UEFA Champions League - Tottenham 0-1 Ajax - Match Report
Ajax have the edge heading into the second leg as early van de Beek goal defeats Spurs 1-0
Ajax took a big step towards reaching their first Champions League final since 1996 as Donny van de Beek's early strike earned them a 1-0 first-leg advantage at Tottenham in their semi-final clash.
Spurs, at this stage of the competition for the first time in over half a century, were overwhelmed in the opening stages and fortunate that Ajax's intricate passing and movement only resulted in the one goal.
Van de Beek scored that, having gathered Hakim Ziyech's precise pass before sitting down Hugo Lloris with a couple of feints prior to his finish.
The Eredivisie leaders almost scored a second on Tuesday only for David Neres' late effort to come back off a post, but they still took charge of the tie ahead of the return leg in Amsterdam next week.
Ajax wasted no time at all in stamping their authority on the contest and it was no surprise to see them take the lead in the 15th minute.
Van de Beek, involved earlier in the move when he brilliantly flicked the ball away from Dele Alli, drifted between Jan Vertonghen and Danny Rose, collected Ziyech's pass and calmly placed his finish beyond Lloris.
There was no need for a VAR check as replays showed the midfielder was marginally onside and Ajax kept their foot on the accelerator, with Rose almost slicing into his own net and Van de Beek being denied by Lloris at his near post following a fine dummy.
Spurs eventually responded and looked most threatening from free-kicks, Fernando Llorente and then Toby Alderweireld both directing Kieran Trippier set-pieces off target.
Yet, already shorn of the injured Harry Kane and suspended Son Heung-min, they were forced to reorganise again when a battered and bloodied Vertonghen had to come off having collided with Alderweireld's head.
That enforced introduction of Moussa Sissoko gave Spurs more midfield control and Alli twice came close before the hour, firing a half volley straight at Andre Onana and then heading over.
Yet opportunities such as those who were too infrequent from the hosts' perspective as their defensive work in chasing Ajax early on appeared to take its toll.
And they were fortunate the Dutch club did not leave London with a greater advantage as Neres' placed finish from a counter-attack with 12 minutes to go came back off a post with Lloris motionless.
Goals/Highlights
Chance! David Neres hits the post! That could have been 2-0 Ajax!
Chance! Nicolás Tagliafico cracks one from range! The effort skips wide!
Chance! It's the best effort of the night so far for Spurs! Toby Alderweireld loops a header over the bar!
Chance! van de Beek could have made it 2-0! Hugo Loris comes up with a huge save at the near post!
Chance! Nervy times for Tottenham Danny Rose slices over a Neres cross!
Goal! Donny van de Beek beats the offside trap and slides the ball into the net! Ajax take the lead!
That Champion League music is special! Minutes till game time in North London!
Live Updates
Preamble
We've tracked down yet another Spurs legend before kick-off! This time it's Ledley King!
Likewise, it's another huge European night for Ajax, who have inspired many during their run to the semi-finals! One more result tonight could put them on the brink of the Champions League final!
How is the Lorrente going to perform for Spurs tonight? It's a huge night for the Spanish attacker!
Now for Ajax. It's a full strength side. Nicolás Tagliafico has recovered to start at left-back. Former Southampton man Dusan Tadic starts as a false nine. He has nine goals in the Champions League this season.
First up Spurs! Quarter-final hero Fernando Lorrente starts in attack! Three other changes see Jan Vertonghen, Victor Wanyama and Kieran Trippier all start! No Son Heung-min he is suspended for tonight!
Team news is incoming! Any. Minute. Now.
The excitement is building in north London! Carrie Brown has had a chat with Spurs legend Clive Allan (think of him as the original Harry Kane)
More of a chilled out from Ajax! The Dutch giants have been supurb in the Champions League and by the looks of it have a fully fit squad to choose from. Team News incoming!
So here we go! Business time in North London! Despite being without key men, Spurs look relaxed strolling into their brand new arena!
Good evening! Welcome to the Live Updates of Tottenham Vs Ajax! It's business time in the Champions League and two unlikely semifinalists face off in North London. Tottenham will be looking to make home advantage count, whilst Ajax will be looking to continue their stunning away form in the Champions League which has seen wins at Real Madrid & Juventus. As ever, join me for all the latest build up, team news & updates from our very special studio guest Arsene Wenger!
