Ajax opened its UEFA Conference League campaign with a 2-1 defeat against Hajduk Split at the Poljud Stadium, drawing heavy criticism from Dutch morning newspapers over the team’s cohesion and tactical execution.
Defensive Puzzles and Tactical Miscalculations in Split
Ajax manager Míchel Sánchez adjusted his backline following injuries to Anton Gaaei and Caio Henrique alongside a static performance against NEC, deploying Thilo Kehrer as a right-back and handing 19-year-old Jofre Torrents his first chance on the left. Algemeen Dagblad noted that the tactical switch aimed to provide flank depth and push wingers Viktor Tsygankov and Abdellah Ouazane inward, but the plan largely misfired as Torrents struggled with possession and defensive stability. De Telegraaf described the teenage Spaniard’s performance as a “spookrijder” (ghost rider) for his own team, noting that regular left-back Owen Wijndal remained on the bench despite filling in reliably during recent absences.
Het gaat mis achterin bij Ajax 😳#ZiggoSport #UECL #Ajax
De Volkskrant highlighted that Ajax lacked basic passing precision throughout the pitch, with defenders frequently resorting to hopeful long balls under pressure. Midfielder Davy Klaassen provided a brief spark of hope with a well-taken equalizer that briefly swung momentum toward the visitors. However, tactical adjustments and a temporary pause due to flares and fireworks thrown from the stands failed to spark a permanent turnaround for the Dutch side.
Struggles in Midfield Balance and Ball Retention
The Dutch press pointed to persistent structural imbalances across the midfield as a primary driver of the team’s struggles in Croatia. De Volkskrant observed that the dynamic partnership missing against NEC resurfaced as an issue in Split, where Klaassen was tasked with adding forward thrust while Abdellah Ouazane started on the left wing ahead of Oscar Gloukh. Eurosport reported that Hajduk Split capitalized directly on Ajax’s self-inflicted errors when a loose backpass allowed Michele Šego to set up Marin Šotiček for the winning goal in the second half.
While Eurosport noted that Hajduk Split did not entirely outclass the visitors across ninety minutes, the timing and nature of the goals conceded left Ajax frustrated by their own lack of control. Both goals originated from situations where the Amsterdammers held possession before surrendering it cheaply in dangerous areas.
Atmosphere, Safety Concerns, and Next Fixtures
Ajax Life reported that the away trip was marred by security issues in the city prior to kickoff, with multiple supporters facing intimidation and physical harassment before reaching the stadium. On matchday, however, a designated fan zone with music created a calmer gathering point before supporters entered the hostile atmosphere of the Poljud Stadium.
Ajax komt weer op achterstand 😕#ZiggoSport #UECL #HAJAJA
With the opening European fixture yielding zero points, Ajax turns its attention back to domestic competition. The squad travels to face FC Groningen on Sunday, seeking to address the tactical gaps and defensive fragility exposed during their difficult opening night in Croatia.
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