Ajax have one foot in the final of the Champions League following a slender 1-0 win over Tottenham in London.
The effervescent young Amsterdam stars are aiming to emulate the youthful class of 1995 who beat AC Milan via a goal from 19-year-old Patrick Kluivert.
And it was one of their emerging stars who netted the all-important goal – Donny van de Beek adding to his burgeoning reputation with a finish of poise and precision.
An enthralling game from the off, Ajax tore into their shell-shocked opponents, who opted for an unconventional 3-5-2 formation in light of the absences of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
The visitors were playing more like the home team, relentlessly pressing and pinning back their hosts – and it was no surprise when they went ahead with a fine goal.
Hakim Ziyech started the move, spraying the ball wide to David Neres. When the ball was returned to the Moroccan he majestically played in Van de Beek who showed tremendous composure to slide his side ahead.
Tottenham were far more of a threat after the break but couldn’t create many clear-cut chances and it was the away side who had the clearest sight of goal with David Neres hitting the post.
This is how we rated the Dutch side:
🎙 De Ligt: ‘Uiteindelijk gaat het erom dat je de overwinning binnensleept, dat hebben we gedaan’ #UCL #totaja pic.twitter.com/4tcJ1jxmiz
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) 30 April 2019
AJAX (4-2-3-1)
Andre Onana 7: Quiet first half but was given a much tougher ride in the second. Commanded his area well and held on to everything that came his way.
Joel Veltman 7: Excellent challenge to halt Moura’s run. As Tagliafico likes to effect games going forward, he is so often solid and stoic – this was a prime example.
Matthijs de Ligt 7: So imperious in possession and commanding, you forget he’s only 19. Didn’t stand out but barely put a foot wrong either.
Daley Blind 8: Enjoying a new lease of life back at hometown club. Snapped into tackles and relished challenge of shackling Moura. Led Ajax with eight clearances.
Nicolas Tagliafico 7: Deserved yellow for scything down Eriksen. Bombed forward at every chance, flashing one effort just wide after the break.
Lasse Schone 6: Classy veteran stitched play nicely and looked to bring young team-mates into play. Ran himself into the ground.
Frenkie de Jong 7: Such a graceful player. Sat deep to spark attacks but also forayed forward. Made 36 of his 38 passes in first half alone, 65 in total was second highest.
Hakim Ziyech 8 Majestically pulled strings at No10 as Tottenham were tugged all over the place. Sparked move leading to goal with first pass pristine, second to Van de Beek was perfect.
Donny van de Beek 8: Calm finish belied his 22 years. Buzzed around the field and always looked bright. Doesn’t get hyped as much as others but a joy to watch.
David Neres 7: Tortured Trippier as Ajax exploited Spurs’ left flank ruthlessly. A menace. Could have killed the tie but mishit his shot onto the post.
Dusan Tadic 6: Quietly effective game, with team-high three key passes, as he allowed Van de Beek and Ziyech to shine. Roamed along front line with intent.
SUBS
Noussair Mazraoui 5: Brought on to replace Schone’s steel with silk, but struggled to make an impact.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar N/A: Veteran made a cameo to provide Ajax a target as they looked to protect their lead.
