Dusan Tadic excels and Matthijs de Ligt shows a weakness in Ajax ratings versus Real Madrid

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  • Marco Asensio rose from the substitutes’ bench to give clinical Champions League holders Real Madrid a hard-earned 2-1 away win at lively Ajax in their round-of-16 opener.

    The Eredivisie giants burst out the blocks, but Argentina left-back Nicolas Tagliafico was denied a first-half header because of the video-assistant referee. An offside Dusan Tadic, critically, impeded Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

    Los Blancos made the most of this let off on the hour mark when ex-France striker Karim Benzema blasted into the roof of the net from Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior’s pass. Ajax remained undaunted, however, and lively Morocco attacking midfielder Hakim Ziyech soon converted David Neres’ cross.

    A stalemate seemed likely until a sweeping Madrid counter-attack allowed right-back Dani Carvajal to produce a perfect centre for fellow Spain international Asensio to prod home at the back post.

    AJAX (4-2-3-1)

    Andre Onana 7 – The ex-Barcelona youth product made sharp stops from Vinicius, Bale and Benzema.

    Noussair Mazraoui 5 – Beacon of positivity in first half. But left for dead by Vinicius for the opener.

    Matthijs de Ligt 5 – Twice left dazzled by Vinicius. Scouts would have noted lack of agility, even though he is quick.

    Daley Blind 6 – Largely asked to build from the back, more than actual defending. This suited ex-Manchester United star.

    Nicolas Tagliafico 7 – Thought he’d opened the scoring with a header, only for VAR to intervene. Did well versus Bale.

    Lasse Schone 7 – Sat deeper and allowed his younger team-mates to exert a gripping press. Measured player.

    Frenkie de Jong 6 – Haywire tactics demanded that Barca-bound midfielder performed a deferential role. Mature.

    Hakim Ziyech 7 – Morocco playmaker was fired up. Expertly shut down by Courtois. Lovely connection for first UCL goal.

    Donny van de Beek 7 – Justified Bayern Munich links. Put pressure on, in midfield and attack. One cute pass for Neres.

    David Neres 6 – Least impactful part of the Ajax attack, prior to teeing up Ziyech for leveller. Didn’t give up.

    Dusan Tadic 8 – Offside for Tagliafico ‘goal’. Ceaseless skipper played key tactical role. First-half shot rattled post.

    SUBSTITUTES

    Kasper Dolberg 5 – Slipped at critical juncture when he latched onto Tadic’s injury time throughball. Ajax needed that to go in. Still just one goal in 2019.

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