Terribly weak Ajax does not even make a goal attempt, but is through in Europe


Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 9:51 PM


Ajax qualified for the group stage of the Europa League in a very ugly way on Thursday. The team from Amsterdam had already won the first leg against Ludogorets with 1-4, but did not make it in the return in the Netherlands. The Bulgarians clearly came to Amsterdam without faith, but won the match 0-1. Typical for the evening: Ajax never shot on goal. To make matters worse, captain Steven Bergwijn sustained an injury, so that the left winger had to be replaced.

Ajax had to do without star player Mohammed Kudus for the first time, who was sold to West Ham United after his hat-trick in Razgrad. Carlos Forbs started on the right side of the attack, despite Maurice Steijn admitting beforehand that the Portuguese is better on the left. “There Steven Bergwijn is my number one,” said the coach. Steven Berghuis also excelled in his first match under Steijn last week, but was too ill to start on Thursday. The number 10 position at Ajax was filled by Kenneth Taylor. Former FC Groningen goalkeeper Sergio Padt was missing on Ludogorets’ side.

The first half did not yield any highlights. Ludogorets started in the Johan Cruijff ArenA visibly without faith in a super stunt, while Ajax’s field play was not to be seen. The team from Amsterdam maintained a slow pace and did not create any significant opportunities in the first half. That also applied to the Bulgarian opponent.

Steijn tried to get Ajax going with substitutions. Davy Klaassen was brought in at half-time, and Berghuis also made his entrance fifteen minutes later. It didn’t help Ajax. Shortly after bringing in Berghuis, Ludogorets scored 0-1. Ajax defender Jakov Medic released his man Matias Tissera, allowing Ludogorets’ striker to tap in a cross from the right. Jay Gorter initially saved, but Tissera simply tapped in the rebound. The only chance for Ajax in the entire match was for Medic, who headed wide from a free kick.