Ajax Dominate Besiktas in Europa League Opener
Amsterdam, Netherlands– Ajax kicked off their Europa League campaign with a resounding 4-0 victoryover Besiktas in a dominant performance at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Thursday evening.
Despite not being considered the favorites going into the match, Ajaxshowcased their attacking prowess from the outset. The Amsterdammers, who had struggled to a draw against Go Ahead Eagles in their previous domestic fixture, were a different beast altogetheragainst the Turkish side.
The first half saw a relentless Ajax press, with Kenneth Taylor narrowly missing an early chance. Mika Godts, who had replaced Wout Weghorst in the starting lineup, hit the post in the 17th minute, only to see the rebound fall to Kian Fitz-Jim, whose shot also struck the woodwork.
Fitz-Jim, however, wouldn’t be denied in the 31st minute. A poor goal kickby Besiktas goalkeeper Mert Gunok was intercepted, leading to a swift counter-attack. Taylor’s cross found Bertrand Traore, whose shot was blocked, but the ball fell kindly for Fitz-Jim, who tapped it home from close range.
The second half saw Ajax continue their dominance. Traore’sclever pass found Godts, who slotted the ball into the corner of the net in the 51st minute to double the lead. Traore himself came close to adding a third goal, but his shot struck the post.
However, Ajax didn’t have to wait long for their third goal. Taylor, with a powerfulstrike from the edge of the box, found the back of the net in the 56th minute, despite Godts being open for a pass.
The Amsterdammers continued to create chances, with Branco van den Boomen, who had come on as a substitute, missing a golden opportunity in the 66th minute.
The 4-0 victory was a statement of intent from Ajax, who showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. The win will give them a strong foundation as they look to progress further in the Europa League.
Key Takeaways:
- Ajax’s attacking threat was evident throughout the match, with severalplayers contributing to the goalscoring.
- The return of Brian Brobbey and Youri Baas added depth and experience to the Ajax lineup.
- Besiktas struggled to cope with Ajax’s intensity and were unable to mount a serious challenge.
Looking Ahead:
Ajax will be looking to buildon this impressive start to their Europa League campaign. Their next match will be against another Turkish side, Fenerbahçe, in Amsterdam on October 3rd.
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