An excellent free kick from Lasse Schone rescued Ajax a 1-1 draw against PSG as the Champions League group stages got underway.
- By Michael Bell
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Ajax’s game plan from the start was to press their opponents over the park and in the first minute Kolbeinn Sigthorsson nearly robbed goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu, who just managed to clear.
Despite the decent start Ajax fell behind on 14 minutes after a huge error from Nicolai Boilesen. The left back was dispossessed in the corner by Lucas, who crossed for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and although the Swedes shot was blocked by Joel Veltman, Edison Cavani was on hand to slide into the net.
After the goal Ajax failed to create much, and their only shot of the first half fell to defender Niklas Moisander who curled over from outside the box.
Minutes into the second half PSG should have killed the game when Lucas again stole the ball, this time from Moisander, but with only Jasper Cillessen to beat the Brazilian fired wide. PSG continued to squander chances with Ibrahimovic hitting a free kick at Cillessen, who also saved from Gregory van der Wiel, while Marquinhos headed a good chance wide.
Then with 25 minutes to go Lasse Schone curled an excellent free kick into the top corner, although fingers will be pointed at Sirigu who got a hand on the ball but could not prevent it from flying into the net.
Schone nearly gave Ajax the lead minutes later from another free kick but this time Sirigu turned it against the post. Ajax continued to press for a late winner but PSG held on for a point.
Its a decent start for Ajax who visit APOEL Nicosia next on the 30th of September. The Cypriots lost 1-0 to Barcelona in the group’s other game.
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Didn’t get to see the game but good job. If Ajax had half the money PSG has. Well we can dream. Nonetheless good job Frank and co.