AMSTERDAM, 2019, DECEMBER 10 – AFC Ajax‘s youngsters had already secured their spot in the next round of the UEFA Youth League, but a 1-1 draw with Valencia CF was enough to see them finish top of their group.
Ajax dominated the early stages, with Enric Llansana and Kenneth Taylor both testing Valencia goalkeeper Joaquín Blázquez, who made crucial saves. Damian Dostanić later came close with a header, but Blázquez was once again up to the task, denying Ajax the opener.
After the break, Ajax continued to press, but it was Valencia who struck first. José Lechon found the back of the net with the Spanish side’s first real opportunity, slotting the ball past Calvin Raatsie after a low cross to make it 1-0.
Ajax pushed for an immediate response, but Valencia’s defense held firm. Eventually, Youri Regeer, who had scored three goals in the reverse fixture, came through again. After a Terrence Douglas shot was saved, Regeer pounced on the rebound to level the score at 1-1.
Despite the equaliser, Ajax remained on the front foot, pushing for a winner. Douglas had a golden chance to make it 2-1 but missed from close range, and Christian Rasmussen‘s goal was ruled out for offside. In the end, Ajax had to settle for a 1-1 draw, but it was enough to see them finish as group leaders.
GOALS:
Youri Regeer (69’); José Lechon (50′)
VALENCIA CF U-19
1. Calvin Raatsie, 5. Anass Salah-Eddine, 4. Nordin Musampa, 3. Neraysho Kasanwirjo (16. Donny Warmerdam 59′), 2. Steven van der Sloot, 8. Kenneth Taylor (15. Terrence Douglas 53′), 10. Youri Regeer, 6. Enric Llansana, 11. Naci Ünüvar, 9. Damjan Dostanić (19. Jaymillio Pinas 77′), 7. Joshua Pynadath (17. Christian Rasmussen 77′)
Unused Substitutes: 12. Daan Reiziger, 20. Filip Frei, 18. Kian Fitz-Jim
VALENCIA CF U-19
1. Joaquín Blázquez, 2. Xavi Estacio (12. Brais Val Alonso 88′), 4. Guillem Molina, 5. Jairo Sierra (18. José Menargues 88′), 3. David Ruiz Montero, 7. Yunus Musah (17. Fran Pérez 70′), 8. Koba Koindredi, 6. Gaston Kappes (14. Carles Aliberch Pallares 78′), 11. Ignacio Muñoz Garre (16. Noha Ndombasi Nlandu 70′), 9. Jordi Escobar, 10. José Lechon
Unused Substitutes: 13. Charlie Pérez, 15. Adria Miquel Bosch Sanchis
STADIUM: De Toekomst