This high-class Ajax Amsterdam team is technically-proficient and entertaining; a worthy symbol of the Total Football that they created. In place of Matthijs de Ligt now sits Perr Schuurs; a 21 year-old who is almost like-for-like with the current Juventus defender. In place of Hakim Ziyech on the right-wing is now Antony; a 20 year-old Brazilian who looks just as good with his confidence & verve. In place of the highly-touted Frankie de Jong is now an equally well-regarded Ryan Gravenberch; an 18 year-old young star-in-the-making who is now making waves all across Europe. And in place of the recently-departed Donny van de Beek now sits Davy Klaassen; a former Ajax captain who lost his way while at Everton but is now back in his comfort zone.
And there are still the stars remaining such as False Nine-supreme Dusan Tadic; left-winger David Neres; star left-back Nicolas Tagliafico and rampaging right-back Noussair Mazraoui.
Just like the earlier encounter at Johan Cryuff Arena; this was a pretty tight game; and it was in the end decided by a mistake from Ajax's usually-reliable goalkeeper Andre Onana; who misjudged the flight of a Neco WIlliams cross; allowing fellow Academy graduate Curtis Jones to tap home at the far post.
Both teams had further chances to score; but Caoimhin Kelleher; making his Champions League debut; saved brilliantly from Mazraoui & substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to preserve the scoreline. Onana also made amends for this mistake; saving well from substitute Roberto Firmino's shot late on.
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