A defensively fragile Ajax needed a late Lasse Schone free kick to rescue a 2-2 draw against 10-man Celtic at the Amsterdam Arena in their first Europa league group game.

celt ajaDissatisfied with Arkaduisz Milik’s play as centre forward, Frank de Boer decided to start the game with Davy Klaassen through the middle, with Viktor Fischer, Anwar El Ghazi and debutante Amin Younes providing the attacking back-up behind him. Daley Sinkgraven returned to the midfield in place of the suspended Riechedly Bazoer.

Sinkgraven was at fault during the defeat to Rapid Vienna in the Champions League with his sloppy play leading to a goal, and once again against Celtic the youngster lost possession in a dangerous area, which allowed Kris Commons to play through Nir Bitton, who opened the scoring after only eight minutes.

Ajax recovered to equalise on 25 minutes with Younes beating his opponent on the wing before his pass to Davy Klaassen was flicked into the path of Fischer, who fired brilliantly into the bottom corner from just outside the box. However before the break Celtic had the lead again as Mikael Lustig was left alone in the box to head a corner past Jasper Cillessen.

Celtic created the better chances early in the second half, but with 20 minutes left the visitors were reduced to ten men as Emilio Izaguirre was shown his second yellow for a poor challenge on Anwar El Ghazi. Substitute Arkaduisz Milik struck the post before Lasse Schone found the equaliser with a free kick which flew past Craig Gordon. Milik could have won the game in the final minute, but his header crept just over the bar.

A poor start to the competition for Ajax, who were targeting to win all three of their home games in the competition. The other group game saw Molde beat Fenerbahce 3-1 in Turkey.




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