Ajax take advantage to Amsterdam

It was boys vs men – and it’s the boys who came out on top.

The Dutch side displayed the dazzling football that we’ve all come to admire, and deservedly take a one goal lead back to Johan Cruyff Arena. Meanwhile, Spurs looked toothless up front with their talisman, Harry Kane (below).

After suffering a defeat to West Ham on Saturday, Spurs were looking to bounce back in their first ever Champions League semi-final first-leg against Ajax.

There were a few battles within the war as Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez and Christian Eriksen all lined up against their former club.

Ajax’s youthful side showed no fear or sign of nerves – they dominated the opening exchanges.

The Dutch side inevitably took the lead and scored that crucial away goal after 15 minutes, with Donny van de Beek capping off an excellently worked move. A fine demonstration of the ‘Total Football’ Ajax are capable of.

It took Spurs 25 minutes to create their first real opening – a whipped free-kick into the box met the head of quarter-final hero Fernando Llorente, but his header drifted wide. Nevertheless, it indicated that Spurs carried a direct threat through the Spaniard.

Toby Alderweireld and Moussa Sissoko both had decent chances to pull Spurs level at the end of the first half, but the Dutch side went into the break 1-0 up.

Spurs started the second half in better vein but continued to struggle to create that clear-cut chance. They could only muster one shot on target in the 90 minutes.

At the other end, David Neres nearly doubled Ajax’s advantage as he hit the post with about 12 minutes to go. Big chance indeed.

Ajax saw out the rest of the game with relative ease, and now take an advantage back to Holland. 

Ajax are 11/4 to win their fifth Champions League this season, while Spurs are 9/1 to lift the Champions League for the first time in their history. 

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