Leeds United beat Ajax 4-3 away from home!
This match quickly sparked heated discussion around the world, not only because of the number of goals, but also because the game was incredibly exciting.
More importantly, both teams were made up mostly of young players, and both performed exceptionally well.
Ajax players such as Van de Beek, Ziyech, Neres, Frenkie de Jong, Tagliafico, and Mazraoui all delivered outstanding performances.
Leeds United, needless to say, also played brilliantly.
Mbappe scored twice, while Vardy, Dembele, Bernardo Silva, and others were all in fine form. De Ligt even scored the decisive goal against his former club.
The players' energy and talent have injected fresh vitality into European football.
Everyone now realizes that the hottest young talents in Europe are concentrated in these two teams.
Take Mbappe for example.
The 20-year-old forward is currently leading both the Premier League and Champions League scoring charts, shocking media and fans worldwide.
It's worth noting that the youngest Golden Boot winner in Champions League history was Inter Milan legend Mazzola, who won it at 21. Among modern stars, Cristiano Ronaldo won it at 23, Messi at 22.
Mbappe is only 20 and already leading the race for the Golden Boot. He has a real chance to break records.
The media and fans across the world are full of anticipation.
French newspaper L'Équipe published an article stating that Mbappe has made rapid progress this season.
"Leeds United created a tailored training program for him, including physical development sessions. His stamina has clearly improved, and his footwork and movement frequency have also increased, making him far more dangerous on the pitch."
"But the most surprising thing is his shooting."
L'Équipe noted that although Mbappe had performed well in the past, his shooting was inconsistent and his efficiency was not high.
This season, with focused technical training, his finishing has improved dramatically.
The newspaper also cited a previous interview with Mbappe, suggesting that Leeds United's detailed and structured training methods were crucial in his breakthrough.
Last summer, many were puzzled as to why he stayed at Leeds during the World Cup, but L'Équipe now states, "We have to admit, it was a very wise decision."
"This season has seen Mbappe evolve from a promising youngster into a superstar. He has become one of the most lethal attacking weapons in European football and a core figure in Leeds United's success in both the Champions League and Premier League."
L'Équipe also revealed that several top clubs are closely following Mbappe, including Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga, and Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1.
According to British media, Leeds United have placed a €250 million price tag on Mbappe, a fee that would break Neymar's world record and become the highest transfer fee in history.
The valuation is high, but considering his performances this season and the fact that he's only 20, no one doubts that he's worth every cent.
...And whoever finalizes the deal will make headlines around the world.
...
Leeds United's 4-3 win away to Ajax has largely removed the suspense from the two-legged tie.
Of course, based on both teams' performances in the first leg, Ajax are not weak. It's entirely possible for them to overturn the result at the Amazon Stadium and complete a comeback against Leeds.
At the post-match press conference, head coach Pochettino said that if the team wants to reach the semi-finals, they will have to give their all at home and perform even better than they did in Amsterdam.
Dutch youngster De Ligt, who scored the winning goal against his former team, received a wave of praise after the match. In an interview with Dutch media, he expressed his gratitude to Ajax but stated that he now belongs to Leeds.
"I'll always be an Ajax fan. But unfortunately, this is the Champions League knockout stage, and I have to give my all for Leeds United."
He also spoke about the changes he experienced moving from the Netherlands to the Premier League, saying that Leeds United's youth development system is quite different from Ajax's.
"What exactly are the differences?"
"It's hard to explain. At the AXA Centre in Leeds, we work with scientists every day. Some are from Oxford, Cambridge, or Leeds University. They're all professionals in their respective fields."
He shared a specific example. He isn't from Amsterdam, but from a small town called Leeddorf, a suburb of Leeddon near The Hague, over 50 kilometers from Amsterdam. Commuting to the Ajax training ground was inconvenient.
During his youth years at Ajax, he considered moving closer, but the club didn't offer any good housing arrangements.
At Leeds, it's different.
