Amsterdam
February 14 - March 5, 2018
The return from Madrid was triumphant. Dutch media praised Ajax's courage, Andrei's goal was replayed endlessly, and suddenly, genuinely, people believed elimination of Real Madrid was possible.
But Bosz kept everyone grounded. "One match. We've played one of two. Nothing is decided."
The three weeks between the Madrid legs were the most intense of the season. Every training session had purpose, every match was preparation for March 6th.
Eredivisie Schedule:
February 18: Ajax 3-1 Excelsior Rotterdam
Andrei: 1 goal, 1 assist
Rating: 8.2/10
February 25: FC Utrecht 1-2 Ajax
Andrei: Match-winning goal (89th minute)
Rating: 8.7/10
Another late winner in title race
March 3: Ajax 4-0 ADO Den Haag
Andrei: Rested (saved for Madrid)
Ajax cruised without him
Updated Eredivisie Standings (After 26 matches):
Ajax - 65 points (+68 GD)
PSV Eindhoven - 62 points (+59 GD)
AZ Alkmaar - 52 points
Three points separated first and second with eight matches remaining. The title race was going to the wire.
But the Real Madrid second leg dominated everything. Training sessions focused on specific scenarios: protecting a lead, coming from behind, handling Madrid's inevitable pressure.
"They'll attack from the start," Bosz predicted. "The Bernabéu is watching, their pride is hurt. We must weather the first twenty minutes, then create our chances."
Personal Life - Wedding Planning
Despite the Madrid intensity, Andrei and Elena began wedding planning. They decided on a summer ceremony—August 2018, after the season, before pre-season training started.
"Small wedding," Elena insisted. "Just family and close friends. No media circus."
"Agreed. This is about us, not public consumption."
They chose a venue—a beautiful estate outside Amsterdam with gardens overlooking a lake. Capacity for 60-70 guests maximum. Intimate, elegant, meaningful.
Ana flew to Amsterdam to help plan, bonding with Elena's mother over details. The two families were merging seamlessly, united by love for the young couple.
"Your father would want a traditional Romanian ceremony," Ana said during planning. "The customs, the dances, the songs."
"We'll incorporate Romanian traditions," Andrei promised. "But also Dutch elements—Elena's culture matters too."
The wedding became their refuge from football pressure. Planning seating charts and choosing flowers was oddly calming compared to preparing for Real Madrid.
"Are you nervous about the match?" Elena's mother asked Andrei one evening.
"Terrified. Madrid will come at us with everything."
"But you've already proven you can compete with them. The first goal is the hardest—you've already scored it."
She was right. The mystery was gone. Ajax knew they could hurt Madrid. The question was whether theycould do it consistently for ninety minutes at home.
Physical and Mental Preparation
Ajax's medical and sports science team monitored Andrei meticulously. The accumulated fatigue of a long season, combined with the emotional intensity of the Madrid tie, created genuine burnout risk.
"Your heart rate variability is lower than ideal," the team doctor told him during a routine check. "Your body is tired, even if your mind doesn't feel it."
"I need to play against Madrid."
"And you will. But we're managing your training load carefully. Quality over quantity this week."
They reduced his training intensity—more tactical work, less physical exertion. Massage therapy, ice baths, extra sleep. Everything optimized for peak performance on March 6th.
Current Status (Pre-Madrid Second Leg):
Overall Rating: 81.0/99
Physical Condition: 88% (managed fatigue)
Mental State: Focused but anxious
Composure: 65.6/99
Form: Excellent (5 goals in last 6 matches)
Elena helped manage his mental state. On the evening of March 5th, the day before the match, she enforced a strict routine: no football talk, no tactical analysis, just normalcy.
They cooked dinner together—traditional Romanian mămăligă with sarmale that his mother had taught Elena to make. They watched a movie (a comedy, deliberately light). They went to bed early, holding each other in the darkness.
"Whatever happens tomorrow," Elena whispered, "I'm proud of you. You've already achieved more than most players dream of."
"I want to win. I want to eliminate Real Madrid."
"I know. But even if you don't—you scored at the Bernabéu at nineteen. That's forever. Nobody can take that away."
Her words settled something in him. She was right—he'd already made history. Tomorrow was just another match, another opportunity.
Sleep came easier than expected.