UEFA Champions League Final Part 1
"The players of both teams, led by Danish referee Kim Milton Nielsen, are emerging from the tunnel, one by one, ready for the most important match of the season."
"To all the viewers tuning in from around the world, the Champions League final of the 2003-2004 season is about to kick off!"
"As the players take their places on the pitch, we can now clearly see the line-ups of the two teams."
"Let's begin with Porto's squad.
"In goal is the experienced Portugal international Vítor Baía. From left to right in defense, we have Nuno Valente, captain Jorge Costa, Ricardo Carvalho, and Paulo Ferreira. These four have been the backbone of Porto's defense this season and will be key in tonight's match."
"The midfield is composed of Maniche, Costinha, and Pedro Mendes, offering both defensive solidity and the ability to control the tempo of the game. Dmitriy Alenichev is starting on the bench, but the key man in midfield is undoubtedly Deco, who will be playing in an advanced role, looking to dictate play and create opportunities for Porto's forwards."
"Up front, we have Derlei and the young Brazilian Carlos Alberto, who, at just 19 years old, has been handed a starting role by Porto coach José Mourinho. It's an interesting decision, particularly with Benni McCarthy, Porto's top scorer in the Primeira Liga this season, sitting on the bench. Mourinho might be keeping McCarthy as a secret weapon, possibly planning to bring him on in the second half to surprise Ajax."
"Now, moving on to Ajax, they are set up in their familiar 4-3-3 formation. In goal is Lobont, and the back four consists of Maxwell on the left, Escudé and Heitinga as the center-backs, and Trabelsi on the right."
"In midfield, De Jong will take up the holding midfielder role, while Van der Vaart and Sneijder will be the more advanced midfielders, tasked with driving the team forward and supporting the attack."
"Leading the line in the front three are Wesley Sonck, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Victor Sikora. This trident has been dangerous all season, and they'll need to be at their best tonight against Porto's well-organized defense."
"It's also worth mentioning that Yang Yang, the 17-year-old Chinese sensation, is once again starting on the bench. Yang Yang has been hailed as Ajax's super-sub this season and has made a habit of turning games around after coming on. If he makes an appearance tonight, he will become the youngest player to ever feature in a Champions League final. All eyes will be on him should Ronald Koeman decide to call on him in the second half."
"And there's good reason for the anticipation—Yang Yang's introduction has changed the dynamic of every match he's played in over the last six months. Koeman has high expectations for him, and many fans are eager to see what impact the young player will have tonight."
"Looking at the formations, both teams have stuck to the styles that brought them success throughout the season. Ajax will miss the experience of Galásek, who is suspended for this game, while Porto's decision to start Alberto over their top scorer McCarthy has raised some eyebrows."
"Now, let's quickly introduce the officials for tonight's match. Joining referee Kim Milton Nielsen are assistant referees Jorgen Jepsen and Jens Larsen, while the fourth official is Knud Erik Fisker. All four are from Denmark."
"Nielsen is perhaps most famous for sending off David Beckham during the 1998 World Cup in France, an incident that put him in the international spotlight. He has officiated Porto matches four times in the Primeira Liga, with Porto failing to win any of those games—two draws and two losses. It'll be interesting to see if Porto can break that streak tonight."
"We're seeing live images of the players on the touchline, and, of course, the UEFA Champions League trophy is here, gleaming under the stadium lights. This trophy will belong to the victors of tonight's match. Will Porto edge out Ajax, or will the Dutch side have the final say and claim the ultimate prize? We're about to find out!"
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With the referee's whistle, the 2003-2004 Champions League final was underway, and Ajax took the early initiative. Porto immediately tightened their defense, but they didn't retreat too far, clearly aware of Ibrahimović's presence as a dominant force in the penalty area. Porto's formation was compact, with the three lines of defense, midfield, and attack closely knit together.
Ajax dominated possession in the opening minutes, but they struggled to break down Porto's disciplined defense. It wasn't until the third minute that they found their first real opportunity. Van der Vaart, always sharp with his vision, slipped a through ball into the penalty area, aiming for Wesley Sonck. Porto goalkeeper Vítor Baía, however, reacted quickly, diving to get a hand to the ball and snuffing out the danger.
Porto immediately launched a counter-attack. A long pass from the back found Derlei, who was advancing dangerously up the field, but he was brought down by De Jong, tracking back to help in defense. The referee awarded Porto a free-kick but chose not to produce a card. Deco, always quick-thinking, took the free-kick almost immediately, firing it into the area, but Lobont was equal to it, calmly making the save.
