THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME

Lerkendal was literally on fire the following evening.

By 6:00 PM, the overenthusiastic fans had long filled up all the seats in the stadium. They were already singing like a group of maniacs even when there was still an hour to kick-off. It was as if the entire place was experiencing an earthquake as their voices reverberated like thunder across the stadium. For sure, they were very excited and looking forward to that evening's Europa League game between Rosenborg and Fiorentina.

"Testing, one two... testing, one..."

Suddenly, another loud sound accompanied by some static cut across the din as the loudspeakers around the entire stadium came alive.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," the voice of Kjell Roar, the commentator for the day, sounded next as the cheers in the stadium reduced in volume. "Welcome to Lerkendal for today's highly-anticipated Europa League game between Rosenborg Ballklub and ACF Fiorentina."

"This is the Europa League's round of thirty-two stage. It's the knock-out phase where the two teams will face off against each other and decide the result after two legs. Then, the team with the highest aggregate score will qualify for the round of sixteen while the loser will have to go back home crying."

"If the two teams can't beat the other and only manage a tie even after the two legs, then the away goal rule will apply. The team that scores more goals away from home will win if the total goals scored by each team are otherwise equal. If even the away goal rule can't determine the winner, then the teams will play extra time and later on take penalties."

"Today evening, the Rosenborg players have to win the game and also prevent Fiorentina from scoring if they wish to qualify for the next round. Otherwise, they'll be in for a very tough battle when they head to Florence, Italy, next week for the second leg."

"Ladies and gentlemen," the commentator continued. "Seated with me here is Harald Bratbakk, who's a former Rosenborg player and our pundit for today's game. Harald! Welcome."

"Thank you, Kjell, and good evening everyone," the voice of Harald Bratbakk sounded, causing the cheers that had just died down to reverberate once again across the stadium.

"Well, Harald," Kjell Roar, the commentator, said. "What's your take on this stage of the Europa League? Do you see a possibility of our home team, Rosenborg, emerging as the victor after the two legs? Can we qualify for the round of sixteen for the first time in years?"

Harald Bratbakk chuckled. "If it's the same Rosenborg from last season, then we really do have a chance to qualify. As long as the Rosenborg players can immediately emulate their form from last season, then qualifying will no longer be a dream."

"Can you elaborate?"

"First," the pundit said, "There's Zachary, who was really quite impressive against Red Bull Salzburg, Standard Liège, and IF Elfsborg. He can easily break through opponents. He can provide incredible assists to his teammates. And as a plus, he's an incredible goal scorer who can hit the mark even when facing strong opponents. He's clearly the man to watch out for during this game. As long as he can play as usual and help his team score, then beating the Italian side is possible."

"Secondly, there's Rosenborg's new defense, which includes Mikael Dorsin, Yerry Mina, Eric Bailly, and Tore Reginiussen, who are all incredible players. Factor in Thomas Partey, the equally strong defensive-midfielder, then you have yourself quite a solid Rosenborg at the back. So, why can't Rosenborg emerge victorious after the two legs with such a defensive line-up?"

"That's a good analysis, Harald," Kjell Roar, the commentator, chipped in. "What about Fiorentina? How do you see them fairing against Rosenborg?"

"Of course, Fiorentina is the better side on paper and the favorite to win today's game," the pundit was quick to reply. "In their squad, they have impressive players like Stefan Savic, Marvin Compper, Juan Cuadrado, Anderson Oliveira, Ante Rebić, Federico Bernardeschi, Giuseppe Rossi, Mario Gómez, and Alessandro Matri. These are all incredible players who can do wonders with the ball, and in theory, they should be able to beat Rosenborg. However, that's just in theory. Football is a game of surprises. You can never be sure what will happen until the players are on the pitch."

"Thank you, Harald, for the analysis," Kjell Roar said. "The players of both teams have just started warming up on the pitch. But why is it that I can't seem to see Mike Jensen, Tobias Mikkelsen, and John Chibuike among the Rosenborg players warming up?"

"Maybe, they are injured," Harald said a bit hesitantly.

