Ajax are out of the Europa Conference League after falling to a 4-0 defeat at Villa Park. Aston Villa entered the clash off the back of a 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, which might have provided Ajax with a glimmer of hope heading into this second-leg last-16 tie. However, Unai Emery’s Villains thrashed the Amsterdammers, denting the Dutch giants’ hopes of silverware this season.
John Van ‘t Schip seemed a little sceptical ahead of the game, expressing his concern over the absence of some crucial players. Steven Berghuis, Steven Bergwijn and Tristan Gooijer were all unavailable for Ajax, who were left relying on Brian Brobbey, Kenneth Taylor and Kristin Hlynsson for goals. Villa found their rhythm within 25 minutes as an unmarked Ollie Watkins headed in from a corner kick.
Ajax almost snatched an equaliser before halftime, but Matty Cash was on hand to divert Brian Brobbey’s goal bound effort. The visitors couldn’t capitalise on their chances and were extremely sloppy in possession, which led to Aston Villa’s second. Leon Bailey fired in past Diant Ramaj with a composed finish. Ajax went down to 10-men when Sivert Mannsverk saw a second yellow for a shirt pull on John Durán. That fired up the Colombian, as he was next on the scoresheet to put the game to bed. With ten minutes remaining, Moussa Diaby made it four.
Unai Emery’s men march into the quarter-finals, whilst Ajax turn their attention back to the Eredivisie. They’re currently fifth in the table with one win in their last six matches. A trip to Rotterdam to face Sparta awaits Ajax, who are in desperate need of a boost after yet another dreadful display.Â