Both teams began the match cautiously, mindful of the stakes. The rhythm was slow, with neither side willing to take too many risks early on. Ajax and Porto were clearly focused on stability, hoping to control the game without exposing themselves.
From his seat on the bench, Yang Yang watched the game with intense concentration. His view from the sidelines wasn't ideal, but he had grown accustomed to analyzing matches from this perspective. Tapping into his skill, *God's Vision*, Yang Yang carefully assessed the tactical battle unfolding in front of him.
Porto's defense was highly organized and adaptable, especially in the midfield. Maniche and Mendes played a pivotal role, maintaining flexibility both in defense and attack. When Porto pressed forward, the two midfielders pushed higher, with Costinha acting as a defensive anchor and Deco occupying his usual attacking midfield role. This often made Porto's formation resemble a diamond in midfield, adding more pressure on Ajax to find space.
Porto's attacking trio, led by Derlei and Carlos Alberto, were aggressive on the counter, with Deco supporting them from midfield. Maniche and Mendes would drop back when Porto lost possession, forming a defensive wall just in front of the back four, making it difficult for Ajax to break through.
On the wings, Nuno Valente was more adventurous, frequently pushing forward on the left, while Paulo Ferreira on the right stayed deeper, allowing Porto to maintain three solid defenders at all times. When Porto regained possession, their full-backs, especially Carvalho, would often look for long passes to quickly release the forwards.
Yang Yang couldn't help but notice Porto's pragmatic and conservative approach. Having spent a year at Ajax, he was deeply influenced by the club's attacking philosophy, so Porto's style seemed overly cautious in comparison. However, he acknowledged that this careful, tactical discipline was what had brought Porto to the final. It was effective, even if it wasn't pretty.
Porto's pressing was concentrated around the halfway line, making it difficult for Ajax to advance beyond the midfield. This was clearly a deliberate part of Mourinho's strategy, aiming to pressure Ajax into making mistakes in their buildup without dropping too deep into their own half.
Ajax, for their part, were trying to break the deadlock by playing more directly. Ibrahimović, Sonck, and Sikora all found themselves flagged offside within the first fifteen minutes as they attempted to get in behind Porto's defense.
The most dangerous moment of the first half came in the 21st minute. Wesley Sonck laid the ball off to Van der Vaart, who quickly played it out to the left for Maxwell. The Brazilian left-back surged forward, delivering a precise cross into the box. Ibrahimović made his run but couldn't quite connect with the ball as Ricardo Carvalho and Jorge Costa defended resolutely.
Ajax began to focus their attacks down the left flank, with Trabelsi joining the fray in the 29th minute. After receiving a pass from Victor Sikora, Trabelsi darted towards the byline. Nuno Valente chased him down but, in desperation, fouled him with a clumsy shove from behind. The referee, Kim Milton Nielsen, awarded Ajax a free-kick and showed Valente a yellow card. Unfortunately, the resulting set-piece was blocked by Porto's wall, keeping the scoreline at 0-0.
Porto soon responded with an attack of their own. Valente led the charge down the left and crossed the ball into the box. Escudé managed to clear the danger, but the ball fell to Mendes, who collected it on the right. Mendes passed to Ferreira, who whipped a diagonal ball into the area, finding Carlos Alberto. The young forward controlled the ball skillfully, spun, and took a shot, only for Escudé to block it with a vital intervention. De Jong quickly cleared the ball, preventing any further danger.
As the half drew to a close, Ajax had one more chance to take the lead. In the 44th minute, Victor Sikora cut inside from the right wing and unleashed a shot, but Vítor Baía made a crucial save, though Sikora was later flagged offside.
The first half ended 0-0, with both teams showing glimpses of quality but unable to break the deadlock. The tension was mounting, and the second half promised to be an even more intense battle.
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As soon as Kim Milton Nielsen blew the halftime whistle, Yang Yang sprang to his feet and rushed to the touchline. The players from both teams were slowly making their way off the pitch, drenched in sweat and breathing heavily after a tense and draining first half.
One by one, Ajax players passed Yang Yang, shaking hands with him and the other substitutes as they made their way down the tunnel to the changing room. The bench players, including Yang Yang, remained on the pitch, continuing their warm-up under the stadium's bright lights.
The first half had been a cautious affair. Neither Ajax nor Porto had managed to create many clear-cut chances, and both sides seemed more focused on avoiding mistakes than taking risks. Ajax, in particular, were clearly intent on protecting their backline, something Ronald Koeman had emphasized leading up to the match. He knew all too well how fragile his defense could be under pressure, especially in a game of this magnitude. The likes of Van der Vaart and Sneijder had been kept in check, supporting Heitinga and Escudé to avoid being overrun.