"That would be a blow for Rosenborg as the three of them were quite phenomenal players last season," Kjell said with an audible sigh. "Can a Rosenborg without those three players really win?"

"The good news is Zachary being among the players warming up," Harald said. "As long as he's in the squad, then even miracles are possible for Rosenborg."

"Let's hope so."

**** ****

*FWEEEEEEE*

At exactly 7:00 PM, the referee blew the whistle with zest, sending the stadium into an explosion of excited frenzy. Nicki Nielsen, Rosenborg's center forward, didn't dilly-dally in the slightest. He kicked off the game by passing the ball back into his midfield before running towards the other side of the pitch.

The highly-anticipated Europa League game between Rosenborg and Fiorentina had finally begun. The Rosenborg players immediately arrayed themselves into a more defensive type of a 4-3-3 formation while passing the ball around. On the other hand, the Fiorentina players shaped up into a 3-5-2 flat formation before pressing forward to close down Rosenborg's passing spaces. With both teams showing a high level of discipline during the first few minutes, the game soon evolved into a battle of wits in the middle of the field.

Whenever the three Rosenborg midfielders would receive the ball, the five Fiorentina midfielders would be upon them in a flash like a pack of wolves. With their tenacity, they would force the Rosenborg players to play quick passes forward, which, in most cases, wouldn't amount to anything.

On the other hand, when the Fiorentina midfielders were on the ball, they would pass it around slowly and steadily, making sure to stretch the entire Rosenborg squad before passing forward. On the whole, they were clearly a much better-organized midfield, which was already causing Rosenborg plenty of problems within the first fifteen minutes.

In particular, the three midfielders - Juan Cuadrado, Anderson Oliveira, and Borja Valero were really impressive whenever they were on the ball. Even Zachary, Rosenborg's star midfielder, could do nothing about their fluid passing football. That was because they would not panic even when closed down and would always release the ball quickly to their teammates to keep Fiorentina's game flowing.

In that way, the game gradually tilted towards Fiorentina's favor as the minutes flashed by. Slowly, the guys from Italy built up their momentum with a steadfastness typical of the players of an experienced European side.

"Tiki, taka, Tiki, taka..."

Passes were flowing like water as the Fiorentina players chipped away at Rosenborg's defense. They were like a well-oiled machine as they dictated the game's tempo while occasionally unleashing lethal passes into the box with an unhurried consistency.

With the momentum obviously on their side, they soon got their first clear chance on goal in the 21st minute. After receiving a well-timed through pass, Juan Cuadrado, Fiorentina's right-winger, made an excellent run on the right flank. He raced across the touchline like a bullet train on the rails before sending a teasing cross towards Rosenborg's box.

The cross was on point and managed to draw a clear parabola over the heads of several Rosenborg defenders before descending into the box. What followed was a tense moment for Rosenborg's defense as Alessandro Matri, one of Fiorentina's forwards, outjumped the center-backs to meet the incoming cross.

Alessandro Matri was a sharp striker, especially when finishing with headers. He could hardly miss in the air, and that time was no different. With natural movements akin to those of a ballet dancer, he angled his entire body slightly before planting a bullet of a header towards the goal from around the penalty spot.

SILENCE!!

The cheers died down as the ball zoomed towards the inside of the right post. And soon, it flashed past the outstretched hands of the keeper before homing into the back of the net.

GOAL!!

Fiorentina had managed to draw first blood in the 22nd minute. The Italian side had managed to score first and at the same time obtain a crucial away goal in the Europa League's round of thirty-two fixture. They'd obviously taken their first firm steps towards qualifying for the next round of the tournament.

"Damn!"

Coach Johansen could only place his hands at the back of his head as he watched the Fiorentina players celebrating the goal within their technical area. He was at his wit's end as the Italian team had clearly outsmarted him in all areas of the field. They'd even isolated Zachary, his star player, through double-teaming tactics and prevented him from receiving the ball from his teammates. With such a pivotal player contained, Rosenborg's whole offense had crumbled and failed to sustain any pressure on the Italian side. The final result was Fiorentina settling into their game and then scoring the opening goal.