Ajax Amsterdam have won 1-0 (1-0) to Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, giving them an excellent starting position for the return leg in eight days. Ajax impressed particularly in the first run by a dominant way of playing. The lack of Heung-min Son and Harry Kane in the second run was the main problem for Spurs.
While Ten Hag bet on his well-rehearsed squad and exchanged only once in comparison to the 4:2 victory over Vitesse Arnhem (Neres for Dolberg), Spurs coach Pocchettino changed four times: For Foyth, Davies, Dier and the yellow-locked Son, Trippier, Vertonghen, Wanyama and Llorente were in the starting eleven.
The guests from Amsterdam were extremely dominant in the new Tottenham Stadium right from the start and played like a home team for most of the first half. Ajax ran the Spurs formed in the 3-5-2, had at times over 70 percent ball possession and searched especially over the left wing with Tagliafico and Neres lightning the depth.
This was also the case with the leading goal, which originated with a ball from Ziyech to Neres on the left, made another stop at Ziyech in the centre and was completed after a wonderful pass in the centre at van de Beeck (15th). The Spurs staggered from now on and could thank Keeper Lloris that it was not 0:2 early. The Frenchman parried strongly against van de Beek (24.).
Only through standards did Tottenham occasionally radiate gate danger: Llorente nodded an Eriksen free kick after 26 minutes one meter next to the Ajax housing. Five minutes later Keeper Onana risked his head and collar and cleared Alderweireld and Vertonghen. The latter had to be replaced afterwards with a heavy blow (39.).
However, the long injury interruption did the Spurs good: Pochettino switched to a chain of four with diamonds in midfield and brought Sissoko back into the Londoners’ game with some dynamism and body language. Shortly before the break, Alderweireld gave away the big chance for the equalizer (45.+4).
The Spurs continued to benefit from Pochettino’s switch to 4-4-2 even after the change of sides. Ajax made many easy and fast ball losses, Tottenham took the game by a good physical presence in midfield, but without a big goal risk. Only Dele Alli, invisible in the first round, tested Onana seriously (50th).
Ajax could almost have gotten a better starting position with Neres ten minutes from time, but Neres put a half-left end to the post. So it remained with the narrow away victory of the Dutch. Besides the final strength of Son (yellow lock) and Kane (ankle injury), Tottenham lacked particularly creative input from the midfield of Eriksen and Alli, who both disappointed.
Goal: 0:1 van de Beeck (15.)
Proved once more that he is the heart and brain of Ajax. Bribed in the strong first half hour of the Dutchman by good anticipation and a good position game. He was able to secure many second balls (11 ball conquests), which he and his teammates converted into possession and dominance. Impressed beyond that with his peace of mind on the ball – also in pressure situations. 95.5 percent of his passes in the opposing half found a teammate. De Jong also had the most ball actions of any 22 players from the two initial formations and a strong total (66.7 per cent).
Had to struggle most with the tactical alignment of Pochettino in the first half. Came in the first 45 minutes on only 13 ball actions and led no single duel. Spurs was thus a total failure both in the offensive and in the defensive. After the break (like all Tottenham players) improved, but hapless in conclusion.
Had in a very emotional game a clear line in the duel evaluation and therefore only few problems in the game management. A good eye proved when he immediately gave the lead goal despite van de Beek’s offside suspicious position and was only confirmed by the VAR and not corrected. In this day and age, and in all the discussions about the quality of referees, it is worth mentioning.
