Ajax end Galatasaray's long unbeaten streak with Europa League win
AMSTERDAM, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Ajax Amsterdam made sure of a place in the Europa League playoffs as they beat Galatasaray 2-1 at home on Thursday and went above the Turkish league leaders in the final group standings.
Ajax finished the group in 12th spot while Galatasaray were 14th, also through to the next phase, but saw their 26-game unbeaten run come to an end.
Bertrand Traore scored in the 23rd minute to put Ajax, who started the last night 16th in the standings, ahead before turning provider for Kian Fitz-Jim 13 minutes into the second half.
Galatasaray, whose last defeat was to Swiss club Young Boys in the preliminary round of the Champions League in August, had chances to preserve their record but only got a late consolation from Victor Osimhen in added time.
Nigerian international Osimhen had been guilty of missing the target with three good chances while substitute Michy Batshauyi squandered a sitter.
Ajax's opener came after battling play from striker Brian Brobbey, who with his back to goal and after falling to the ground, managed to lay the ball off for Chuba Akpom to fire in a shot that Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Musiera parried to Traore, who neatly tucked away the rebound.
A quick counter-attack led by full back Anton Gaael set up Ajax's second, with his cross not properly cleared allowing Traore to pass the loose ball for Fitz-Jim to finish.
Ajax's 41-year-old goalkeeper Remko Pasveer surprisingly wore the captain's armband instead of usual skipper Jordan Henderson, who started the game, leading Dutch media to speculate the former England international may be leaving the club.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Belfast Telegraph
36 minutes ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Linfield Setanta Cup hero on how win over Shelbourne set Blues on path to dominance
Linfield legend Peter Thompson believes David Healy's boys can rewrite the record books when they face Shelbourne in the Champions League in July. The former Blues striker is in a fair position to judge as he was a member of the team that overturned the applecart in 2005 when David Jeffrey's side travelled to Dublin to face Shels in the Setanta Cup Final.
Daily Mirror
38 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Marcus Rashford issues Barcelona come-and-get-me plea in clear hint over future
Marcus Rashford has been tight-lipped on his uncertain future so far this summer but now the Manchester United star has broken his silence, hinting at a dream move to Barcelona Marcus Rashford has dropped his biggest hint yet that he wants to join Barcelona. The Manchester United star, 27, appears to have no future at Old Trafford after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim and being loaned out for the second half of last season. Rashford's brother and agent, Dwaine Maynard, was seen meeting Barca sporting director Deco in Catalunya last month. The England international joined Aston Villa on loan in January but the Premier League club look to have seemingly decided against exercising their option to sign him for £40million. That's the fee which United are continuing to hold out for and if no buyer is found, he'll return to United for pre-season training and their subsequent tour of the United States. But if Barcelona can work out a deal, Rashford has already given them the green light. Speaking while on holiday in Marbella, Rashford was asked by Spanish YouTube channel XBuyer whether he wants to play with Barca wonderkid Lamine Yamal in the future. "Yeah, sure. Everybody in the world wants to play with the best," the forward replied. "So hopefully, we'll see..." Continuing to praise Yamal, Rashford said: (Yamal) is gonna be… it's difficult to put into words what he's doing because he's not supposed to be doing it at 16, 17. He's playing at the highest level, I don't think we've seen it. To have his mentality is a skill. "He's not normal to be doing what he does and he will keep improving. (The Ballon d'Or) If you look at it in football ability he has to win, but then you look at Ousmane Dembele, the Champions League." The 27-year-old then sent a message to Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, suggesting that he can be Robert Lewandowski's long-term successor up front. "For me as I've got older, the No.9 position is becoming more comfortable, more natural," Rashford added. Would Marcus Rashford be a success at Barcelona? Give us your prediction in the comments section. Barca fans will also be take note of his comments about life in Spain. "Spain is nice, it's not too far from home," he continued. "If I'm training over a long period, my family can come for a few days, it's a nice location and good weather." Rashford also revealed how he looked up to former Barcelona forward Thierry Henry during his childhood. He explained: "Henry was comfortable playing off the left and in the middle, he's free flowing. When I was young I always enjoyed watching clips of him." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Tottenham ask Bournemouth about Antoine Semenyo then immediately stop transfer pursuit
Cherries have already sanctioned several big-money exits SEME OLD SONG Tottenham ask Bournemouth about Antoine Semenyo then immediately stop transfer pursuit Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TOTTENHAM reportedly launched an enquiry for Antoine Semenyo before immediately halting their pursuit of the Bournemouth star. New Spurs boss Thomas Frank is eager to add a dazzling attacker to his forward line this summer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Tottenham made an enquiry for Antoine Semenyo before immediately ending their interest Credit: Getty And Semenyo, 25, emerged as a target after Tottenham also put Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo on their shortlist. The Bees' French forward netted 20 Premier League goals last term. But despite the opportunity to reunite with Frank in north London, Mbeumo reportedly favours a £60m move to Manchester United. Semenyo then became the clear alternative after also proving himself to be a goal menace when cutting inside on his left foot. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL MARC MY WORDS Guehi makes summer transfer decision between Arsenal and Liverpool The Athletic claims Tottenham even went so far as to contact Bournemouth over a move for their Ghanaian winger, who netted 13 goals and bagged seven assists in 42 games this term. However, the Cherries have already seen their squad ravaged by big sides this summer. Dean Huijsen joined Real Madrid for £50million last month, while fellow defender Illya Zabarnyi could be off to Paris Saint-Germain for around £60m. Milos Kerkez has also agreed a £40m switch to Premier League champs Liverpool. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS And with forwards always carrying a premium, it's claimed that Bournemouth told Tottenham to pay £70m for Semenyo. The mind-blowing fee was immediately rebuffed Spurs, who have decided to not pursue a deal for now. Daniel Levy reveals he wants Tottenham to win Champions League AND Premier League under 'super' Thomas Frank They will continue to scour the market for a new right-sided forward at a better price. But should Tottenham fail to secure an alternative, they could come back for Semenyo later in the transfer window. The former Bristol City and Sunderland man still has four years to run on his Cherries contract. And Semenyo is also on the shortlist at Man United, who could move should they end up losing Mbeumo to Spurs.