The full-backs, Maxwell and Trabelsi, had shown more initiative, pushing forward when the opportunity arose. But overall, both teams played with restraint, knowing that the smallest error could decide the game.
Yang Yang could sense the weight of that pressure as the players walked past him, their faces revealing the mental strain they had endured during the first 45 minutes.
"Maxwell just told me he couldn't feel his legs after the first 20 minutes," Vermaelen said with a chuckle, breaking the tense atmosphere.
Yang Yang squinted, a bit skeptical. "Is it really that bad?"
Vermaelen shrugged, smiling. "The pressure's insane."
Yang Yang nodded, understanding all too well. In games like these, the pressure could feel like an invisible burden, making every movement on the pitch feel heavier, every decision more critical. It wasn't just physical fatigue that drained players in such matches; it was the mental toll. Maxwell's struggle to last even 20 minutes was more psychological than anything else.
"Still," Yang Yang thought to himself, "he managed to last the entire half." Playing under such pressure required enormous mental strength.
Vermaelen muttered to himself, "I wish I could be out there, just to feel what that pressure is like."
Yang Yang glanced at him, feeling the same. *Why not?* He, too, wanted to be out there, to face the intensity head-on. But playing against Porto's rock-solid defense would be no easy task.
Ajax had to figure out not only how to break through Porto's defensive lines, but also how to manage their lethal counter-attacks. It was a delicate balance—attack too recklessly, and Porto would punish them on the break. The challenge was mentally exhausting. For players on the pitch, thinking ahead about every phase of play, every possible outcome, felt like solving a puzzle under extreme pressure.
Yang Yang turned to look at the stands, the sea of red and white Ajax supporters. Though he couldn't pick them out, he knew his parents and relatives were somewhere up there, watching, filled with anticipation and hope. He could feel their presence, and it gave him strength.
With over 30,000 Ajax fans who had traveled from the Netherlands, the atmosphere was charged with expectation. Every single one of those supporters believed in their team's ability to lift the trophy. That belief drove Yang Yang forward, motivating him even more.
Gritting his teeth, Yang Yang clenched his fists, the fire inside him burning stronger. He glanced at Vermaelen, as if to speak out loud what they were both feeling inside.
"Come on," he whispered to himself, determination etched in his voice.
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"Ajax have started the second half with an attacking mindset, immediately pushing forward."
"Maxwell, as we've seen him do all season, cuts inside from the left flank, driving forward with intent. He delivers a dangerous diagonal ball into the penalty area, a perfect opportunity building for Ajax..."
"Victor Sikora is on the run, racing to meet the cross, but he's just a fraction too slow. Under heavy pressure from Nuno Valente, he can't quite reach the ball cleanly, and it drifts past him, rolling harmlessly out for a goal kick."
"That was a promising chance for Ajax early in this half, but Valente did just enough to put Sikora off. A missed opportunity, but it shows Ajax's intent to take control of the game."
...
"It's still Ajax pushing down the left. Van der Vaart collects the ball, drives forward, and whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area. Ibrahimović rises above the defenders, heading towards goal from close range…"
"Oh, so close! The ball brushes the outside of the post and rolls out for a goal kick."
"That was Ajax's best chance of the match so far."
"Ibrahimović, despite being tightly marked by Porto's central defenders, managed to get the first touch on the ball with a powerful leap."
"This was a truly threatening attack, but the accuracy on the header was just slightly off. A real shame for Ajax as they push aggressively in this second half, and their attacking intent is clear."
"Meanwhile, Porto have responded with a crucial substitution—the first of the game."
"José Mourinho has brought on Dmitriy Alenichev, replacing Brazilian striker Carlos Alberto. This substitution looks like a tactical shift to bolster the midfield. Alenichev's influence in the center of the park is well-known, but up until now, Mourinho opted for Mendes, who brings more defensive solidity."
"With Alenichev on, Porto are likely to strengthen their attacking play through the midfield, and it seems they're transitioning to a more conservative 4-5-1 formation. This move indicates Mourinho's intent to control the tempo of the game and limit Ajax's growing pressure."
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"On the surface, this substitution looks conservative, but in reality, it's a very calculated and dangerous move."
The stands were filled with high-profile spectators, including UEFA president Lennart Johansson and IOC president Jacques Rogge. Meanwhile, Ajax's technical director, Louis van Gaal, sat near club president Michael van Praag. As soon as Mourinho made his substitution, van Gaal's frown deepened.
