A late goal from Michy Batshuayi ended Ajax’s perfect start to the Champions League group stages. Chelsea left Amsterdam with a 1-0 victory.

After victories over Lille and Valencia in the opening two games, Ajax went into the clash against Chelsea in an excellent position in the group.

The game was open from the start with Andre Onana having to deny Mason Mount with a low save, while at the other end Donny van de Beek’s goalbound volley was blocked.

Callum Hudson-Odoi had a great chance when he found himself in space after a poor clearance but the Chelsea forward snatched at it and fired wide.

In the 35th minute, Ajax thought they had the lead when Quincy Promes prodded Hakim Ziyech’s deflected strike into the net. However, VAR spotted a marginal offside and the goal was disallowed.

The start of the second half was also very even but in the 58th minute a corner was headed against the post by Edson Alvarez. Daley Blind then cut inside but his shot was too weak to trouble Kepa.

In the 70th minute, Chelsea got a golden chance when substitute Michy Batshuayi found himself in on goal but the striker smashed the ball over the bar with only Onana to beat.

The Belgian would eventually make up for that miss with four minutes to go as he smashed in a Christian Pulisic cross to give Chelsea the lead late on.

Erik ten Hag turned to Siem de Jong and Klaas Jan Huntelaar but the changes made no difference and Ajax slipped to a defeat for the first time in the Champions League this season. In two weeks time they travel to London for another clash with Chelsea.




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