- Ajax advanced to the Europa League Round of 16 despite a 2-1 extra-time defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise, progressing 3-2 on aggregate
- The Dutch side played with ten men from the 25th minute after Davy Klaassen’s red card for a handball on the goal line
- Kenneth Taylor scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in extra time, securing Ajax’s qualification
Key Takeaways:
Ajax secured a dramatic qualification for the Europa League Round of 16 despite a 2-1 extra-time defeat to Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in the second leg of their playoff tie. The Amsterdam club progressed with a 3-2 aggregate score, overcoming a tough challenge after playing more than 90 minutes with ten men. Referee Chris Kavanagh issued 13 yellow cards and one red in a tense cross-border clash at the Johan Cruyff Arena, where Ajax held firm under pressure. Their next opponent will be either Eintracht Frankfurt or Lyon.
Against all odds 😉#UEL #ajausg
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) February 20, 2025
Ajax endured a disastrous first half, quickly losing the advantage gained from their 2-0 first-leg victory. Union Saint-Gilloise opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Kevin Mac Allister headed in a well-placed free-kick from Sofiane Boufal. Just ten minutes later, Davy Klaassen handled a goal-bound shot from Ousseynou Niang, leading to a straight red card and a penalty. Promes David converted from the spot in the 28th minute, leveling the aggregate score at 2-2.
Neither team found a breakthrough in the second half, forcing the match into extra time. Ajax earned a penalty early in the additional period when a shot from Traoré struck the arm of Christian Burgess. Substitute Kenneth Taylor converted the spot-kick in the 93rd minute to put Ajax ahead in the tie. The Dutch side then defended resolutely, with Taylor even clearing a late effort off the goal line to preserve their aggregate lead.
Despite Union Saint-Gilloise’s late pressure, Ajax held on to secure a place in the Round of 16, sending their fans into celebration.