The All-Around Center Forward

"Kaká is charging forward!!"

Kaká started sprinting down the flank, dribbling at high speed.

At the same time, Kaká kept an eye on Suker's movements.

Ajax had surrounded Suker tightly, with three defenders closing in from above and the left and right sides, forming a solid defensive line.

But Kaká still passed the ball toward Suker.

Suker suddenly planted his foot, raising both arms to fend off defenders on either side — protecting himself and maintaining distance.

With his right foot firmly grounded, an explosive power burst forth instantly, and his whole body surged upward.

"Damn it!"

Vermaelen saw Suker jump and desperately tried to collide with him to disrupt his balance.

Suker was pushed slightly off course, but with core strength supporting him and swinging his arms, he maintained a tilted posture and managed to make contact with the ball.

The ball fell toward the crossbar, likely to hit it, but Ajax's goalkeeper didn't dare to gamble. He jumped up and knocked the ball away from the crossbar.

"Suker!! He still got a header! Three defenders couldn't stop him!"

The Dutch commentator exclaimed.

Suker's goal-scoring power in the box seemed even stronger.

After landing, Suker quietly felt a bit disappointed.

Ajax fans at the stadium, after their initial gasps, patted their chests in relief.

If Suker had scored on that header, it would have been truly dangerous.

Suker began to retreat.

At this moment, all eyes were on him.

They feared Suker would score again and completely kill the game.

However, Milan quickly adjusted their tactics.

"Defend!"

"Defend!"

Tassotti shouted instructions from the sideline.

The match had reached the 65th minute, and now it was time to defend.

Although he wasn't Ancelotti, Tassotti had learned a lot — like what to do at which moment.

Ancelotti had left, but this team remained. Tassotti wasn't the type to disrupt an existing balance; he faithfully continued Ancelotti's style.

"Milan has started defending. They stabilized midfield and haven't made any substitutions yet. Obviously, Tassotti is waiting for Ajax to make the first substitutions, then respond accordingly. In this regard, Tassotti is a qualified coach."

Aldo Selerra said.

Tassotti wasn't particularly flashy but very steady.

He was like a turtle who preferred to avoid risky changes even if it meant making mistakes.

You could say Tassotti was a perfect transitional coach.

The match gradually came under AC Milan's control.

Ajax finally made substitutions at the 70th minute, bringing on two players to boost their attack.

Milan quickly adjusted.

They kept strengthening their defense.

Even holding a two-goal lead, Tassotti remained calm and steady.

Time was ticking away fast.

Suárez finally got a chance to attack. He repeatedly tried to break Milan's defense.

But facing the Italian chain-like defense gave him a real headache.

Still, chances would come.

At the 87th minute, Suárez received a pass on the right side of the box.

Facing the ball, he chose to chip the shot.

A stunning parabola, the ball targeted the left side of the goal, arching like a rainbow into the net.

"Luis Suárez! He's finally showing his power!"

"Very spectacular, a highly imaginative shot!"

After scoring, Suárez immediately grabbed the ball and ran toward the center circle, believing Ajax still had a chance.

But in the final moments, Milan made their last substitution.

Ambrosini came on and marked Suárez tightly.

This was like saying: One goal is enough, don't even think about another.

Suárez gradually lost his influence under Milan's man-marking defense.

Ajax's attacks also began to decline.

When the full-time whistle blew,

AC Milan won 2:1 away at Ajax, thanks to Suker's two goals.

"Let's congratulate AC Milan for their victory in the first leg of the Europa League round of 32!"

"In this match, Suker scored twice. His presence guaranteed Milan's goals."

"Since Suker's return, Milan has been reborn. We look forward to their performance in the upcoming matches!"

The match ended.

AC Milan 2:1 Ajax.

For many Ajax players, this was a blow.

Especially for Vertonghen and Vermaelen.

Though regarded as top defenders in the Netherlands, on the European stage — especially against a top striker like Suker — their abilities still fell short.

There's always someone better.

This game made them realize the gap.

Suárez realized the gap too.

Though Dutch media praised him highly and the Uruguayan prodigy was often complimented,

Suárez was a bit proud.

But this match shattered all his illusions about his own ability.

Suker's unparalleled impact gave him a huge wake-up call.

Suárez was only a year younger than Suker, yet he was still playing in the Eredivisie while Suker was world-renowned, with Champions League, European Championship, Serie A, Ballon d'Or, and World Footballer of the Year honors.

He knew he had a long way to go before becoming a true genius.

After the match, Suárez approached Suker.

"Looking forward to facing you again," Suárez said humbly, offering his jersey.

Suker took off his jersey and exchanged.

"Next time we meet, it will probably be on a bigger stage."

Suárez was stunned for a moment.

A bigger stage?

But he quickly understood.

"I'll be in the Champions League!"

Suker nodded and turned away, pulling away the proud Pato beside him.

Milan had won, beating Ajax.

Thanks to Suker's influence, the news spread moderately across Europe.

The Europa League's exposure and influence couldn't compare to the Champions League.

If it weren't for Suker, few would pay attention to this match.

Suárez had also made a small name for himself through this game.

Though comparatively, his performance was lacking next to Suker's.

But it was Suker, after all. And Suárez's chip shot was quite skillful.

By now, many clubs had started noticing this Uruguayan forward.

After the Europa League match, Milan returned to Italy.

Once the team landed, Suker received news from his agent Zorančic.

"Calderón has resigned!"

"So soon?"

Suker was surprised.

Normally, Calderón's term would last until the season's end.

But now, he was forced out early.

"Calderón's former secretary's revelations were too critical — confirming vote rigging with evidence. Plus, Calderón had many suspicious deals during his presidency at Real Madrid. Fans lost patience with him. Compared to being forced out, he chose to resign himself."

Zorančic sipped his hot milk and smiled.

"There's also good news: currently, only Florentino is running for Real Madrid's presidency."

Suker nodded, unsurprised.

After all, Florentino had a strong grip on the club.

"I suspect Florentino bribed Calderón's secretary!" Suker joked.

Zorančic said, "Exactly. That secretary still works at Real Madrid even after the revelations. You think that's without Florentino's influence?"

Suker asked, "So when will they start making moves?"

"Probably very soon."

Two days later, AC Milan's fax machine received a new offer.

A heavyweight offer!

Real Madrid officially offered for Suker.

Their first formal bid: €99 million!

Just one million short of crossing the €100 million mark.

The Milan staff member who saw the bid was stunned.

When the offer reached Milan's vice chairman Galliani, his expression was extremely complicated.