"There's a dedicated relocation department. After you sign, the staff reach out in advance to prepare everything for you. They even help with your daily life and are very friendly."
De Ligt believes this is something Ajax could improve on.
Football-wise, while he's grateful to Ajax for giving him a foundation, it's at Leeds that he's made the biggest progress. At his current age, he's now a regular starter in both the Premier League and Champions League, something unimaginable before.
Thanks to his standout performances this season, top clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, Chelsea, Bayern, Juventus, and PSG have all shown interest in signing him.
But De Ligt said he hasn't thought about the future yet.
"I just want to help Leeds achieve better results in the Premier League and Champions League."
With his rising value now exceeding €80 million, he is becoming another star centre-back developed by Leeds United.
...
As Leeds United sits top of the Premier League and continues their excellent run in the Champions League, the players' hunger for success continues to grow.
...After Gao Shen took over as Real Madrid's technical director, Spanish media revealed that the club had prepared over €500 million to sign several Leeds players in a major youth recruitment plan.
His appearance at the Bernabéu and the interview after Real Madrid's win over Athletic Bilbao all confirmed one thing: Gao Shen is getting closer and closer to Real Madrid.
But just after Leeds United's 4-3 win over Ajax, The Sun broke an even bigger story.
Gao Shen would also be taking over Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1.
This news sent shockwaves across European football.
Just days ago, reports emerged that he was joining Real Madrid as technical director. Now, suddenly, he's also heading to Paris?
Which story is true?
L'Équipe quickly followed up, citing insider sources at PSG, stating that Gao Shen would be serving as technical director for both Real Madrid and PSG simultaneously, a first in European football.
"Previous statements from FIFA and UEFA have already confirmed that they will not interfere with club personnel matters. Their focus is on fair competition between clubs."
According to L'Équipe, "Originally, Paris didn't want Gao Shen to work for two top clubs at the same time, but since he signed with Real Madrid first and persuaded PSG's board, they finally accepted the plan."
"Gao Shen will assemble teams in both Madrid and Paris, working for two of Europe's elite clubs, something never seen before."
L'Équipe also revealed that Gao Shen had a special mission at PSG: to "Frenchify" the dressing room.
"This has very strong and specific significance for PSG's management," the article stated.
It's been mentioned that the French government and football association were instrumental in Qatar's successful World Cup bid. PSG's participation in Ligue 1 is seen as a way to give back and help rejuvenate the domestic league.
Both the government and FA want more French stars to remain in the country, and PSG is the ideal platform. Gao Shen's appointment comes with that mission.
Players like Mbappe, Dembele, Griezmann, Pogba, Varane, and Giroud are all within PSG's potential selection pool.
"More importantly, as the best manager in world football, Gao Shen is also known as the best team builder. PSG hopes that with his arrival, the club can finally undergo reform, restore order, and become a true European powerhouse."
The paper noted that despite massive spending in recent years, PSG's competitiveness has not grown significantly.
Club management believes Gao Shen's arrival marks the beginning of a new era.
...
As more media reports emerge, coupled with the momentum built by Real Madrid and strong support from L'Équipe and France Football, the news of Gao Shen joining both clubs is gradually being confirmed.
Fans, however, are more concerned about whether he can manage two teams at once.
Another major question is whether his arrival will disrupt the current squad hierarchy.
For instance, will Neymar, who has been trying to leave, finally depart?
After clashes with Leonardo and Andro Henrique, can Tuchel still remain in charge?
A new king brings a new court.
No one knows what kind of storm Gao Shen will stir up after arriving in Paris.
But Gao Shen himself doesn't need to worry about external matters. Real Madrid and PSG have already hired the best PR firms in Europe to handle all communications. He just needs to cooperate.
What he is really concerned about is the workload for the new season. This includes not only player recruitment, but also a full range of support operations.
In war, logistics is everything.
To his complete surprise, on the day he arrived in Paris, an uninvited guest showed up.
(To be continued.)