Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 56: Full-time At The Anzhi Arena

Chapter 56: Full-time At The Anzhi Arena

The game was in its final moments, but the intensity hadn’t let up.

Benjamin’s goal had swung the momentum firmly in AZ Alkmaar’s favor, but Anzhi Makhachkala still refused to back down.

In the 88th minute, the home side launched a desperate attack.

The 31 year old Samuel Eto’o, still brimming with class and experience, found himself with the ball near the edge of the box.

He shielded it brilliantly, shrugging off Elm, and sent a cutting pass to Willian, who sprinted down the wing.

After controlling the ball, Willian didn’t hesitate to curl a dangerous cross into the box. It was perfectly aimed at Lacina Traoré, who rose above the AZ Alkmaar defenders and sent a powerful header flying toward the top corner.

[Traoré with the header!] Willem exclaimed, his voice rising with tension.

Alvarado, who was only moments away from being the hero of the night, threw himself at the ball with his arms stretching to his absolute limit. His fingertips grazed it just enough to send it over the bar.

[Another unbelievable save!] Paul’s voice was full of disbelief. [How many times is Alvarado going to save them tonight?]

[He’s keeping this dream alive for AZ Alkmaar!] Willem added, shaking his head. [The fans behind that goal are losing their minds!]

As the resulting corner was cleared by Reijnen, AZ Alkmaar launched one last counterattack. Elm drove forward, his energy seemingly endless, and played a swift pass to Henriksen.

Henriksen took a quick touch to control the ball and sent it out wide to Berghuis, who had acres of space on the right wing.

Berghuis surged down the flank, skipping past a desperate challenge from Zhirkov before playing a cross into the 18-yard box.

His cross into the box found Altidore, who managed to get a toe on it despite being sandwiched by two defenders.

The ball rolled agonizingly wide of the far post, the AZ Alkmaar bench rising in unison with hands on heads.

[So close to a third!] Willem groaned. [Altidore did everything he could there, but it just didn’t fall right]

With the clock now in added time, Anzhi Makhachkala threw caution to the wind and pushed everything forward.

Willian skillfully danced past Marcellis and Martens near the touchline, drawing gasps from the crowd. He floated a cross into the 18-yard box which caused chaos in the box.

The ball pinballed between both team’s players and they engaged in a brief bout of scrimmage before Viergever finally booted it away.

[It’s chaos out there!] Paul shouted. [Anzhi Makhachkala is throwing the kitchen sink, but AZ Alkmaar’s defense is holding strong!]

On the touchline, Gertjan Verbeek barked orders to his players, his arms flailing as he gestured for his players to stay compact.

Across from him, the Anzhi Makhachkala’s manager, Guus Hiddink shouted words of encouragements to his players, his voice drowned by the roaring crowd.

The referee soon glanced at his watch and with one last long ball from Anzhi Makhachkala being easily caught by Alvarado, the whistle finally blew.

Fweee!~ Fweeee!~ Fweeeeee!~

[And that’s it! It’s all over here at the Dinamo Stadium or as we call it, the Anzhi Arena!] Willem’s voice echoed through the broadcast. [AZ Alkmaar have done it! They leave Dagestan with a crucial 2-1 victory and await the second-leg in Alkmaar a week from now!]

The AZ Alkmaar players collapsed to the ground, some punching the air in celebration, others simply exhausted.

Benjamin, still catching his breath, looked up at the night sky, a small smile breaking across his face. The away fans sang his name, their voices rising above the stunned silence of the Anzhi Makhachkala supporters.

Paul summed it up perfectly. [This was a night to remember, Willem. A star might have been born in Benjamin Rijkaard, and AZ Alkmaar’s European dream is still alive]

[What a game, Paul!] Willem nodded, his tone carried both relief and excitement. [Drama, passion, and that moment of brilliance from Benjamin Rijkaard to seal the deal! This is what European nights are all about!]

[This young man has just etched his name into AZ Alkmaar’s history books. And something tells me, Paul, this is only the beginning]

On the sidelines, Gertjan Verbeek clenched his fists, his face a mixture of pride and satisfaction.

He turned to his coaching staff, exchanging firm handshakes and nods of approval. His gaze shifting to the players who were now huddling together in celebration.

On the other side, Guus Hiddink’s expression was stern, his hands resting on his hips as he addressed his disappointed players. Samuel Eto’o shook his head in frustration, muttering to Willian, who nodded solemnly.

The Anzhi Makhachkala fans in the stands groaned loudly, some waving their flags in defiance while others filed out of the stadium silently, their faces etched with disappointment.

[Let’s take a moment to talk about the highlights, Paul] Willem began, his tone analytical.

[Anzhi Makhachkala threw everything they had into this match. Samuel Eto’o was a constant threat, and Alvarado—what a performance from him! A penalty save that kept AZ Alkmaar in the game]

Paul chimed in, [Absolutely. That fingertip save onto the post in the first half and then the block from Willian’s thunderous strike in the second... those moments were game-changers]

[But let’s not forget the defensive work from Viergever and Reijnen. They were warriors tonight.]

[And then there’s this young man, Benjamin Rijkaard,] Willem said, his voice brimming with admiration.

[He’s the one everyone will be talking about. The audacity to take on two defenders, the vision to play that one-two with Henriksen, and the composure to finish past Gabulov—it’s nothing short of extraordinary]

[You’re right, Willem,] Paul agreed, his tone softening as if savoring the moment

[Benjamin Rijkaard is only 17, but tonight, he played like a seasoned professional. This was his night. And that celebration? Bold, and confident—it shows he’s not afraid of the big stage]

The cameras zoomed in on Benjamin, who stood with his arms draped over the shoulders of Henriksen and Altidore, a tired but satisfied smile on his face.

His jersey was soaked, dirt streaked his shorts, and his hair was plastered to his forehead, but the fire in his eyes burned brightly.

In the stands, the AZ Alkmaar fans were still singing, their chants echoing into the night.

[Let’s not forget, Paul,] Willem added, his voice reflective, [this win puts AZ Alkmaar in a strong position heading into the second leg. With the away goal rule in their favor, they’ve got the upper hand]

[True,] Paul agreed. [But Anzhi Makhachkala won’t back down. The return leg in Alkmaar will be just as intense. This tie is far from over]