Ajax suffered further misery on Thursday evening as they endured another defeat to a brilliant Brighton side in the Europa League. The Seagulls secured back-to-back victories over Ajax by beating the Dutch giants 2-0 in Amsterdam.
The Johan Cruyff Arena had high hopes ahead of the game after seeing their side win consecutive home matches for the first time in 2023. The hosts had some early chances, but the inexperience of their squad would eventually cost them. The 18-year-old Silvano Vos gave the ball away in his own half, allowing Simon Adingra to slip in Ansu Fati for the opener. Fati has now netted in both of Brighton’s games against Ajax this season.
Brighton continued to apply the pressure and super Simon Adingra continued to give the Ajax defence nightmares. The 21-year-old Ivorian was on target within eight minutes from the restart to double his side’s lead. The same due combined, as Ansu Fati set up Adingra for this goal.
Ajax brought on Chuba Akpom in the second half. The Englishman has scored three goals in his last two games for the Amsterdammers, coming off the bench in both games. Whilst he struggled to have the same impact, the former Brighton and Arsenal forward did spark some life into the Ajax attack. Roberto De Zerbi’s men looked comfortable and were able to see out the match.
Brighton have moved to the top of the Group B table after claiming all three points. Ajax remain rock bottom. They desperately need wins in their next matches against Marseille and AEK if they want to progress to the knockout stages.
