A week after Yang Yang's 18th birthday, Ajax faced off against NEC Nijmegen in the tenth round of the Eredivisie.
Yang Yang, fresh off turning 18, was once again in the starting lineup. Nijmegen, aware of his growing influence, deployed a tight defensive strategy, with special attention given to marking the young winger. Despite the heavy pressure, Yang Yang remained a constant threat, creating several scoring opportunities for his teammates. Unfortunately, none of those chances were converted into goals.
His dynamism on the right flank drew defenders out of position, creating openings elsewhere on the pitch. This opened the door for a surprise attack from the left side. Maxwell, timing his run perfectly, delivered a pinpoint cross that found Pienaar in space. The South African midfielder finished the move with composure, slotting the ball home to give Ajax a 1-0 lead.
That solitary goal was enough for Ajax to secure a hard-fought victory over Nijmegen. Although Yang Yang didn't score or assist, his tireless work rate and ability to destabilize the opposition's defense earned him praise from teammates and pundits alike. His performance, though not reflected on the scoresheet, was crucial in unlocking Nijmegen's well-organized defense.
Meanwhile, Feyenoord, Ajax's fierce rival, faced AZ Alkmaar in an away fixture. Louis van Gaal's team put on a clinical display, winning 4-1 and handing Feyenoord a significant defeat. Adding to Feyenoord's woes, their players Chong-gug Song and Pascal Bosschaart were both sent off before the end of the match, leaving the Rotterdam side not only beaten but further weakened for upcoming fixtures.
In another key match, PSV Eindhoven were held to a 0-0 draw by FC Utrecht, dropping valuable points in the title race.
By the end of the round, Ajax had climbed one more spot in the league standings, moving up to fifth place.
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Three days later, it was time for Ajax's fourth match in Group C of the Champions League, an away game against Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The first half was a cagey affair, with both sides struggling to break the deadlock. Maccabi Tel Aviv defended resolutely, while Ajax searched for ways to break through, but the halftime score remained 0-0.
However, just four minutes into the second half, Yang Yang once again proved his worth. Picking up the ball on the right wing, he delivered a perfect cross into the box, where Wesley Sonck was waiting to capitalize. Sonck connected with the ball, guiding it into the back of the net to give Ajax the lead.
Yang Yang continued to torment Maccabi's defense throughout the second half, his pace and skill creating constant problems for the Israeli side. In the 56th minute, it was Pienaar's turn to assist. He found Wesley Sonck once more, and the Belgian striker made no mistake, doubling Ajax's advantage.
Despite Ajax's dominance, Maccabi Tel Aviv managed to pull one goal back in the 88th minute, but it wasn't enough. Ajax held on to secure a 2-1 victory, a crucial win that kept their hopes of progressing in the competition alive.
In the other Group C match, Juventus hosted Bayern Munich. Capello's Juventus were in imperious form, defeating the German giants 1-0. With four wins out of four, Juventus secured their place in the knockout stages, sitting comfortably atop the group with 12 points.
After four rounds, the standings in Group C saw Juventus in first place with 12 points, having already booked their ticket to the round of 16. Bayern Munich and Ajax were tied with six points each, but Bayern's superior head-to-head record—courtesy of their 4-0 demolition of Ajax earlier in the group stage—meant they held second place. Maccabi Tel Aviv remained at the bottom, having lost all four of their matches.
Looking ahead, Ajax faced a daunting challenge. Their final two group stage matches were against Juventus and Bayern Munich, two of Europe's elite clubs. Both fixtures were decisive. Securing points in these matches would be an uphill battle, especially considering the gulf in quality between Ajax and their opponents. Capello's Juventus were widely regarded as one of the best teams in Europe, if not the best, while Bayern Munich had already demonstrated their superiority with a resounding victory over Ajax earlier in the campaign.
Realistically, the goal for Ajax, as echoed by both the media and within the club, was to finish third in the group. That would allow them to drop into the UEFA Cup, a more achievable target given the circumstances. But with Yang Yang in form and the team gaining momentum, there was still hope for a miraculous upset in the final rounds.
