The template of Madoka Kaname: I rose from adversity to the summit.

Chapter 130 Former Kings vs. Italian Powerhouses

Naples, Italy.

The evening drizzle, carrying a fine dampness, drifted over the São Paulo stadium.

This historic stadium, or rather its fans, did not welcome the Ajax team that had traveled from afar.

Unlike his previous trip to the Bernabéu, Yuan Meng is no longer a rotation player for Dortmund, but the absolute core of Ajax, and the weight on his shoulders is completely different.

Yuan Meng didn't feel too nervous or pressured. He had already planned for this day when he decided to go to Leicester City to hone his skills.

They cannot be substitutes, they cannot be ordinary players; they must participate in the Champions League as a key player.

No one remembers an unknown player who won the title with the team; fans will only sing praises to the brightest stars of the Champions League.

Tonight is destined to be a tough battle, with Napoli playing the first leg away and the second leg at home, vying for the last ticket to the Champions League.

Inside the stadium, Napoli's players, wearing light blue jerseys, walked out of the players' tunnel.

Due to a jersey conflict, Ajax wore their home jersey, a red shirt with red stripes, for the match.

Ajax once won three consecutive Champions League titles and has a rich history, while Napoli, as a powerhouse in Serie A, has never won a single Champions League title.

On one side, there's the desire to restore past glory; on the other, there's the ambition to achieve what no one has ever accomplished before. Both sides are determined to secure a Champions League spot.

Needless to say, both sides fielded their full strength.

"Friends, the Champions League play-offs are about to begin."

"This match is the first leg of a do-or-die game, with Ajax playing away against Napoli."

"The players are ready to go, and I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce Napoli's lineup."

Naples (4-3-3)

Head Coach: Sarri; Goalkeeper: Reina; Defenders: Ghoulam (left), Koulibaly, Albiol, Hysaj (right)

Midfielders: Hamsik (left), Jorginho, Allan (right)

Forwards: Insigne (left), Mertens, Callejon (right)

"Sarri's 4-3-3 formation is extremely similar to Ten Hag's tactics. Both teams are attacking teams that emphasize high pressing and quick short passes."

"Let's wait and see how this offensive battle unfolds!"

A light drizzle began to fall as Ajax kicked off.

Napoli's attacking trident immediately began pressing, with Onana participating in passing the ball out, which is one of his strengths.

De Ligt scooped the ball out and successfully passed it to the defensive midfielder Schöne. Both he and Ziyech were able to pass the ball, and their close cooperation allowed them to control the ball under Napoli's three-man midfield pressing.

The game was fast-paced, and the pitch was becoming increasingly slippery. Napoli took the initiative first.

Defensive midfielder Allan marked Ziyech and forced him to use his right foot in a challenge.

The back pass from his non-dominant foot, combined with the slippery turf, caused the ball to deviate from its course. Jorginho intercepted the ball and seamlessly switched it to the left wing.

Hamsik controlled the ball, Ghoulam made a run down the wing, and Insigne cut inside in unison.

This is Napoli's proud left-wing trio, who pass the ball into the attacking third at top speed.

Ten Hag knew things were going badly. This kind of teamwork was the finished product he wanted to build at Ajax, and now he had to face his end.

"Feltman, tuck in for help defense!"

"Inside the enclosure, protect your ribs!"

Unfortunately, it was too late. Ajax's high press prevented Veltman from getting back into position in time, and Schöne alone was no match for Napoli's fast passing trio.

"Oh no, Insigne rounded a far corner!"

"Holy crap, Onana made an incredible save!"

"What is this hovering?"

"He flew through the air and scooped out that sure goal!"

"The miraculous Onana, savior in dire straits!"

Ten Hag waved his arms excitedly: "Great! Corner kick defense, concentrate!"

This incredible save was undoubtedly a shot in the arm, giving the defending players a sense of security.

Sanchez shielded the penalty area and headed the ball away, thwarting Napoli's corner kick chance.

"Black, thick, and hard!"

"Sanchez, this Colombian defensive center-back, is undoubtedly the anchor of Ajax's defense!"

"It's Ajax's turn to counterattack, this time launching an attack from the left flank."

"Excellent, Ziyech has broken free with the ball; he's atoning for his mistakes!"

"Neres delivers a cross!"

"Can Dolberg make a difference?"

"He missed the target!"

"No, that wasn't a misjudgment, Neres was aiming for the right flank!"

"Yuan Shen controlled the ball with a silky touch, then cut inside!"

Just as Yuan Meng was trying to get past the center-back and force a shot, he realized he couldn't move Albiol on the other side.

Holy crap, this is a monster fight!

Yuan Meng quickly tapped the ball back to avoid it being intercepted.

Van de Beek, making a late run, unleashed a long-range shot!

The ball went slightly off the goalpost.

"A fierce back-and-forth battle ensued, with both sides creating threats, but neither succeeded!"

"We can see that Yuan Shen was outmatched in physical confrontations."

"This is the Champions League, a gathering of the best!"

Ten Hag yelled at Yuan Meng, "Use your dribbling to get past them, don't even think about physical confrontations, those two center-backs are both physically imposing!"

Yuan Meng gave a thumbs up, indicating that she understood.

He got a little cocky after gaining 5 points of strength recently, but he quickly adjusted.

"Napoli attempted a long pass, but Yuan Shen intercepted it with a header."

"pretty!"

"If Van de Beek controls the ball, can he launch a counter-attack?"

There was no chance; the moment Van de Beek controlled the ball, Napoli immediately launched their pressing, employing the exact same strategy as Ajax.

This is a mirror match; only the side with faster reaction time, better condition, and stronger ability can gain the upper hand!

"Pass it back, don't rush!" Schöne received the pass in midfield, and Van de Beek had no choice but to pass it back.

"Right side, quick!" Captain Feltman shouted urgently.

At this moment, the room finally noticed that Yuan Meng had run away in the chaos of battle!

Yuan Meng didn't shout loudly, afraid of attracting attention. When the ball flew towards him, he was overjoyed.

This is the benefit for the weak-sided winger; he finally found an opportunity to take on the full-back one-on-one.

Ghulam was on high alert, but Yuan Meng wasn't worried at all.

He knew that this full-back was strong in attack but weak in defense, so he simply cut inside and tried to overpower him, relying on his physicality!

"Yuan Shen spikes the ball and fakes it out; he's too fast, Ghulam can't keep up!"

"Albiol is covering, Yuan Shen, take another step towards the middle!"

"Cutting shot!"

The King of Curves

[Proficiency: 50→60 (Mastery)]

Swish!

"This is Yuan Shen Corridor!"

"The center-backs simply can't keep up with him!"

Ajax takes the lead, 1-0!

Yuan Meng performed a passionate knee slide at the São Paulo stadium, the wet grass making the movement incredibly smooth.

I wonder if Napoli fans remember Maradona's presence here. Since 1992, no other king has emerged from this stadium.

So challenger Yuan Meng came here to destroy your dream of becoming king.