Brighton & Hove Albion, with Barcelona’s on-loan talent Ansu Fati spearheading the attack, edged closer to the Europa League knockout stages with a convincing victory over Ajax’s young squad in Amsterdam.
The Seagulls’ Ansu Fati shone brightly, not only scoring the opening goal with a precision strike into the bottom-left corner but also assisting Simon Adingra’s goal to secure a two-goal lead for Brighton.
Ansu’s initial goal came off an assist from Adingra, the Ivory Coast winger, who then reciprocated by scoring a powerful close-range shot, solidifying Brighton’s control of the game.
Ajax’s best attempt came from Brian Brobbey, whose volley struck both posts but failed to convert into a goal.
Roberto de Zerbi’s team now sits comfortably with seven points, eyeing qualification for the next round if they can secure a win against AEK Athens in their upcoming Group B game.
De Zerbi expressed mixed feelings post-match, praising the team’s overall performance but expecting more from Ansu, especially after their second goal.
Ajax, fielding a young team with an average age of 21.6 years, languishes at the bottom of their group, having gathered just two points from four games.
Brighton’s Impressive Turnaround
Prior to this match, Brighton had a lackluster run, with their only win in eight games coming against Ajax. Despite this and dealing with several injuries, including to key players James Milner and captain Lewis Dunk, they managed a remarkable victory against the former European Cup/Champions League champions.
Injuries have been a concern for De Zerbi, particularly in the full-back positions. Pervis Estupinan’s return was cut short due to a muscle problem, and with Tariq Lamptey also sidelined, Brighton faces challenges in defense.
However, their offensive line, including Kaoru Mitoma and Joao Pedro, remained effective, frequently breaking through Ajax’s defense with swift, coordinated attacks.
Despite Ajax’s recent improvement under interim coach John van ‘t Schip, Brighton’s performance proved to be a class apart. Ajax’s young midfielder Silvano Vos’s error led to Ansu’s goal, and despite efforts from players like Chuba Akpom, Ajax lacked the clinical finishing of their opponents.
Player of the Match: Lewis Dunk
In a solid team performance, Lewis Dunk stood out, earning an average rating of 8.61. His leadership and defensive prowess were key to Brighton’s successful outing.
Team Ratings
- Ajax’s top performers included Ramaj, Bergwijn, and Akpom, while players like Gaaei and Rensch also made notable contributions.
- For Brighton, apart from Dunk and Ansu Fati, other players like Sosa and Sutalo also played significant roles.
Match Statistics
- Possession was fairly evenly distributed, with Ajax slightly ahead at 54%.
- Both teams had an equal number of shots, with each managing three on target.
- Brighton edged Ajax in corners, securing seven to Ajax’s five, while also committing more fouls (12 against Ajax’s 9).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Brighton vs Ajax Europa League
How did Brighton & Hove Albion secure their victory against Ajax in the Europa League?
Brighton & Hove Albion achieved a significant 2-0 victory over Ajax in the Europa League, largely thanks to Barcelona’s on-loan forward Ansu Fati. Fati scored the opening goal and assisted in the second, scored by Simon Adingra. Brighton’s strong defense, led by Lewis Dunk, and efficient attacking strategies were key factors in their win. Despite facing challenges like injuries and a young opponent team, Brighton’s performance was marked by effective coordination and precise execution.
What were the key moments in the Brighton vs Ajax Europa League match?
The key moments in the match included Ansu Fati’s opening goal, which he scored by steering the ball into the bottom-left corner, and his assist to Adingra, who solidified Brighton’s lead. Another significant moment was Brian Brobbey’s attempt for Ajax, where his volley hit both posts but did not result in a goal. These moments were crucial in determining the flow and outcome of the game.
Who was named Player of the Match in the Brighton vs Ajax game?
Lewis Dunk was named Player of the Match in Brighton’s game against Ajax. Dunk received an average rating of 8.61, reflecting his outstanding defensive performance and leadership on the field. His contribution was pivotal in ensuring Brighton’s clean sheet and overall success in the match.
What challenges did Brighton & Hove Albion face during the match against Ajax?
Brighton faced several challenges, including injuries to key players like James Milner and captain Lewis Dunk. They also had to adapt to changes in their lineup due to these injuries. Additionally, they were up against a youthful Ajax team with an average age of 21.6 years, which could have presented a different set of tactical challenges. Despite these hurdles, Brighton managed to deliver a strong performance.
How does this victory affect Brighton & Hove Albion’s standing in the Europa League?
This victory brings Brighton & Hove Albion to seven points in the Europa League group stage, enhancing their chances of advancing to the knockout stages. If they win their upcoming match against AEK Athens, they could secure their place in the next phase of the tournament. This win against Ajax is a significant boost to their campaign in the Europa League.
More about Brighton vs Ajax Europa League
- Brighton & Hove Albion Official Website
- UEFA Europa League Standings
- Player Statistics in Europa League
- Ansu Fati’s Player Profile
- Match Highlights: Brighton vs Ajax on YouTube
- Post-Match Analysis: Brighton’s Strategy Against Ajax
- Europa League Group Stage Fixtures and Results
- Injury Updates from Brighton & Hove Albion
- Ajax’s Young Squad: A Closer Look
- UEFA Europa League News and Updates