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Back in Eredivisie action, Ajax faced Willem II in the eleventh round of the league, an away fixture that proved to be more challenging than anticipated.
Just ten minutes into the match, Ajax found themselves in a difficult situation. A defensive mishap saw Zdeněk Grygera inadvertently score an own goal, gifting Willem II an unexpected lead. The mistake rattled Ajax, and for a brief period, the team looked unsettled, struggling to regain their composure.
However, the leadership and composure of key players like Yang Yang and Wesley Sneijder soon began to steady the ship. Slowly but surely, Ajax regained control of the match, dominating possession and dictating the pace of play. Their efforts to equalize intensified as they pushed Willem II deeper into their own half.
In the 36th minute, Ajax's persistence paid off. Yang Yang and Sneijder combined beautifully in a quick one-two, slicing through Willem II's defense. Sneijder then slipped a perfectly weighted pass to Steven Pienaar, who slotted the ball into the net, leveling the score at 1-1.
Buoyed by the equalizer, Ajax pressed on, and just seven minutes later, Yang Yang produced a moment of brilliance on the right flank. With explosive pace and skill, he beat his marker and delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Angelos Charisteas rose highest, meeting the ball with a powerful header from close range to give Ajax a 2-1 lead.
The momentum was firmly in Ajax's favor as the first half came to a close. The team had turned the tide after the early setback, and they were now in control.
In the second half, Ajax picked up where they left off. Just minutes after the restart, Charisteas returned the favor for Yang Yang. After receiving a cross, Charisteas smartly headed the ball down into Yang Yang's path, setting up a perfect opportunity. Yang Yang wasted no time, cutting into the penalty area and unleashing a fierce volley that flew past the Willem II goalkeeper, securing Ajax's third goal of the match.
The 3-1 scoreline held until the final whistle, with Ajax comfortably seeing out the remainder of the game. It was a well-earned victory, and the combination of Yang Yang, Sneijder, and Charisteas had proven decisive once again.
With this result, Ajax secured another important three points on the road. Both PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord also won their respective matches in this round, so the race at the top of the table remained tight. However, Ajax climbed one more place in the standings, moving up to fourth, just three points behind third-placed AZ Alkmaar.
The victory against Willem II, particularly after the early setback, highlighted Ajax's resilience and growing cohesion as a team. Yang Yang's contribution—an assist and a goal—was once again pivotal, continuing his impressive run of form as one of Ajax's key players this season.
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On November 14, in the twelfth round of the Eredivisie, Ajax hosted Den Bosch at the Amsterdam Arena.
With several key players missing due to international duty, Ajax's lineup was noticeably weakened. The likes of Hedwiges Maduro, Ryan Babel, and Filipe Luís, all young substitutes, were drafted into the squad. Yannis Anastasiou, the Greek veteran striker, was tasked with leading the line in place of Ajax's regular forwards, further diminishing the team's usual attacking threat.
Den Bosch, mired in the relegation zone, arrived in Amsterdam with a clear strategy—defend at all costs. Their deep, compact defensive formation made it incredibly difficult for Ajax to penetrate, leaving the home side frustrated. Despite dominating possession, Ajax struggled to find a way through the resolute Den Bosch defense. Yang Yang, the team's standout player, frequently found himself isolated in the final third, with little space to work his magic.
As the clock ticked on, the tension inside the stadium began to rise. Despite the relentless support from the Ajax faithful, who cheered and chanted, the players on the pitch couldn't unlock Den Bosch's defense. From the first half into the second, and as the game moved into the 50th, 70th, and even the 80th minute, Ajax continued to labor in their search for a breakthrough.
By the time the fourth official indicated three minutes of stoppage time, most of the 50,000 fans in the stadium, along with those watching at home, had resigned themselves to a disappointing draw. Even the commentators had begun to speculate that Ajax would have to settle for a point.
But just as it seemed hope was fading, Yang Yang stepped up when it mattered most.
