AMSTERDAM, 2019, DECEMBER 10 – AFC Ajax’s dreams of another memorable UEFA Champions League campaign came to an end on Tuesday, as a 1-0 home defeat to Valencia CF knocked them out of the competition and sent the Spaniards into the last 16.
Rodrigo Moreno’s 24th-minute goal at the Johan Cruyff ArenA secured Valencia’s progression, topping Group H alongside Chelsea FC, who overcame Lille 2-1. Ajax, who famously reached the semi-finals last season with a youthful side, could not replicate that success this time.
Despite Gabriel Paulista being sent off in injury time, Ajax failed to find the equaliser they needed. Valencia not only progressed but also secured a favorable position for the knockout stage draw on 16 December in Nyon.
Valencia’s qualification seemed in doubt after missed opportunities against Chelsea in their previous 2-2 draw, but a victory over Ajax – who had defeated them 3-0 in October – was enough to send them through. Meanwhile, Ajax, who started the night leading the group by two points, only needed a draw to advance.
Valencia coach Albert Celades, once a player under Johan Cruyff, secured a crucial result in the stadium named after the legendary Dutchman. The win provides a significant morale boost for a Valencia side that has had a rocky start to their LaLiga campaign, currently sitting eighth.
Ajax remain top of the Eredivisie by three points, but after last season’s Champions League run, their European ambitions were high once again. Valencia, though, upset their plans with a counter-attacking strategy that caught Ajax off guard.
Rodrigo’s goal came against the run of play, with Ferrán Torres providing the assist. Rodrigo controlled the ball expertly before finishing with his right foot into the top of the net. Ajax’s best first-half chance came when Donny van de Beek lifted the ball over goalkeeper Jaume Domenech, only for José Gayà to clear off the line.
Ajax dominated the second half as Valencia sat back, but Hakim Ziyech missed a close-range opportunity, and 20-year-old Noa Lang fired over the bar. Elsewhere, Lille pulled a goal back against Chelsea, giving Ajax further hope, but they were almost undone by Valencia’s Daniel Wass, who nearly scored an own goal while attempting to clear the ball.
Ziyech had another shot saved before Gabriel’s red card left Valencia defending with 10 men for the final minutes. Despite the numerical advantage, Ajax couldn’t break through, and Valencia held on for the win.
Video highlights can be found here.
GOAL:
Rodrigo Moreno (24’)
AFC AJAX
André Onana, Daley Blind, Joël Veltman, Nicolás Tagliafico (Siem de Jong 89′), Noussair Mazraoui, Donny van de Beek, Lisandro Martínez, Edson Álvarez (Sergiño Dest 45′), Dusan Tadic, Noa Lang (Klaas-Jan Huntelaar 70′), Hakim Ziyech
Unused Substitutes: Perr Schuurs, Razvan Marin, Bruno Varela, Lassina Traoré
VALENCIA CF
Jaume Doménech, Mouctar Diakhaby, Gabriel Paulista, José Gayà, Daniel Wass, Dani Parejo, Francis Coquelin, Carlos Soler, Ferrán Torres (Eliaquim Mangala 90+5′), Rodrigo Moreno, Kevin Gameiro (Manu Vallejo 54′)
Unused Substitutes: Vicente Esquerdo, Jaume Costa, Thierry Correia, Gozalbez Gilabert, Cristian Rivero
STADIUM: Johan Cruyff ArenA (51,931)