VideoAfter three group matches, Ajax is in the eighth finals of the Champions League with one leg. That is the result of a real masterclass in the first meeting with Borussia Dortmund: 4-0.
Sports editor
Latest update:
00:21
By Johan Inan
After two months in which Ajax raced against less fortunate teams in the national and European competition, the first major showdown in the Royal Class had to answer the question of what the national champion is actually capable of. The answer after the first of three exams this month: a lot. A lot.
Not yet based on the hesitant opening phase, but on the masterclass that followed. The starting shot for this was given in the tenth minute, when the released Antony, after the first good Ajax attack, failed to place the quickly moved ball past Dortmund goalie Gregor Kobel. Moments later, the Swiss prevented Daley Blind from giving Ajax the lead in the short corner with his other leg after he had let two opponents spin.
Crown of Reus
The excited audience in the steaming and smoking Johan Cruijff Arena did not have to wait long. A few seconds later, Dusan Tadic reported for a free kick, which he curled into the far corner with the help of Marco Reus’s crown. Ajax took the lead and more than that, because suddenly the Germans became acquainted with the ‘oiled attack machine’ about which trainer Marco Rose spoke on Monday. The goal gave Ajax confidence and wings, witness the speed, the delights and the overlaps with which Ajax let the ball circulate faster and faster.
For example, after 25 minutes of play, when Daley Blind (heading) and Sébastien Haller (chest and foot) set up a one-two, which was rammed in by the left back through the inside of the post: 2-0. And then the most beautiful attack was yet to follow, when Antony scooped the ball through to the steamed-up Mazraoui in one go. The right back drew low, after which Steven Berghuis gave Haller the chance to make the 3-0 with a pat behind his standing leg – in vain.
Rescue Pasveer
That fell after all when Ajax continued where it left off after the break, although Remko Pasveer prevented Haaland’s connection goal twice in between. The first time, on the stroke of half-time, with more luck than wisdom, but at the beginning of the second half he cleverly prevented the launched phenomenon from striking with a volley with his fingertips.
For example, after a fine performance in Friesland on Saturday, the experienced goalkeeper almost completely ended the craving for the doping sinner Andre Onana who is again eligible to play in two weeks’ time in part one of the diptych. Also because halfway through the second half, Pasveer prevented Haaland’s 22nd CL goal for the third time in his eighteenth game.
Latinos prove their worth
Then Antony had already definitely fished in the loot for Ajax. The late return of the Latinos did not stop them from proving their worth for Ajax for the umpteenth time. Lisandro Martinez as a rock in the surf, Edson Alvarez as tireless playmaker and balance guard and Antony as an absolute trendsetter. After an hour of play, he was released in the penalty area, after which he sent his opponent the wrong way with his hip and curled the ball into the far corner.
It remained at that 4-0, which means that after three group matches, Ajax has an insane goal difference of 11-1 and has to make it very difficult with nine points not to join the European elite in the eighth final after two years of absence after the winter. of the billion dollar.
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss a thing from the stars.
#Ajax #humiliates #Dortmund #dazzling #football #show #smell #knockout #phase