UEFA Youth League | Group Stage | Ajax vs. Juventus
The Camp Nou lights hummed, casting jagged shadows across the pitch. Somewhere in the stands, a drumbeat pulsed—a war chant swallowed by the roar of a thousand voices.
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Pre-Match: The Weight of Stakes
Coach Bakker gripped Femi's shoulder, his voice low and rough. "They'll come for your throat. Make them choke on it."
Femi nodded, sweat already pricking his neck. Beside him, Josip bounced on his toes, his jaw set like stone. Liam adjusted his captain's armband, knuckles white.
Across the tunnel, Juventus' Riccardo Bellini cracked his knuckles, eyes locked on Femi. A fresh scar split his brow, red and raw.
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Kickoff
The whistle tore through the air.
5' Juventus Goal
A foul on the edge. Juventus' corner swung in like a scythe. Visser leapt, fingers grazing the ball as it skidded off Dekker's shin. Bellini lunged, booting the rebound into the net before the keeper could blink.
He prowled past Femi, breath hot. "Still scared, rookie?"
The Juve supporters roared, flags slashing the air.
8' Ajax Equalizer
Liam exploded down the right, hips swiveling as he burned past Mancini. The cross came fast, curling waist-high. Jacek Kowalski met it mid-stride, his volley a thunderclap that left Moretti rooted.
Jacek dropped to his knees, fingers brushing the badge. "For home," he mouthed.
17' Ajax Lead
Josip bulldozed through midfield, shrugging off Conti's tackle. A feint left Costa stumbling. His cross arced to the far post, where Liam flung himself sideways, scissoring his legs mid-air. The ball rocketed into the top corner.
Josip smirked, jogging backward. "Told you I've got touch."
27' Juventus Penalty
Another corner, another disaster. Visser fumbled Bianchi's header, the ball squirming loose. Femi stabbed at it, catching Vitale's ankle. The ref pointed instantly.
Ricci stepped up, cool as ice. Bottom corner. 2-2.
Femi spat, tasting copper. Not again.
39' Femi's Redemption
Timo's corner hung in the air, teasing. Femi launched himself upward, forehead smashing the ball downward. It kissed the turf and bulleted past Moretti's gloves.
Liam hauled him up by the collar. "Lead us, or I'll do it myself."
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Halftime
Bakker's tablet showed Juve's left-back—Mancini—limping. "Break him," the coach growled.
In the visitors' locker room, Bellini slammed his fist into the wall. "They're kids. Crush them."
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Second Half
49' Juventus Equalizer
Greco weaved through Ajax's midfield, a slalom of quick feet. A one-two with Ricci split the defense. Vitale tapped in at the far post, smirking as Visser sprawled.
Femi roared. "Wake up!"
57' Josip's Screamer
Space opened like a parting sea. Josip didn't hesitate. Thirty yards out, his strike bent physics—a missile dipping under the bar.
He turned to Femi, pounding his chest. "We don't fold."
68' Juventus Again
Romano intercepted, surging forward. Dekker hesitated. A flick of the Italian's boot, and the ball nestled in the net.
Josip collided with the post, clutching his knee. "I'm fine," he barked at the bench.
75' Carnage
Mancini's studs found Liam's calf. Red card. Blood soaked Liam's sock, but he staggered up. "Finish this," he hissed.
88' Ajax Winner
Timo's corner. Femi darted near post, dragging two markers. The ball pinballed through bodies—Souleymane trapped it with his heel, backheeled it blindly. The net rippled.
Souleymane vanished under teammates. "Lagos!" he screamed.
95' Final Block
Bellini wound up, fury in his strike. Femi threw himself into the path. The ball detonated against his ribs, stealing his breath.
The whistle blew.
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Aftermath
Liam collapsed, chest heaving. Josip limped to Femi, hauling him upright. "Jet," he rasped, "you're a madman."
Bakker's eyes glistened. "This is Ajax."
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Post-Match Fallout
Kai Sterling stormed out, phone buzzing with Ajax's triumph. He typed, fingers trembling: "Enjoy the spotlight. It's mine soon."
In the tunnel, Vogel watched Femi pass. A nod. No smile.
Femi grinned, ribs screaming.
They'd survived.