Ajax looked to have secured a draw when Hakim Ziyech scored, with Karim Benzema having earlier put Real Madrid in the lead following impressive work from Vinicius Junior. But substitute Marco Asensio scored a late winner as Real Madrid beat Ajax 2-1 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Match Events
9' CHANCE! Mazraoui drives a shot wide of the far post
If the opening 10 minutes are anything to go by we are in for a real treat today! Ajax once again turn over possession and the ball is slipped through for Mazraoui, who drives a shot wide of the far post.
37' FOUL! Tagliafico's goal disallowed
Incredible! After making his way to the side of the pitch to check countless replays of the goal, Damir Skomina rules it out! I can only assume that a marginally offside Tadic was guilty of backing into Courtois, preventing the Madrid keeper from getting to it.
51' CHANCE! Benzema's shot saved
Onana gets down well to get two hands to Benzema's low shot. Carvajal was sent clear down the right and managed to pick out his team-mate, but the in-form striker could not quite pick out the bottom corner with his effort.
60'GOAL! Ajax 0-1 Real Madrid (Benzema)
AJAX 0-1 REAL MADRID! For the first time today Madrid are given time and space on the ball - and they make Ajax pay. Vinicius creates it by cutting in from the left, taking the ball past three players in the process, before teeing up Benzema to sweep the ball out of Onana's reach from 10 yards. A clinical finish from the Frenchman, just when his side needed him.
75'GOAL! Ajax 1-1 Real Madrid (Ziyech)
AJAX 1-1 REAL MADRID! Ajax get a deserved leveller through Ziyech! Neres is played in down the left and slides the ball across goal for Ziyech to finish past Courtois from close range. The referee gives the hosts a fright by indicating that he will go to VAR, but the goal is good to stand.
87'GOAL! Ajax 1-2 Real Madrid (Asensio)
AJAX 1-2 REAL MADRID! Asensio has surely snatched victory for Madrid right at the end of the match! Ajax have gambled somewhat in the closing throes of the game and that shows as Carvajal is played into acres of space down the right. The full-back whips in a delightful ball that neither Onana nor Van de Beek can get to, but Asensio does for a simple finish at the back post. The referee checks with VAR as there was a challenge in midfield, but the goal is allowed to stand.
Match Report
Real Madrid snatched a 2-1 win over Ajax in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday, as VAR made a controversial first appearance in the competition.
Having had a Nicolas Tagliafico goal disallowed in the first half after a review, Ajax found themselves behind through Karim Benzema's 60th goal in the tournament.
Hakim Ziyech thought he had secured a deserved draw for the home side at Johan Cruijff ArenA, but Marco Asensio struck late on to put Madrid in control of the tie.
Player Ratings
Line-ups
Ajax XI: L. Schöne, D. Tadić, D.Blind, N. Tagliafico, H. Ziyech, Donny van de Beek, André Onana, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, David Neres
Subs: K. Huntelaar, Kostas Lamprou, Joël Veltman, Daley Sinkgraven, K. Dolberg, Dani de Wit, Rasmus Kristensen
Real Madrid XI: Sergio Ramos, L. Modrić, Benzema, Bale, T. Kroos, T. Courtois, Casemiro, Nacho, Daniel Carvajal, Reguilón, Vinícius Júnior
Subs: Marcelo, K. Navas, Lucas Vázquez, M.Díaz, J.Vallejo, Marco Asensio, Ceballos
nuhaemnps
496
For those who didn’t know anything about football rules
nuhaemnps
430
musbimrsy
397
We now can see Barca fans return home
SoumikMajiSnr
380
if this guy is doing these things at this age..imagine what he will do in next few years...total ball control and skill..not mad rush of speed without sense of passing like Mbappe..very agile and technical..[Bear][Bear]
Vedant_Madridista
346
When there was no VAR, haters said that refs favoured Real Madrid. Now that VAR is used, haters are saying VAR is favouring Real Madrid. Haters will just hate and champions will keep on winning and Making these kids jealous. ¡HALA MADRID!
Trevorn
342
The goal was disallowed in first half because one of Ajax's players sealed off courtois from getting to the ball which counted as a foul! Onto the second half: without doubt Ajax were great in the first half BUT in the end it was experience that won us this match. ajax players were out of energy in the last 30 minutes and that is what RM used against them. Penetrated their defense, held up the ball in crucial times and boom,goal. Vinicius was simply amazing, Benzema once again another beautiful goal. Suber sub Asensio did what Solari sent him on to do. Can't wait for second leg HalA Madrid.
joohnny10
296
if anyone see barcelona future super star frenkie de Jong😂😂😂
Cuacdmnru
148
Surely the call was right by the VAR for the first goal disallowed..
Nesaiknruy_Legend
98
Woah got the score and 2/3 scorers right. This is possibly my most accurate prediction yet 😅😅. Still think Ajax deserved a draw at least. That goal didnt look offside. Either way it was a good game. Looked better than the Sours Dortmund one whom I also was close to predicting....
vapckmoy
87
I'm not hating, I repeat not hating, but Vazquez pushed De Jong to the ground right in front of the referee in the buildup to Asensio's goal. Just saying
Mohamed12632
62
Just wow 🤫🤫 Real Madrid haters you better shut your mouth 🤐 Ajax played well but they didn’t take their chances so Madrid take their chances stop saying Madrid paid the referees. Real Madrid know how to win this kind of games so well done to hala Madrid from Madrid fan.
vekcdmnuz
53
that exactly what happens when you missed chances in soccer games. Ajax missed chances of scoring especially during the first half. What we must understand is that minus VAR,the referees are humans who have fallibilities as well.Ajax scored a goal when a Madrid player was fouled and the referee ignored.
Bodmasbodmas
52
Whatever you say but the second goal scored should not be allowed because there was a fault before the goal scored, and first goal disallowed,Hala referee, hala UCL ,as always, papa Perez doesn’t spend money on players but can buy referee , smart, too smart PEREZ , another game another robbery , just take it it’s all yours . VAR = VIDEO ASSISTING REAL MADRID.
Camklnpty
48
I'm a Barcelona fan but that was a foul...he tried to stop the keeper by using his body....so that's the right decision....AJAX lost because of their poor finishing if Madrid play like this against any team in LaLiga....they must have lost by at least 3 goals...
HalaHussein007
44
I am with Real Madrid but here is a funny irony. Expectations: Real Madrid is done with VAR introduced in the Champions League Reality: Other teams are done with VAR introduced in Champions League
zoeekmpst
31
A very lively Ajax side full of youth and stamina but many a times lost their aim to score. A very good Coach is immediately needed to guide them to perfection.
dettaboss4l
8
if anyone see barcelona future super star frenkie de Jong😂😂😂
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Bruh, Ajax bossed the Midfield, did you watch the match?
Ranadkp
8
if anyone see barcelona future super star frenkie de Jong😂😂😂
[image]
Ajax dominated real plus what did you expect him to do score a hattricknhes a defensive midfielder