Against All Odds: Legacy Of A Football King
Chapter 99: Second-half Begins 1

Chapter 99: Second-half Begins 1

[Welcome back to halftime coverage of this thrilling Europa League second-leg playoff match. What a first half we’ve just witnessed! Anzhi Makhachkala lead AZ Alkmaar 1-0, but the story of the half has to be Vladimir Gabulov, the Russian wall between the sticks,] the lead commentator began, his voice laced with awe.

[Absolutely. Gabulov’s been nothing short of extraordinary. AZ Alkmaar has thrown everything at him, but he’s stood firm,] the co-commentator replied. He leaned back slightly, adjusting his headset. [That save from Benjamin in the 45th minute? Top class. Reflexes like that don’t come easy]

The large stadium screen cut to highlights of Gabulov’s sprawling saves, and the look of frustration on the AZ Alkmaar players’ faces.

[And it’s not just the saves, is it? It’s his composure. He’s commanding his defense, staying calm under pressure, and making the right decisions. That penalty, though...] The lead commentator let his sentence trail off, shaking his head slightly as footage of Altidore’s panenka attempt played on screen.

[You could feel the tension in the stadium when Altidore stepped up,] the co-commentator said, leaning forward. [He’s a big-game player, but maybe the moment got to him. The decision to try a panenka—it’s a statement move, but in a match with this intensity, top mentality matters alot and you don’t take those risks lightly]

[Exactly. High risk, high reward, but in this case, it backfired. And let’s not forget, that a crossbar doesn’t have a team preference—it’s everyone’s worst enemy!] the lead commentator quipped, eliciting a chuckle from his counterpart.

The screen transitioned to a breakdown of the game so far. Graphics highlighted AZ Alkmaar’s attempts and Anzhi Makhachkala’s counterattacks.

[Now, let’s talk about the stakes here,] the lead commentator continued. [AZ Alkmaar need to win this match to secure their place in the group stages of the Europa League. A goalless loss here in Alkmaar wouldn’t be enough]

[That’s right. They’ve been the more aggressive side, especially in the last 15 minutes of the half. Henriksen’s midfield control, Benjamin’s dynamism on the left—they’ve been brilliant, but they’re missing that clinical edge. They need to turn those chances into goals,] the co-commentator analyzed.

The screen showed Benjamin weaving past defenders, his runs causing chaos in Anzhi Makhachkala’s backline.

[Benjamin’s been a standout tonight. For such a young player, the confidence he’s showing is remarkable. He’s giving Ewerton nightmares, but without that final product, it’s all for nothing]

[And on the other side, Anzhi Makhachkala have been dangerous on the break. Willian’s skill and Traoré’s physicality—it’s a combination that can punish any team. That missed chip from Traoré, though... he’ll be replaying that in his head for a while]

The commentators exchanged a knowing glance before moving on.

[So, what do AZ Alkmaar need to do in the second half?] the lead commentator asked.

[First and foremost, they need to stay composed. There’s still 45 minutes to play, and the chances are coming. Henriksen and Martens have to keep feeding those balls into dangerous areas. And Altidore—he needs to forget about that penalty miss. Focus on the next opportunity, because it will come]

[And for Anzhi Makhachkala?]

[More of the same. Stay compact, hit on the break, and trust Gabulov to do what he does best. If they nick another goal, it’s game over for AZ Alkmaar]

The screenplay returned to live footage as the players emerged from the tunnel, the energy in the stadium crackling once more.

[The second half is just moments away. If the first half was anything to go by, we’re in for a real treat,] the lead commentator said, his voice rising in anticipation.

[Absolutely. Both teams have everything to play for, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Stay with us—kickoff for the second half is next!] the co-commentator concluded.

***

The atmosphere in the stadium shifted as the players took their positions on the pitch for the second half.

The crowd’s energy was palpable, and their chants echoed throughout the stands, urging their teams forward.

The lead commentator’s voice came through the stadium’s speakers again, filled with anticipation.

[And we’re back! The second half of this Europa League playoff tie is underway. AZ Alkmaar trailing 1-0 to Anzhi Makhachkala, but with 45 minutes left to turn it around,] he announced.

[The first half had everything—near misses, outstanding saves, and that dramatic penalty moment. Now, it’s about who can seize the moment,] the co-commentator added, leaning into the mic as the camera panned over the pitch.

Fweeee!

The whistle pierced the air, signaling the start of the second half.

The ball rolled under Henriksen’s control, his sharp touch immediately setting the tone as he passed to Martens behind.

The three forwards were already darting forward, their intent clear.

[Look at that movement from the attacking trio again. They’re wasting no time getting involved,] the lead commentator pointed out.

[They’ve been a live wire all game. If AZ Alkmaar can capitalize on their runs, they’ll give Gabulov something to really think about,] the co-commentator replied.

On the pitch, Martens threaded a long pass into Benjamin’s path on the left wing.

The young winger controlled it seamlessly with his chest, driving at Ewerton once more. The defender hesitated, not wanting to commit too early.

[Here he goes again! Benjamin up against Ewerton. You can see the fear in the defender’s eyes,] the lead commentator said, his voice rising.

Benjamin feinted right, then cut sharply to the left, leaving Ewerton scrambling behind. With space to work with, he delivered a low cross into the box.

Altidore lunged with Samba tight on him, but he missed by a fraction, the ball skimming past his outstretched boot.

[So close! That was begging for a touch, Samba did enough to offset his movement] the co-commentator exclaimed. [Benjamin’s delivery was spot on there, but Altidore just couldn’t get to it]

[But that’s the kind of intent AZ Alkmaar need. Start strong, put Anzhi Makhachkala under pressure, and test Gabulov early,] the lead commentator added.

Anzhi Makhachkala responded quickly, regaining possession and pushing forward through Willian.

The Brazilian’s quick feet and clever turns caused problems for AZ Alkmaar’s midfield, drawing a foul from Viktor Elm.

[Willian’s so tricky to deal with. He’s got that low center of gravity, and once he gets going, it’s hard to stop him without giving away a free kick,] the co-commentator analyzed.

Anzhi Makhachkala took the free kick quickly, catching AZ Alkmaar off guard.

Traoré received the ball near the edge of the box, his towering frame shielding it from Gorter who attempted to pry it away with outstretched legs.

[Anzhi Makhachkala aren’t sitting back either. Traoré’s holding it up well here. He’s looking for support,] the lead commentator observed.

Receiving no quick support from the front line, Traoré turned and fired a shot on goal, but Alvarado reacted swiftly, diving to his right and palming it away.

[Alvarado with a big save! That’s exactly what AZ Alkmaar needed to keep themselves in this game,] the co-commentator said, his tone admiring.

The game continued at a frantic pace, both teams exchanging blows like prizefighters.

AZ Alkmaar pressed high up the pitch, determined to find an equalizer, while Anzhi Makhachkala remained dangerous on the counterattack. An exchange of tactics from both teams.

[This is edge-of-your-seat football. Neither side is holding back, and you can feel the tension building with every attack,] the lead commentator remarked.

[It’s a battle of wills now. Who’s going to blink first?] the co-commentator asked, his question hanging in the air as the match raged on.