Ajax are out of the Champions League after they lost 1-0 to Atalanta Bergamo in Amsterdam. A late red card for Ryan Gravenberch proved crucial.

Erik ten Hag was without Daley Blind, David Neres and Lassina Traore for the must-win final group game. 18-year-old Brian Brobbey started up front, while Lisandro Martinez replaced Blind at the back.

Ajax had a lot of possession but couldn’t create any chances against a well organised Atalanta, that had Marten de Roon and Hans Hateboer in the starting line-up. Brobbey went closest with a header, but the striker then went down with an injury and had to be replaced by Quincy Promes at half-time.

Ajax’s struggle continued after the break and Atalanta began to take control. Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp eventually came on as Ajax went for all out attack.

Huntelaar was denied a penalty before Davy Klaassen got a guilt edged chance for Ajax. He was played in on goal after some slick passing but could only fire straight at Pierluigi Gollini with space in front of goal.

That miss would come back to haunt Ajax as Ryan Gravenberch was shown red for a very harsh second yellow card. The midfielder looked to protect the ball and was penalised for a hand into the face of Alejandro Gómez.

Agaist ten men, Atalanta struck the killer blow with Luis Muriel firing past Andre Onana to condemn Ajax to the Europa League.




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