning dew.

Gertjan Verbeek gathered the squad, his voice steady, praising their grit but warning against complacency. The Feyenoord win was history; FC Utrecht loomed on Wednesday, Matchday 14, at home.

The team trained with focus. Benjamin worked on his dribbling, weaving through cones, his boots quick and precise. Altidore practiced hold-up play, shrugging off Reijnen in drills, while Maher fired passes to Henriksen, their rhythm sharp.

Gertjan Verbeek watched, clipboard in hand, shouting for tighter marking and faster transitions. The squad ran set-piece drills, Benjamin’s corners curling into the box, Viergever and Altidore attacking them.

The mood was buoyant but disciplined, the Feyenoord triumph fueling their hunger. By Tuesday, Gertjan Verbeek named the same starting XI, trusting the lineup that dismantled Feyenoord.

Wednesday, November 28, arrived, and the AFAS Stadion buzzed for the 1:30 PM kickoff against FC Utrecht. The stands filled with red and white scarves, fans chanting under a pale sun. Mark and David settled into the commentary booth, their headsets on, the pitch gleaming below.

[Mark’s voice was warm, upbeat. Welcome to the AFAS Stadion, folks! Mark here with David for AZ Alkmaar versus FC Utrecht, Matchday 14. AZ Alkmaar are flying after that 2-0 win at Feyenoord—can they keep the pressure on Ajax?]

[David leaned forward, grinning. Big ask, Mark, but AZ Alkmaar look sharp. Altidore’s on fire, Benjamin’s untouchable. Utrecht’s no pushover, though—Mulenga and Duplan can sting. Let’s see the lineups.]

Mark read from his notes. [AZ Alkmaar stick with their 4-3-3. Esteban in goal, back four of Johansson, Viergever, Reijnen, and Gorter. Midfield has Maher, Henriksen, and Martens. Up top, Berghuis, Altidore, and Benjamin.]

[Utrecht go 4-4-2: Robbin Ruiter in goal, defenders Mark van der Maarel, Kai Heerings, Jan Wuytens, and Dave Bulthuis. Midfielders Tommy Oar, Anouar Kali, Johan Mårtensson, and Cedric van der Gun. Forwards Jacob Mulenga and Alexander Gerndt]

[David nodded, scribbling. Solid sides, Mark. AZ Alkmaar’s attack is lethal, but Utrecht’s got pace on the break. I’m backing a 2-1 AZ Alkmaar win—what’s your call?]

[Mark chuckled. I’ll go 3-0, Rob. Benjamin’s got that spark. Let’s see who starts stronger.]

Fweeeee!~

The match kicked off, and AZ Alkmaar took control early. Benjamin was electric, tearing down the left, his quick feet leaving Van der Maarel dizzy.

In the 12th minute, he cut inside, slipping past Wuytens, and fired a low shot. Ruiter dove, but the ball snuck under his glove, rippling the net. The stadium erupted, fans leaping, scarves flying.

[Mark shouted. Goal! Benjamin! AZ Alkmaar take the lead!]

[David roared, mic shaking. What a start, Mark! He’s carved Utrecht open—1-0!]

AZ Alkmaar kept pressing. Maher controlled the midfield, his passes crisp, while Altidore bullied Heerings, winning duels.

Utrecht fought back, Mulenga testing Esteban with a header, but Viergever and Reijnen stood firm. The first half ended 1-0, AZ Alkmaar dominant but wary of Utrecht’s counter-threat.

[David’s voice buzzed. AZ Alkmaar are in charge, but Utrecht’s not done. Mulenga’s lurking.]

[Mark nodded, sipping water. Benjamin’s running the show, Rob, but AZ Alkmaar need to kill this off.]

The second half began with Utrecht pushing harder. Van der Gun sprinted past Gorter, crossing for Gerndt, who equalized in the 53rd minute with a sharp volley.

The away fans roared, but AZ Alkmaar didn’t flinch. Gertjan Verbeek barked from the touchline, urging his team to regroup.

Benjamin responded, his pace relentless. In the 65th minute, he darted down the left, chopping past Bulthuis with a La Croqueta. His cross was low, Altidore dummying to let it roll to Henriksen, who fired wide.

[Mark’s voice tightened. Oh, Henriksen’s got to hit that, David! Benjamin’s doing it all!]

[David chuckled. He’s a one-man army, Mark! Utrecht’s defense is creaking.]

AZ Alkmaar regained control. In the 72nd minute, Benjamin struck again. Maher fired a long ball, and Benjamin chested it down, outpacing Wuytens.

He feinted past Ruiter and slotted it into an empty net, sparking wild celebrations. The fans chanted his name, the stadium shaking.

[Mark roared. Goal! Benjamin again! 2-1, AZ Alkmaar are back in front!]

[David clapped, grinning. Pure class, Mark! He’s unstoppable today!]

Utrecht pushed for an equalizer, but AZ Alkmaar’s defense held tight. Esteban made a key save on Oar’s curler, and Viergever blocked Mulenga’s shot.

In the 85th minute, AZ Alkmaar sealed the win. A corner from Benjamin curled into the 18 yard box, and Victor Elm, a late substitute, rose highest, nodding it past Ruiter. The stadium exploded, fans hugging, scarves twirling.

[Mark shouted. Goal! Elm wraps it up! 3-1, AZ Alkmaar!]

[David’s voice surged. That’s the dagger, Mark! Benjamin’s corner, Elm’s header—game over!]

Fweeee!~ Fweeeee!~ Fweeeeeee!~

The final whistle blew, AZ Alkmaar triumphant at 3-1. The players jogged to the fans, Benjamin waving, Elm clapping, Altidore grinning.

Utrecht’s players walked off, heads down, their fight not enough. Gertjan Verbeek shook hands with Utrecht’s coach, his nod brief but satisfied.

[Mark leaned back, warm. Full time, David! AZ Alkmaar take it 3-1, and they’re right on Ajax’s heels!]

[David scribbled, buzzing. What a performance, Mark! Benjamin’s brace, Elm’s clincher—AZ Alkmaar are flying!]

The win kept AZ Alkmaar one point behind Ajax, the Eredivisie leaders feeling the pressure. The post-match analysis focused on Benjamin’s brilliance—two goals, one assist—and Elm’s timely header.

Utrecht’s Gerndt goal showed their threat, but AZ Alkmaar’s defense, led by Viergever, was too strong. Mark and David dissected the game, praising Gertjan Verbeek’s tactics and Benjamin’s flair.

[David’s voice sharpened. Benjamin’s the difference, Mark. He’s tearing defenses apart. Ajax better watch out.]

[Mark nodded, mic close. He’s a star, David. And Elm’s header? Perfect timing. AZ Alkmaar’s momentum is scary right now.]

The broadcast wrapped, the AFAS Stadion emptying, fans spilling into Alkmaar’s streets, chanting Benjamin’s name. The city buzzed, its pride swelling with each win. AZ Alkmaar were in the hunt, one point from the top, their eyes fixed on Ajax.

[Mark’s tone was final, bright. That’s it from Alkmaar, David. AZ Alkmaar roll on, 3-1 winners. Benjamin’s the hero, and they’re breathing down Ajax’s neck!]

[David clapped, grinning. What a team, Jon! The Eredivisie’s heating up. Goodnight, folks!]