Ajax’s good form in the Europa League continues with a 0-3 win against Qarabag
Ajax continued their good form in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday with a 0-3 victory over Qarabag in Azerbaijan. Wout Weghorst, Kenneth Taylor, and Chuba Akpom scored the goals for Francesco Farioli’s side, who now have seven points in their first three games in the competition.
The Amsterdam side had their share of luck as Qarabag ended the game with nine men due to two red cards. The first of which came in the 15th minute. They were also awarded a penalty. But all in all, the Amsterdammers were in control as their good recent form under Farioli continued.
Farioli went for Wout Weghorst in the striker position to start the match. He was chosen above Brian Brobbey for the position. Daniele Rugani replaced Youri Baas, who was suspended.
It was almost the worst possible start for the Amsterdammers when the home side had the ball in the net in the second minute. Patrick Andrade converted the chance with the outside of his foot after getting to the ball before Josip Sutalo, but the goal was disallowed for an offside in the build-up.
Ajax was given a boost in the 15th minute when Qarabag was reduced to ten men. Mika Godts did very well to win the ball off of Julio Romão, who responded by pulling the young Belgian winger off when he was the last defender. This is a red card offense, and he was sent off for the foul.
Qarabag played a lot more defensively because of the red card, but Ajax still managed to take the lead in the 36th minute. Kenneth Taylor won the ball in the midfield before continuing his run and converting from close range after Weghorst’s shot had deflected into his path.
The Amsterdammers had a chance to put the game to bed just after halftime. Taylor found Weghorst with a smart pass. His shot was palmed away by Mateusz Kochalski in the Qarabag goal before it rebounded to Christian Rasmussen, but he did not get the right connection on the shot.
Ajax were awarded a penalty in the 77th minute. Kevin Medina was deemed to have fouled Rasmussen. The penalty was taken by Weghorst and scored as he sent Kochalski the wrong way.
Farioli’s side got their third goal in the 77th minute. Devyne Rensch did well to win the ball in midfield, which resulted in Chuba Akpom getting possession. The English striker dribbled past two players before playing a one-two with Godts and finishing into the bottom corner.
The home side finished the match with nine men as Elvin Jafarguliyev was sent off for a second yellow after a late foul on Anton Gaaei.
Ajax are currently top of the Europa League, although many teams still had a match to play at 9 p.m. at the time of writing. The Amsterdammers have a huge week again in which they face both rivals Feyenoord and PSV before they return to Europa League action against Maccabi Tel Aviv.
