Real Madrid snatch late 2-1 win against Ajax in the Champions League
By Hasan Karim
The first leg in the Champions League Round of 16 is done! Real Madrid snatched a late 2-1 win in enemy territory as they defeated Ajax in Amsterdam at the Johan Cruyff arena.
It was quite a tough game to watch for large portions but Real Madrid got the job done in Holland. After surviving the aggressive and suffocating press of the hosts, Madrid found goals in Benzema and Asensio to cancel out Ajax’s leveler from Ziyech in the second half.
Madrid found themselves on the backfoot for much of the game as the young stars of Ajax pressed Real with strong intent throughout. Madrid’s back line worked tirelessly to shut out Ajax but looked like a kid who lost their mum in a grocery store. Last ditch efforts and tackles kept Real in the game. Sergio Ramos, in particular, was imperious throughout the 90. The Spanish national made 4 clearances, made 2 tackles and won 5 duels.
However, despite his colossal efforts, Madrid struggled. An early Ajax goal was cancelled out by VAR, however, the reason remains unclear but it was debated on whether Courtois was impeded or a player was offside. Despite this, Ajax pressed on – they fired 19 shots off over the course of the game, 7 on target, compared to Madrid’s 13 with 8 on target.
Madrid did break through eventually as they scored early in the second half. A stunning run from Vinicius Jr, which saw him take out 3 defenders including Golden Boy winner De Ligt, was finished with a simple pass before the Frenchman rocketed past the Ajax keeper Onana.
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Ajax continued to hound Madrid despite conceding. Their controlled possession play, they actually out-passed Madrid and they eventually found the breakthrough as Hakim Ziyech equalized for the hosts. The rest of the game labored by before Marco Asensio, who subbed on for Karim Benzema, struck to break Dutch hearts.
With all things considered, this was a tough match that Madrid should consider themselves lucky to walk away from with the win. Ajax was on top for very large portions of the game and definitely deserved more than what they got. With Ramos suspended for the second leg, Madrid will hope that Varane returns and that the 2-1 is enough.