"Alberto wasn't much of a threat up front, so taking him off doesn't weaken Porto's attack," van Gaal muttered, his eyes narrowing. "What this change really does is strengthen Porto's midfield control. With Alenichev on, they'll hold the ball better and increase their passing in the middle. That's crucial because it frees up Deco. Giving Deco more room to operate is dangerous—he's the heart of this Porto side."
"Deco's a player people underestimate. His vision, his strength, and his ability to dictate play are incredible. When he's given space, he becomes Porto's most dangerous weapon. I guarantee Mourinho has planned this substitution well in advance," van Gaal added, clearly concerned.
Van Praag noticed the tension on van Gaal's face and leaned in. "What should Ajax do about it?"
Van Gaal sighed and shook his head. "I personally warned Ronald about this before the game, but I don't know if he's ready to respond in the right way." He glanced toward the touchline, clearly frustrated. "I'm not the coach—I don't have the authority to dictate how Koeman handles this. Now, we'll have to see how the staff reacts to Mourinho's move."
Despite his reservations, van Gaal knew that this tactical shift could be a pivotal moment in the match. Deco's ability to roam free in the midfield would only add more pressure on Ajax, and how they responded in the next few minutes could determine the outcome of the final.
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Just three minutes after Deco's tactical influence began to unfold, Ajax responded with their first substitution of the game. South African international Stephen Pienaar came on for Victor Sikora, a move that immediately caught the attention of fans and commentators alike. Up until now, it was a familiar sight for Yang Yang to replace Sikora, but this time Ronald Koeman opted for a different strategy, introducing Pienaar.
The stadium camera even panned to Yang Yang sitting calmly on the bench, almost as if to capture a glimpse of disappointment. But Yang Yang's expression remained composed, as he had expected this change well in advance. He understood the tactical decision behind it.
Pienaar, though not the tallest or the fastest, was known for his intelligence on the ball, his ability to organize play, and his versatility across the midfield. He had been a trusted figure under Koeman, and in this match, his role was crucial. He was tasked with bolstering the midfield, helping Ajax maintain control and organization.
With Pienaar's introduction, Ajax shifted to a 4-3-1-2 formation. Pienaar, De Jong, and Sneijder took up central positions, with Van der Vaart moving into the more advanced number 10 role, just behind Wesley Sonck and Zlatan Ibrahimović, who now formed a two-man strike force.
This tactical shift wasn't a surprise to anyone closely following the Ajax camp. Koeman had planned this internally, aiming to contain Porto's midfield while also managing Van der Vaart's fitness, as his stamina was a concern. Everyone knew that if the match extended into extra time, Van der Vaart would likely need to be replaced. For now, however, Pienaar and Sneijder were tasked with controlling the tempo and keeping Ajax organized in midfield.
Koeman could be seen on the touchline continuously reminding Heitinga and Escudé to stay focused and disciplined at the back. To Ajax's credit, the defense had been solid, avoiding any major mistakes thus far and limiting Porto's chances.
With Pienaar on the field, Ajax became more conservative, shifting from their earlier attacking aggression. The match once again slowed down, and the crowd's excitement simmered. Yang Yang, still watching from the bench, could feel the tension mounting. Every time Ajax had possession, his hopes rose, and each Porto counter-attack made his heart race. The nervous energy was palpable, much like the intense feeling he experienced in their previous match against Monaco.
As the game reached the 68th minute, Porto suddenly mounted a dangerous attack. Derlei brought the ball into Ajax's penalty area, and as De Jong tracked back to defend, he managed to win the ball but clipped Derlei in the process. The Porto players erupted in appeals for a penalty, surrounding the referee. But Ajax's players immediately protested, convinced that De Jong had cleanly won the ball.
After a tense moment, referee Kim Milton Nielsen waved play on, deciding there was no foul. De Jong had indeed made contact with the ball first, and Ajax were let off the hook.
Two minutes later, Porto were back on the offensive. Derlei, receiving a pass from the left, controlled the ball with his right foot and shot quickly. His effort was deflected by Heitinga, sending the ball bouncing out of the penalty area. Alenichev followed up with a powerful strike, but Pienaar reacted quickly, charging down the shot and blocking it. The successive Porto attacks were dangerous, and they had Ajax pinned in their own half.
Ajax, on the other hand, were struggling to link up play in the attacking third. Their forward momentum had stalled, and Porto's defense looked increasingly impenetrable.
