Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 90: AZ Alkmaar VS Anzhi Makhachkala

Chapter 90: AZ Alkmaar VS Anzhi Makhachkala

As the camera panned across the crowd, picking out fans dressed in red-and-white scarves and holding aloft banners, the lead commentator continued. [The atmosphere here is electric, isn’t it? The AZ Alkmaar fans know how much this game means. And they’ll be hoping their team can repeat the performance from the first leg]

[Of course, it’s not just about Benjamin tonight,] the co-commentator pointed out. [AZ Alkmaar is a well-drilled team. Gertjan Verbeek has them playing with discipline, especially in transitions. If they can execute their counterattacks as they did in Dagestan, they’ve got a real chance of progressing]

The lead commentator hummed in agreement. [But they’ll need to be wary of Anzhi Makhachkala. Eto’o, Traoré, Wilian—there’s plenty of quality in that side. They’ll be pushing hard from the first whistle]

The players tunnel lit up with the glow of the stadium lights as the players emerged, their cleats clicking against the floor.

The fans of both teams roared in unison, the sound reverberating through the AFAS Stadion as the two teams stepped onto the pitch.

The commentators picked up where they had left off, their voices weaving into the atmosphere.

[And here come the teams,] the lead commentator announced, his tone rising with the crowd’s energy. [AZ Alkmaar, in their traditional red and white kit, and Anzhi Makhachkala in their bright yellow. Both teams ready for what promises to be a thrilling second leg]

[Let’s go through the starting lineups,] his partner added smoothly. [For AZ Alkmaar, there’s no major surprises from Gertjan Verbeek]

[Esteban Alvarado starts in goal, with Marcellis, Viergever, Reijnen, and Gorter forming the backline. Midfield trio of Henriksen, Martens, and Elm, and up front, the attacking trinity of Steven Berghuis, Jozy Altidore, and the youngster, Benjamin Yinka Rijkaard form the 4-3-3 setup]

The lead commentator cut in with a note of admiration. [Benjamin starting again—what a show of confidence from Gertjan Verbeek. The 17-year-old was outstanding in the first leg, and it looks like he’ll be trusted to deliver again tonight]

[On the bench for AZ Alkmaar,] the co-commentator continued, [we have Beerens, Aron Johannsson, Gudmundsson, Overtoom, Adam Maher, Thomas Lam and Mathias Johansson. Depth that could prove vital if this game stretches late]

The players lined up for the pregame formalities, the captains stepping forward for the coin toss.

[And for Anzhi Makhachkala,] the lead commentator resumed, [it’s a star-studded lineup with surprise inclusions. Vladimir Gabulov in goal, with Ewerton, Samba, and Joao Carlos filling out the three man defense. Midfield anchored by Zhirkov, Lassana Diarra, Shatov and Jucilei. Up front, the ever-dangerous Samuel Eto’o is flanked by Willian and Lacina Traoré in their 3-4-3 setup]

The co-commentator added after a quick observation. [This is a lineup built to attack. Guus Hiddink knows they need goals tonight, and he’s clearly set his team up to go for it from the start]

The anthem of the Europa League played and a chorus of voices rose in harmony with the music.

The players stood still on the pitch looking focused as the weight of the moment etched on their faces.

As the anthem concluded, the commentators picked up again.

[Let’s not forget,] the lead commentator said, [AZ Alkmaar holds a 2-1 advantage coming into this game. But that lead is slim, and Anzhi Makhachkala has the firepower to turn this around in an instant]

[True,] his partner agreed. [But AZ Alkmaar’s plan in the first leg was excellent. They absorbed the pressure, countered effectively, and took their chances. Tonight, they’ll need more of the same, especially against an Anzhi Makhachkala side that will come out swinging]

The referee signaled for the teams to take their positions. The crowd rose to their feet, the anticipation thick in the air.

[Well,] the lead commentator said as the players took their places on the pitch, [this is it. Ninety minutes to decide who moves on to the group stage of the Europa League]

[Can AZ Alkmaar hold their nerve and defend their away-goal lead? Or will Anzhi Makhachkala’s quality shine through? We’re moments away from kick-off here at the AFAS Stadion]

Fweeeee!~

As the referee blew his whistle, the game began with Anzhi Makhachkala kicking the ball and the stadium erupted in cheers. The battle was on.

Anzhi Makhachkala wasted no time in asserting themselves. They pushed the ball forward with intent straight from the kickoff.

The ball moved quickly through their midfield with Lassana Diarra dictating the tempo with sharp, precise passes.

The commentators stayed locked into the action.

[And here we go,] the lead commentator said, his voice brimming with excitement. [Anzhi Makhachkala starting on the front foot, as expected. They need to make up that deficit, and they’re wasting no time]

[Look at Diarra,] his partner pointed out. [Always so composed in possession. He’ll be key tonight in keeping things ticking for Anzhi Makhachkala in midfield]

AZ Alkmaar held their ground, their defensive line compact and disciplined. Just like they had practice in training.

Viergever stepped in to block a dangerous pass meant for Eto’o, and the home crowd roared in approval as he cleared it upfield.

[That’s solid defending,] the lead commentator remarked. [Viergever reading the danger there and cutting it out before Eto’o could get involved]

But Anzhi Makhachkala weren’t backing down. The ball was quickly recycled, and Willian, with his trademark burst of pace and tricky feet, picked it up on the left wing. He darted past Henriksen and whipped in a low cross.

[Willian on the move!] the co-commentator exclaimed. [He’s so dangerous in these positions—oh, what a delivery!]

Eto’o was waiting at the near post, but Esteban Alvarado was alert, diving low to punch the ball clear before it could reach its target.

[Brilliant goalkeeping!] the lead commentator shouted. [Alvarado with a crucial intervention there. Eto’o was lurking, and you can’t give a player like him half a chance]

AZ Alkmaar responded with a counter of their own in the 8th minute, showing the pace and precision that Gertjan Verbeek had drilled into them during the training sessions.

Elm intercepted a wayward pass from Jucilei in midfield and immediately released Benjamin down the left flank.

[Here comes AZ Alkmaar!] the lead commentator said, and the crowd’s energy surged as Benjamin sprinted forward with the ball.