Ajax close to Europa League spot after scoring four in Poland
Ajax took a massive stride towards a place in the main stage of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday as they beat reigning Poland champions Jagiellonia Bialystok 1-4 in Poland in the first leg of the play off round. Chuba Akpom scored a hat trick, and Mika Godts scored the other goal. Ajax even missed a penalty to make it 1-5.
The Dutch Football Association the KNVB had given the Amsterdammers this weekend off, with no match in the Eredivisie planned, to help the club prepare for the second leg next Thursday in Amsterdam. But it does not look like they will need it, as they now go to Amsterdam with a three-goal lead.
Ajax manager Francesco Farioli chose Chuba Akpom above Brian Brobbey for the striker position. Brobbey had played in the 2-1 loss against NAC Breda last Sunday.
The Amsterdammers made the worst possible start, going a goal down within five minutes. A corner was taken short and knocked into the box by Carlos Forbes of Ajax, straight to Miki Villar. Remko Pasveer saved his shot before it was headed into the empty goal by Adrien Diéguez.
The Polish team’s lead did not last long. A great pass from Steven Berghuis was side-footed into the near post by Akpom in the ninth minute.
Ajax went into halftime with a 2-1 lead after scoring their second goal of the match in the 28th minute. Devyne Rensch chipped a cross to the far post to Mika Godts, who could not miss with his header.
It was 3-1 after an hour played. A poor giveaway resulted in Kenneth Taylor shooting from the edge of the area. His shot was saved before the rebound was scored by Akpom.
Akpom completed his third hat trick of his career in the 78th minute when Ajax was awarded a penalty. The English striker took the penalty and calmly sent the keeper the wrong way.
Farioli’s side should have left with a four-goal lead rather than just a three-goal lead. Substitute Anton Gaaei was tripped up, which led to Ajax being awarded their second penalty for the match. Young winger Godts took it and saw his effort easily saved by Sławomir Abramowicz.
Ajax will qualify for the newly revamped league phase of the UEFA Europa League this season if they win, draw, or lose by less than three goals difference next week in Amsterdam.
