Some experts had Ajax Amsterdam on the list as secret favorites for the CL title. Therefore, the Dutch went into the duel against Benfica as favorites. But there was a major setback.
Ajax Amsterdam missed out on the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The secret favourite, who defeated BVB twice in the group (4-0, 3-1), lost their home game against Benfica 0-1. The first leg ended 2-2, which is why the defeat at their own stadium sealed the end. The decisive goal for the Portuguese from Lisbon came late. Darwin Nunez scored in the 77th minute and caused an upset at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
That’s how the game went
Amsterdam dominated from the start and at times squeezed the guests, but the hosts didn’t create any great chances. Lisbon defended skillfully but rarely put pinpricks.
Ajax was also superior after the change, but too harmless. There was little to see of the splendor of the two wins against Borussia Dortmund in the preliminary round. Sebastien Haller, who had always scored in the first seven games in the premier class, was largely unsubscribed.
Lisbon rarely advanced but took the first chance to take the lead. Nunez headed in from a free kick.