In the 90th minute, Wesley Sneijder, operating on the right, spotted Yang Yang making a run and sent him a precise pass. Yang Yang, under pressure, quickly knocked the ball back to Maicon, who had overlapped on the wing. The Brazilian right-back delivered an inch-perfect diagonal cross into the penalty area, finding Anastasiou. The Greek striker used his strength to shield the ball, holding off the Den Bosch defender, before gently laying it off into space.
And there was Yang Yang, perfectly timed, surging into the box from the right side. With incredible speed and precision, he latched onto the ball, took one touch to control, and then darted past Den Bosch's defensive midfielder. With a quick step-over, he left the center-back flat-footed, creating just enough space to fire.
Yang Yang swung his left foot and struck the ball cleanly toward the far corner.
"Yang Yang has dribbled past two Den Bosch players, and he's taken the shot!"
"Goal!!!"
"Gooooooooooooal!!!!!!"
"Yang Yang! In the dying moments, he's come through for Ajax once again!"
"1-0! What a goal!"
Pandemonium erupted in the Amsterdam Arena as the ball hit the back of the net. Yang Yang, with his trademark explosiveness, sprinted toward the corner flag in celebration. His teammates were right behind him, rushing to embrace him as the Ajax fans exploded with joy. More than 50,000 supporters rose to their feet, chanting his name in unison.
"Yang Yang! Yang Yang!!! Yang Yang!!!"
The noise was deafening. The critical goal not only sealed a crucial three points but also extended Ajax's winning streak. Yang Yang had once again proven to be the hero, delivering in the most decisive moment.
In the live broadcast's close-up, Yang Yang's beaming smile was captured as he celebrated with his teammates. The roar of the crowd echoed throughout the stadium, and in that moment, the 18-year-old had firmly cemented his place in the hearts of Ajax fans.
His name continued to reverberate around the stadium long after the final whistle blew, with the Ajax faithful celebrating a hard-fought victory. The goal was not just about three points—it symbolized Yang Yang's growing status as the team's key player and his ability to come through when it mattered most.
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In the twelfth round of the Eredivisie, Ajax maintained their fourth-place position in the league standings with 24 points. Feyenoord, held to a draw, and PSV Eindhoven, who managed a narrow victory, both reached 29 points. Eindhoven's win allowed them to leapfrog Feyenoord and reclaim the top spot in the league. AZ Alkmaar, meanwhile, earned another three points and secured third place with 27 points, making the title race ever more competitive.
Yang Yang's dramatic, last-minute winner against Den Bosch proved to be the defining moment of Ajax's victory and immediately drew widespread acclaim from Dutch media and fans. The domestic press, especially De Telegraaf, was quick to highlight his performance. In their post-match coverage, they emphasized how, despite Ajax fielding a weakened lineup due to the absence of several key players on international duty, Yang Yang rose to the occasion with an exceptional goal when it mattered most.
"At a crucial moment, Yang Yang proved his strength with a superb goal," De Telegraaf wrote. "He demonstrated once again that he has the potential to become the new standard-bearer for Ajax."
Their article praised Yang Yang's ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, remarking, "It's in moments like these that you see who the real hero is."
With his game-winning goal against Den Bosch, Yang Yang brought his tally to six goals in the Eredivisie this season, tying him for sixth place with players like Hans van de Haar. But when factoring in his five assists, Yang Yang was, by far, one of the most dangerous and effective attackers in the league this season. His contribution to Ajax's success was undeniable, combining scoring ability with playmaking that made him a constant threat.
While Yang Yang's heroics were helping Ajax continue their winning streak, the Dutch national team, coached by Marco van Basten, also celebrated success. They secured a 3-0 away win over Andorra in World Cup qualifiers, continuing their unbeaten run with three wins and one draw under Van Basten's leadership. The national team's strong form mirrored Yang Yang's rise at Ajax, with both stories captivating Dutch football fans.
