Match report
Ajax Defeats Apoel Nicosia 2-0 in UEFA Champions League Opener
Ajax
2–0
FT
Apoel Nicosia
Aug 28, 2019
Ajax made a triumphant return to the UEFA Champions League, defeating Apoel Nicosia 2-0 in their opening match. The Dutch giants, led by Hakim Ziyech and Dusan Tadic, showcased their attacking prowess, while the Cypriot side struggled to find their footing on the pitch. Despite early yellow cards for Edson Álvarez and several Apoel players, Ajax capitalized on their chances to secure a convincing victory.
Key Facts
- • Ajax secured a 2-0 victory over Apoel Nicosia in the UEFA Champions League.
- • Edson Álvarez opened the scoring with a goal in the 43rd minute, assisted by Hakim Ziyech.
- • Dusan Tadic sealed the win with a goal in the 80th minute, set up by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
- • Apoel Nicosia faced yellow cards for Dragan Mihajlović, Giorgos Merkis, Lucas Souza, A. Jakoliš, Joãozinho, R. Bezjak, and U. Matič, disrupting their rhythm.
- • Ajax made three substitutions: D. de Wit for Hakim Ziyech, Razvan Marin for Edson Álvarez, and L. Hallenius for U. Matič.
Lineups
Ajax
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI
- 24 A. Onana (G)
- 17 D. Blind (D)
- 31 N. Tagliafico (D)
- 3 J. Veltman (D)
- 4 E. Álvarez (M)
- 21 L. Martínez (M)
- 28 S. Dest (D)
- 22 H. Ziyech (M)
- 9 K. Huntelaar (F)
- 10 D. Tadić (M)
- 7 David Neres (M)
Substitutes
- 30 D. de Wit
- 18 R. Marin
- 2 P. Schuurs
- 1 Bruno Varela
- 26 J. Ekkelenkamp
- 23 L. Traoré
- 11 Q. Promes
Apoel Nicosia
Formation: 4-5-1
Starting XI
- 27 V. Belec (G)
- 30 G. Merkis (D)
- 23 Joãozinho (D)
- 44 N. Ioannou (D)
- 91 D. Mihajlovic (D)
- 17 A. Jakoliš (M)
- 14 U. Matić (M)
- 8 Lucas Souza (M)
- 11 Moussa Al Tamari (M)
- 89 R. Bezjak (M)
- 20 A. Pavlović (F)
Substitutes
- 10 T. De Vincenti
- 71 André Vidigal
- 9 L. Hallenius
- 99 B. Waterman
- 46 E. Aloneftis
- 13 K. Lafrance
- 7 G. Efrem
Timeline
-
25' Ajax Card · Yellow CardEdson Álvarez
-
30' Apoel Nicosia Card · Yellow CardDragan Mihajlović
-
34' Apoel Nicosia Card · Yellow CardGiorgos Merkis
-
43' Ajax Goal · Normal GoalEdson Álvarez · Assist: Hakim Ziyech
-
45' Ajax Card · Yellow CardJoël Veltman
-
56' Apoel Nicosia Card · Yellow CardLucas Souza
-
62' Apoel Nicosia Card · Yellow CardA. Jakoliš
-
64' Apoel Nicosia subst · Substitution 1Off: A. Jakoliš · On: T. De Vincenti
-
69' Apoel Nicosia Card · Yellow CardJoãozinho
-
72' Apoel Nicosia subst · Substitution 2Off: Mousa Tamari · On: A. Vidigal
-
73' Apoel Nicosia Card · Yellow CardR. Bezjak
-
78' Apoel Nicosia subst · Substitution 3Off: U. Matić · On: L. Hallenius
-
80' Ajax Goal · Normal GoalD. Tadić · Assist: K. Huntelaar
-
87' Ajax subst · Substitution 1Off: Hakim Ziyech · On: D. de Wit
-
89' Ajax subst · Substitution 2Off: Edson Álvarez · On: Razvan Marin
Match Stats
| Stat | Ajax | Apoel Nicosia |
|---|---|---|
| Fouls | 15 | 18 |
| Pass Accuracy | 83% | 61% |
| Offsides | 3 | 1 |
| Red Cards | — | — |
| Total Shots | 23 | 2 |
| Corners | 6 | 0 |
| Total Passes | 545 | 254 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 6 |
| Blocked Shots | 6 | 1 |
| Shots on Target | 9 | 0 |
| Shots off Target | 8 | 1 |
| Possession | 68% | 32% |
| Accurate Passes | 453 | 155 |
| Shots Inside Box | 14 | 1 |
| Saves | 0 | 7 |
| Shots Outside Box | 9 | 1 |
Key Match Notes
- ▸ The early yellow card for Edson Álvarez in the 25th minute did not deter Ajax, as they continued to dominate and scored through Álvarez in the 43rd minute.
- ▸ Apoel Nicosia's multiple yellow cards and subsequent substitutions in the second half weakened their defense, allowing Ajax to secure a second goal from Dusan Tadic in the 80th minute.