Ajax advance to second qualifying round after penalty win over FC Utrecht
Ajax reached the second qualifying round of the Conference League after a penalty shootout win over FC Utrecht following a 1-1 draw in Volendam. The win allowed Ajax to close a difficult season on a slightly positive note after finishing fifth in the Eredivisie regular season.
The Amsterdam club will begin its European campaign on July 23, with the return leg scheduled for July 30. The draw for the qualifying tie takes place on June 17. If Ajax advances from the second qualifying round, it must still win two additional qualifying rounds to reach the group stage.
On the field, Ajax’s first threats came from long-range efforts by Steven Berghuis and Aaron Bouwman, both saved by Utrecht goalkeeper Vasilios Barkas.
The first half remained largely disjointed, with neither side producing sustained attacking play or clear scoring opportunities.
Ajax began the second half with greater intensity. Bouwman nearly opened the scoring with a header that was saved by Barkas. Shortly afterward, Mokio struck a shot that bounced off the underside of the crossbar and back into play.
Utrecht grew stronger toward the end of regular time and created several openings, but Jans’ side did not manage to produce a major chance before the match went to extra time.
In extra time, Davy Klaassen broke the deadlock. Known as 'Mister 1-0,' he struck decisively from a rebound following a cleared free kick.
Early in the second half of extra time, Utrecht equalized through Gjivai Zechiël, forcing a penalty shootout.
Ajax ultimately prevailed in the shootout. Sébastian Haller and Souffian El Karouani missed for FC Utrecht, while Ajax converted all four of its penalties.
