AMSTERDAM--Ajax will be playing European football in the new year after their 3-1 win over AEK Athens secured a spot in the Conference League. Ajax knew what they needed to do going into the clash on Thursday. A win sealed third spot in their Europa League group. John van ‘t Schip’s side started brightly and the lead came in the fifth minute when Chuba Akpom headed in a corner. However, the lead lasted only six minutes before Levi García headed in a free-kick to make it 1-1. Ajax reacted well and nine minutes later Jorrel Hato found Kenneth Taylor, who spun into the box before finishing well. Brian Brobbey almost made it 3-1 after some strong play but his shot was kept out by the AEK Athens goalkeeper. Diant Ramaj then kept Ajax in front with some good saves before Ar’Jany Martha, who had replaced Brobbey at the break, played in Akpom. The striker’s shot was poor but it beat Athanasiadis and made it 3-1. Ajax no longer had any problems with the Greek visitors and further goals could have been scored. However, Akpom was denied a hattrick by the post and some poor finishing. Ajax will find out on Monday who they will face in the Conference League. The two ties will then be played in February. Elsewhere, AZ Alkmaar are out of the Conference League after a poor 2-0 loss against Legia Warsaw in Poland. AZ headed to Poland needing to win to reach the knockout rounds but Pascal Jansen made the strange decision to start with right-back Denso Kasius instead of a winger. Ruben van Bommel, Ernest Poku and Jayden Addai all started on the bench. Due to Mathew Ryan’s injury, Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduru started in goal for the first time. AZ struggled to create chances in the opening stages but they had plenty of the ball. Legia Warsaw didn’t threaten but after 34 minutes, a cross found Yuri Ribeiro at the back post and he had plenty of space to net. AZ’s chances of a comeback were all but ended early in the second half when Bruno Martins Indi saw a red card for a rash challenge. Jansen turned to the bench but Jens Odgaard, Riechedly Bazoer, and Ibrahim Sadiq brought little. Eventually, Legia made the extra man count and Blaz Kramer doubled the host’s lead. AZ slumped to their fourth loss in the group and they are out of Europe before the winter break.
