While Ajax turned in an underwhelming performance during their first leg clash with Cypriot underdogs Apoel Nicosia, they did well to restore faith in their side by winning the second leg 2-0 in front of a relieved crowd at the Johan Cruyff Arena. This win sees them progress to the Champions League group stage.
From the kick-off, the Eredivisie champions were the dominant side. They dominated ball possession and were quick to string together a series of rapid scoring opportunities from early on.
While Apoel did well to keep a clean sheet for as long as they did, they eventually could not hold back the Dutch attack any longer, as Edson Alvarez put the home side in the lead with a stunning 43rd-minute header.
What followed in the second half was further Ajax domination, with Erik ten Hag’s side doubling their lead in the 80th minute through a thunderous Dusan Tadic strike.
Ajax manager Erik ten Hag had this to say following the victory: “We had total control and dominated, although the difference was one goal for a long time. That made it very difficult. I have to make a big compliment to the team. We were very good from an organizational point of view and were focused and disciplined. Fortunately, the 2-0 went down in the end.”