Ronald Koeman, watching his team from the touchline, could see that Ajax's defense was starting to buckle under Porto's pressure. Concerned, he retreated to the bench to consult with Ruud Krol and the other coaching staff. After a brief discussion, Koeman made his decision.
"Yang Yang, go warm up," Ruud Krol shouted.
Yang Yang, who had been mentally preparing himself for this moment, stood up without hesitation, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and determination. His time had come.
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"Look, it's Yang Yang! He's about to come on!" Shen Yuzhu's excited shout drew everyone's attention to the Ajax bench.
Sure enough, Ruud Krol stood in front of the bench, signaling to Yang Yang, who had already risen and was heading quickly toward the warm-up area.
The fans in the terraces noticed the movement as well, and soon, many of them began chanting Yang Yang's name. His impact over the past few months had earned him a strong following among Ajax supporters.
"It seems like he's really popular with the Ajax fans," Wei Zhen remarked, clearly impressed.
Wei Zheng, sitting nearby, grinned. "Of course. He's been exceptional in almost every match he's come off the bench in the last six months. Honestly, I think the Ajax fans have been waiting for him to play since the second half started."
"Brother Wei, is Yang Yang really that good?" A curious voice interrupted. It came from a young girl seated next to Yang Yang's mother, Shen Lifang.
She had long, sleek black hair, and her delicate features radiated a quiet elegance. Her soft voice matched her gentle demeanor, and she possessed a fresh, natural beauty that left a lasting impression.
"He's not the strongest player on the field, but he works incredibly hard and improves at a remarkable pace," Wei Zheng explained with a smile. "And…" he paused, giving the girl a friendly glance, "he's the same age as you, Su Ye."
"Wow, that's really impressive," the girl, Su Ye, murmured, her lips curving softly in admiration.
Wei Zheng nodded, then added, "You're not doing too bad yourself. As a high school student performing abroad, you're working hard too. I'm sure you'll make it as an actress in the future."
The girl shook her head modestly. "I'm nothing special. I'm just here for an exchange program with our school's drama club. It's really nothing compared to him. Yang Yang's journey must be incredibly challenging—living alone in the Netherlands, competing at such a high level. That's something truly admirable."
As Yang Yang began his warm-up under the stands, the Ajax fans erupted into cheers, filling the stadium with energy. Su Ye watched him from her seat, intrigued and impressed. His frame seemed lean, and she couldn't help but wonder how someone so thin could make such an impact on the game.
Could someone like him really change the course of a match?
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"In the 74th minute, Ajax made their second substitution of the night."
"Number 99, Yang Yang, stood ready on the touchline. This time, he came on to replace Ajax captain Rafael Van der Vaart. Clearly, Ronald Koeman recognized that Van der Vaart was struggling to make an impact against Porto's third central defender."
"At just 17 years old, Yang Yang had already made history earlier in the season, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the Champions League during Ajax's match against Arsenal. And tonight, he sets another milestone as the youngest player to feature in a Champions League final."
"His remarkable performances over the past six months have not only earned him the adoration of Ajax fans but have also caught the attention of several major European clubs. Keep an eye on this young Chinese talent—if he continues his rapid development, we could soon be seeing him making waves in one of Europe's top leagues."
...
Before leaving the pitch, Van der Vaart removed the captain's armband and handed it to Escudé in the backline. This had been agreed upon before the game by Ronald Koeman, who felt that Escudé's steady presence at the back would better lead the team in these critical moments.
As Van der Vaart approached the sideline, he gave Yang Yang a brief but warm embrace, leaning in to offer a few words of encouragement. "The rest is up to you."
"Don't worry, I've got this," Yang Yang responded with quiet confidence.
"Watch out for their sneaky fouls—they play dirty. Stay calm, keep your emotions in check, and don't let the pressure get to you," Van der Vaart added, patting Yang Yang on the shoulder.
"Thank you," Yang Yang nodded, his eyes focused and determined.
After their exchange, Yang Yang quickly jogged onto the pitch. His name appeared on the two massive screens in the stadium, and immediately, a chorus of cheers erupted from the Ajax fans. The entire stadium seemed to vibrate with energy as the supporters chanted his name in unison.
It was a recognition of all that Yang Yang had achieved so far, but it was also an expectation—a call for him to once again change the game, to deliver something special in the crucial minutes that remained.
Yang Yang didn't waste any time. After his quick sprint onto the field, he went straight to midfield, where Sneijder, Pienaar, and De Jong were already waiting. Everyone knew that Yang Yang carried the latest instructions from Koeman, and all eyes were on him.
This was his moment to shine, and the team trusted him to make the difference.