Meanwhile, across the world in Asia, the Chinese national team recorded a 2-0 win over Hong Kong. Having previously beaten Kuwait away, this result was of little consequence in terms of qualification, but it did bring attention to the evolving squad. One notable development was the inclusion of Shandong's towering striker, Han Peng, who made his debut for the national team.
Arie Haan, the Chinese national team coach, seemed to be experimenting with different attacking options. It was clear that he was searching for a reliable strike partner for Yang Yang, hoping to form a more potent forward line for future international competitions. The prospect of pairing Yang Yang's dynamic play with a strong center-forward like Han Peng hinted at an evolving tactical approach for China's national team, with Yang Yang expected to play an even more pivotal role moving forward.
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On November 20th, in the 13th round of the Eredivisie, Ajax traveled to face De Graafschap away from home.
The international break had just ended, and many of Ajax's key players were returning from national duty. However, the toll of long flights and the lack of rest was evident, as several players appeared fatigued. The team struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, with their play sluggish and disjointed. Despite the lackluster performance, Yang Yang was one of the few bright spots, providing much-needed energy on the right wing.
As the match moved into the second half, Ajax finally started to come alive.
Just two minutes after the restart, Yang Yang sparked the breakthrough. Forcing his way down the right side, he won a corner after a relentless dribble past De Graafschap's defense. Wesley Sneijder delivered the resulting corner with precision, finding Thomas Vermaelen, who rose above the defense to head the ball into the net. Ajax had their first goal, and the momentum shifted.
Six minutes later, Yang Yang and Maicon combined brilliantly on the right wing. The Brazilian right-back surged forward and sent a low cross into the box, forcing De Graafschap defender Dave Bus into an awkward position. In a desperate attempt to clear, Bus accidentally directed the ball into his own net, making it 2-0 for Ajax.
With a two-goal cushion, Ajax began to dominate proceedings. Yang Yang, in particular, was a constant threat, frequently darting between the right and left wings, creating confusion for De Graafschap's defense.
In the 65th minute, Yang Yang made a sudden switch to the left side of the field. Receiving a pass from Maxwell, he cut inside swiftly onto his right foot. From the edge of the box, Yang Yang unleashed a curling shot that bent into the far corner of the net, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. The stunning strike extended Ajax's lead to 3-0 and showcased Yang Yang's growing confidence and skill.
Just two minutes later, Yang Yang again played a pivotal role. He combined with Maicon on the right, and the Brazilian full-back's cross into the box was met by Sneijder, who found Vermaelen once more. The Belgian defender headed in his second goal of the match, marking the first brace of his career and pushing the score to 4-0.
Ajax weren't finished yet. Only four minutes later, Galásek pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the penalty area and rifled a powerful shot past the De Graafschap goalkeeper, sealing a comprehensive 5-0 win for Ajax.
The victory was a dominant statement by Ajax, and the team seemed to find their stride after a slow start. Yang Yang's performance, in particular, stood out. His goal and involvement in two others cemented his place as one of Ajax's most important players this season.
Elsewhere in the Eredivisie, there was a significant shakeup in the standings. Feyenoord suffered a shocking 1-2 defeat at home to Groningen, while PSV Eindhoven and AZ Alkmaar both secured comfortable wins. As a result, the top three in the league table changed, with Eindhoven leading the pack, Alkmaar moving into second place, and Feyenoord dropping to third. Ajax, despite their impressive victory, remained in fourth place, but their recent form was generating optimism within the club and among the fans.
Yang Yang's consecutive goals also lifted him further up the Eredivisie scoring charts. With seven goals, he was now tied for fifth place alongside Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink of PSV Eindhoven. His rising tally and consistent performances were turning him into one of the league's standout attackers.
However, there was little time to dwell on the victory, as Ajax's next challenge loomed on the horizon. Three days after their crushing win against De Graafschap, Ajax would travel to Turin, Italy, for a crucial Champions League group stage match against Juventus at the Stadio delle Alpi. The Italian giants, led by Fabio Capello, posed a formidable test, and Ajax would need to be at their best if they hoped to secure a result against one of Europe's elite.