Ajax’s UEFA Champions League campaign ends with home loss to Olympiacos
Ajax were defeated in their final game of the UEFA Champions League campaign on Wednesday. The Amsterdammers lost 2-1 to Greek side Olympiacos after a late winning goal from Santiago Hezze, after Kasper Dolberg had leveled from the spot. This also confirmed Ajax’s elimination from the competition.
Ajax interim manager Fred Grim gave Oscar Gloukh the nod in the starting lineup. He was chosen ahead of youngster Rayane Bounida, who set up two goals against FC Volendam last weekend.
The Amsterdam club knew its chances of progression were incredibly slim. Grim’s side had to beat Olympiacos and hope that around seven other games went their way.
Ajax’s chances were not helped by the missed chance from Gloukh in the first half. Good combination play from Mika Godts and Owen Wijndal resulted in an open goal for the Israeli, but he hit it over from close range to the dismay of the crowd in the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
The away side took the lead in the 52nd minute. Mehdi Taremi played a one-two with Gelson Martins, and the Portuguese winger hit the resulting shot hard and low into the far corner.
Ajax were given a golden opportunity to level in the 67th minute when the referee awarded a penalty kick. Sean Steur’s shot was blocked by the arm of Christos Mouzakitis. The penalty was smashed into the net by Kasper Dolberg to make it 1-1.
The visitors got the all-important second goal in the 84th minute. A corner was swung in low towards the near post, and it was nodded into the far corner by Santiago Hezze. This goal clinched Olympiacos’ spot in the play-off round and ensured that Ajax were certainly knocked out.
Grim’s side will now focus all their attention on their Eredivisie campaign, where they are currently in a close battle with several teams, all vying to finish second or within a Champions League spot. The Amsterdammers travel to 13th-place Excelsior on Sunday; they are currently in third, two points behind Feyenoord in second.
