AMSTERDAM--Ajax Amsterdam are out of the Europa League despite a 2-1 win over Getafe on Thursday.
After the disastrous 2-0 loss in Spain last week, Ajax knew they had to put in a big performance in Amsterdam to turn it around.
Hakim Ziyech missed the tie through injury, while Nicolas Tagliafico was suspended. Danilo made his first start on the wing, while Quincy Promes returned to the bench.
Ajax wanted a quick start but after five minutes it was Getafe who took the lead. Lisandro Martinez lost Jaime Mata, who fired past Andre Onana from close range.
Ajax swiftly equalised in the 10th minute when Donny van de Beek put it on a plate for Danilo to tap in. From that point, Ajax knew they needed three more goals to qualify.
However, Getafe, much like the first leg, frustrated Ajax with their tactics and tendency to go down at every opportunity.
The Spanish side time-wasted at any opportunity but they hit the woodwork twice before the break through Mata and Deyverson.
At the break, Promes entered for Danilo but it did not result in a lead until the 63rd minute. Carel Eiting’s free-kick flew into the net off the head of a Getafe defender.
From that point, Getafe went into full time-wasting mode and the frustration around the Johan Cruijff Arena was clear. A third goal never looked like coming as the Spaniards booked their place in the next round.
After last year’s run to the Champions League semi-finals, Ajax are out of Europe by the end of February. They must now focus fully on Sunday’s crucial clash with AZ Alkmaar.
