Ajax still have a chance of reaching the Europa League knockout rounds after a 2-1 win over Celtic in Glasgow.
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After three draws and a defeat so far in the competition, only a win would do for Frank de Boer’s side in Glasgow, but the game didn’t get off to the best start as Callum McGregor fired past Jasper Cillessen after only three minutes. The midfielder was given far too much time on the edge of the box to pick his spot in the bottom corner.
Viktor Fischer thought he had equalised on 11 minutes but his goal was disallowed for Amin Younes being offside. Replay’s showed this was not the case and the goal should have stood. However ten minutes later Ajax were level as Arkaduisz Milik slotted in after Craig Gordon fumbled a Lasse Schone shot.
After the equalised it was Celtic who created the better chances, with Leigh Griffiths messing up through on goal, while McGregor fired a shot onto the crossbar via Nemanja Gudelj. In the second half Cillessen was called into action to deny Griffiths with an excellent reflex save.
De Boer looked to turn the tide in the second half by bringing on academy duo Vaclav Cerny and 18-year-old midfielder Donny van de Beek, who was making his first team debut. The changes worked a treat as a late counter attack saw Cerny race through on goal before firing past Gordon.
The 18-year-old’s goal proved to be the winner and Ajax will now head into the final group game’s with a chance of progression. However they will need to beat leaders Molde, and hope Fenerbahce fall to Celtic in Turkey.
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