Ajax keeps European football dreams alive with victory over Groningen

Ajax kept hope alive and could enter European football next season following a 2-0 victory over FC Groningen. The Eredivisie's fifth-placed team will face the final of the Conference League preliminary rounds play-offs on Sunday.

At that time, the Amsterdammers can prevent hold on to a chance to qualify for European football by defeating the winner of FC Utrecht - sc Heerenveen. Otherwise, Ajax would miss out on a European competition for the first time since 1965

Ajax kicked off the playoff semi-final on Thursday evening in a sold-out Kras Stadion. Coach Óscar García's team had to relocate to Volendam because the Johan Cruijff ArenA was occupied for a concert series by British singer Harry Styles.

The visiting fans from Groningen were initially not welcome at the match, but at the insistence of the KNVB, 400 supporters were allowed inside. Thanks in part to the deployment of dozens of police officers, the match proceeded without incident.

Ajax had to do without injured players Josip Sutalo and Ko Itakura, but after 90 minutes they were the better team. García's side created several chances in the first half, while FC Groningen had no major scoring opportunities. After 15 minutes of play, a goal by Mika Godts was disallowed for being offsides.

Ten minutes later, Ajax did find the back of the net. Captain Davy Klaassen headed home a cross by Godts. Three minutes before half-time, Wout Weghorst was caught offside when he thought he could make it 2-0 for Ajax.

The Amsterdammers went in search of a second goal in the second half. And it came in the 57th minute, when Jorthy Mokio made it 2-0. The midfielder scored from distance.

A goal by Groningen substitute Brynjólfur Andersen Willumsson in the 68th minute was disallowed for offsides. Then, with four minutes left to play, Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Paes prevented a Groningen goal by saving a shot from Willumsson.

For FC Groningen – the number 9 in the Eredivisie – the season is now over. If Ajax qualifies for the preliminary rounds of the Conference League on Sunday, this season will not be a total loss. According to García, the club will remain in contention for a European trophy next season.

The last time Ajax won a European club tournament was in 1995 when the Amsterdam club defeated AC Milan in the Champions League final. At that time, the Conference League did not yet exist.