Ajax Amsterdam wins the semi-final first leg at Tottenham a close but deserved win. The staff weakened Spurs have to cope with, however, another bitter failure.
It is the 31. Minute of the game in the magnificent new stadium of Tottenham Hotspur. Ajax Amsterdam had, until then, no respect whatsoever shown in front of the imposing backdrop in the first one month ago inaugurated the Arena, the massive chants of English Fans and the simple fact that it was an away game.
In this first half an hour, the young Savages had given all the stats: more possession, more corners, more shots on goal and a goal. Achieved by one who is not actually so much in the focus when it comes to the superlatives in relation to the high-speed soccer, the Dutchman: midfielder Donny van de Beek, had been taken against AEK Athens and Juventus Turin, was the corner of a quasi-pick, in which he had the Ball in the 15. Minute left foot – 1:0 (1:0)-final. So little resistance there was from Tottenham.
To enable Ajax in the return game on Wednesday in the Johan-Cruyff-Arena best opportunities to collect, for the first Time since 1996, the finals of the king class. As with the Victories over defending champion Real Madrid, or Juventus with Cristiano Ronaldo Ajax presented a breathtaking tempo football and played in London so, as it would be at home there. Up to the 31. Minute.
Breaking in the game
Since bounced Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen all evil with his teammate Toby Alderweireld and Tottenham goalkeeper Andre Onana and remained in a daze and covered in blood. Long the Abwehrhüne was treated on the head, then stood up again and was after a dress change (the white Outfit was covered in blood) back on the playing field. However, only short. After a few moments he staggered views of space, barely able to walk on their own two feet in the cabin.
A shock for the Fans that Vertonghen standing applause donated – but not for the players, who had to once again cope with the loss of an important player, after already both scorers (Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son) had failed. Suddenly the hosts came into the game, the domination of the low countries waned. And as in the 53. Minute, the huge “Oh when the Spurs go marching in” at the new stadium was approved, returned the hope that something might yet went against the so-strong performances. And the annoying 0:1 in their own stadium, which had already experienced at the weekend, a Derby defeat, perhaps even a better return game-the result could be.
In his first European semi-final since 57 years, his strongest Phase, managed the club from the Premier League in a row. Especially in the injury time of the first half Tottenham came several times dangerous in the vicinity of the Ajax-goal.
Ajax brings victory over time
And, although Ajax had rested went to the duel – the League had paused because of the historical game of extra – fought Tottenham, even after the page change for every inch, while Ajax was in comparison to the first passage strangely passive. To compensate, it was not enough for Tottenham, in spite of the significant increase in performance.
A single until the end by a mock attack in the 78th minute. Minute once again brought danger to the Tottenham goal from Hugo Lloris, but David Neres hit the post. Then, Ajax were worthy of winning, once again set away an exclamation point and a good starting position provided for the return game a week. But not the 1:0 of Borussia Dortmund’s sought-after van de Beek will remain in the head – but the picture of Vertonghen, the staggered visibly drawn with a suspected concussion from the field, and thus again the discussion about a better protection of the players aroused.