It was little under a year ago that Ajax took the defending European champions, Real Madrid, apart at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu and set the wheels in motion for one of the most awe-inspiring Champions League runs in recent memory, yet Thursday saw the same Ajax side, aside from a couple of key players, on the receiving end of a masterclass by Getafe and Jose Bordalas.
The Dutch side were tortured in Madrid on Thursday evening, a far cry from their last trip to the Spanish capital, and it was the continuation of a quite wonderful period for Los Azulones in which Champions League qualification seems their destiny.
In the ultimate battle of contrasting styles, it was Getafe who earned yet another shock result this term; you must remember that Ajax were seen as the favourites to win the competition after dropping into it after the Champions League group stage.
Thursday's match was the first time since taking charge that Erik ten Hag has seen his Ajax team fail to score.
In fact, since the Amsterdam club's last defeat on December 15, they have scored 32 goals in 10 matches, yet Getafe nullified the threat they pose in the final third.
Bordalas' style is so unique and the last two seasons have shown it to be effective, and it's worth noting that the ball was only in play for 42 minutes and 36 seconds on Thursday, something that really impacted the Dutch side negatively.
niaaimr
0
You would think getafe players were tortured because they were crying on the ground the entire time. Getafe is anti football. From the 90 minutes there were only 42 minutes played, the 2nd least of all time in the europa league. Getafe should be ashamed
getafe will still beat you in your home
rezruz
3
Getafe were a Disgrace to the beautifull game of football. Ajax played awfull, and have to blame themselves for loosing. But referee allowed Getafe to kill the game theatre and provocation, he will be embarassed when he sees clips of how he was permanently cheated
GijsAFCA
2
You would think getafe players were tortured because they were crying on the ground the entire time. Getafe is anti football. From the 90 minutes there were only 42 minutes played, the 2nd least of all time in the europa league. Getafe should be ashamed