Ajax 0-1 Atalanta: Muriel scores late winner, Atalanta qualify to knockouts

Luis Muriel-Atalanta

Ajax were sent packing out of this year’s Champions League by Atalanta on Wednesday night as the Italian progressed with a 1-0 win to the knockout stage on the night.

Both teams headed into the game with a desire to win and secure the second Champions League spot behind group leaders Liverpool. But it was Ajax who were in more desperate need of a win as Atalanta could still have progressed with a draw as they had a superior goal difference heading into the tie.

With the magnitude and importance of the game, both sides were expected to come out flying. But what followed was a game of attacking brilliance, but little end product, with both sides getting into good positions but not really testing the opponent keeper.

Although the away side proved to be the better side on the ball, it was the home side who carved out the best chance in the first 45 minutes; with Brian Brobbey rising highest to head towards goal after a brilliant turn and cross from Anthony. The header which was sent straight to Gollini proved to be the only chance of the game and Brobbery’s last involvement of the game as he was replaced by Promes for the second period.

Ajax emerged with greater intent and urgency in the second period, but couldn’t find a way past an organised Atalanta back-line. With the game wearing on into a draw, Atalanta were handed an advantage in the 79th minute after Ajax midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was shown his second yellow card on the night after leaving a hand on Gomez’s face.

With Ajax reduced to ten men, Atalanta smelled blood and took full advantage of their numerical advantage in the 85th minute when substitute Luis Muriel scored after being sent through on goal by Remo Freuler.

The goal was enough to settle the contest and hand Atalanta a place in the knockout stages of the UCL while Ajax were demoted to the Europa League for the remainder of the season.

Both teams are back in action in the weekend with Ajax facing Zwolle in the Eredivisie, while Atalanta host Fiorentina on Sunday.

Twitter

Ten-Men Ajax Sent Packing of the Champions League by Atalanta

Ajax Amsterdam were sent packing out of this year’s Champions League by Atalanta on Wednesday night as the Italian progressed with a 1-0 win on the night.

Both teams headed into the game with a desire to win and secure the second Champions League spot behind group leaders Liverpool. But it was Ajax who were in more desperate need of a win as Atalanta could still have progressed with a draw as they had a superior goal difference heading into the tie.

With the magnitude and importance of the game, both sides were expected to come out flying. But what followed was a game of attacking brilliance, but little end product, with both sides getting into good positions but not really testing either keeper.

Although the away side proved to be the better side on the ball, it was the home side who carved out the best chance in the first 45 minutes; with Brian Brobbey rising highest to head towards goal after a brilliant turn and cross from Anthony. The header which was sent straight to Gollini proved to be the only chance of the game and Brobbery’s last involvement of the game as he was replaced by Promes for the second period.

Ajax emerged with greater intent and urgency in the second period, but couldn’t find a way past an organised Atalanta back-line. With the game wearing on into a draw, Atalanta were handed an advantage in the 79th minute after Ajax midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was shown his second yellow card on the night after leaving a hand on Gomez’s face.

With Ajax reduced to ten men, Atalanta smelled blood and took full advantage of their numerical advantage in the 85th minute when substitute Luis Muriel scored after being sent through on goal by Remo Freuler.

The goal was enough to settle the contest and hand Atalanta a place in the knockout stages of the UCL while Ajax were demoted to the Europa League for the remainder of the season.

Both teams are back in action in the weekend with Ajax facing Zwolle in the Eredivisie, while Atalanta host Fiorentina on Sunday.

Twitter