Ajax’s Fairytale Champions League run continued with an edgy 1-0 away win against Tottenham Hotspur in their Champions League semi final tie played on Tuesday night. After ousting defending champions Real Madrid and later Cristiano Ronald’s Juventus, the Dutch masters once again proved their mettle in London.
The opening exchanges saw Ajax control lots of the possession with Spurs seemingly happy to sit back and absorb pressure. Ajax did make their early dominance count with only 15 minutes played after Ziyech split the Spurs defence with a fantastic pass to Van Der Beek who made no mistakes having only Lloris to beat.
Pochettino changed his system following Vertonghen’s early substitution owing to an injury. Moussa Sissoko came on and pushed the home team forward with his energy. A few chances fell their way with Toby Alderweireld’s header from a Trippier free kick the closest they got. Half time found the away side leading by a goal to nothing.
The second half saw the initiative change with Mauricio Pochettino’s side dictating proceedings but unable to find the breakthrough. As the game progressed Spurs fatigue showed with the likes of Eriksen and Delle Alli making simple mistakes during key attacking moments.
With the home team pushing men forward, zeyech hit the post for Ajax after a rapid Counter attacking move, much to the away side’s despair. Spurs huffed and puffed but could not find a way though a resolute Ajax defence meaning they have all to play for in the second leg next Wednesday.