At the draw, Ajax had a seeded status. This is due to the results of recent years. Due to the seeded status, stronger teams such as Braga, FC Copenhagen, FCSB, AA Gent and Panathinaikos were avoided.
Play-offs against FC Groningen and FC Utrecht
Last season Ajax finished fifth in the Premier League. The club therefore had to secure qualification for European football through the play-offs. It was forced to play those matches in Volendam, because the Johan Cruijff Arena was occupied for Harry Styles.
FC Groningen was defeated and after a penalty series against FC Utrecht the ticket for the preliminary rounds of the Conference League was still won.
Competition on July 23
Ajax starts the preliminary rounds of the Conference League on Thursday, July 23. The Amsterdammers enter the second preliminary round. To reach the competition phase, you will have to pass preferably three preliminary rounds.
Thanks to the cup win, AZ also plays European football. The Alkmaarders have been qualified for the competition phase of the Europa League.