Ajax was eliminated from the UEFA Champions League after losing to Benfica.
On Wednesday, Ajax Amsterdam faced a significant setback in their European campaign. The Dutch club was playing the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Benfica. The first leg had ended in a 2-2 draw, leaving everything to play for in the return fixture at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Despite being considered favorites and having the home advantage, Ajax couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities. The match was tightly contested, with both teams creating chances. However, it was Benfica who managed to find the back of the net with a goal from Darwin Núñez, which proved to be the decisive moment of the match.
Ajax pressed hard for an equalizer that would have taken the game to extra time, but the Benfica defense held firm, and the Portuguese side managed to secure a 1-0 victory on the night, winning 3-2 on aggregate. This result meant that Ajax was knocked out of the competition, much to the disappointment of their fans, who had high hopes for their team’s progress after a strong showing in the group stages. The elimination was a significant blow for Ajax, considering their rich history and recent resurgence on the European stage.