Victor Osimhen was on course for Galatasaray, however his late strike was not sufficient to forestall a 2-1 defeat to Ajax within the UEFA Europa League on Thursday evening on the Johan Cruijff Enviornment.
The outcome noticed Ajax safe a spot within the Europa League playoffs, leapfrogging the Turkish Tremendous Lig leaders within the remaining group standings. Galatasaray, regardless of the loss, additionally progressed to the subsequent spherical however noticed their spectacular 26-game unbeaten run come to an finish.
Ajax Take Management Early
Bertrand Traore put Ajax forward within the twenty third minute after reacting swiftly to a rebound from a Chuba Akpom shot that was initially saved by Galatasaray’s goalkeeper, Fernando Muslera. The Dutch aspect doubled their benefit 13 minutes into the second half when Kian Fitz-Jim completed off a fast counter-attack led by fullback Anton Gaael, who offered the help after Galatasaray didn’t clear their strains.
Osimhen’s Late Comfort
Nigerian worldwide Osimhen had earlier squandered three good alternatives earlier than lastly making amends in stoppage time. The striker confirmed his predatory instincts by reacting quickest contained in the six-yard field to fit house a comfort purpose for the guests.
Galatasaray, whose final defeat got here towards Swiss aspect Younger Boys within the Champions League preliminary spherical again in August, created a number of probabilities to protect their unbeaten streak however didn’t capitalise. Substitute Michy Batshuayi additionally missed a golden alternative to cut back the deficit earlier within the second half.
Ajax’s Tactical Edge
Ajax’s disciplined defensive show and scientific ending proved decisive on the evening. The match additionally noticed 41-year-old goalkeeper Remko Pasveer put on the captain’s armband as a substitute of standard skipper Jordan Henderson, resulting in hypothesis concerning the former England worldwide’s future on the membership.
With this outcome, Ajax completed the group stage in twelfth place, whereas Galatasaray settled for 14th. Each groups will now shift focus to the subsequent part of the competitors, with Galatasaray trying to bounce again shortly from this setback.
