The two teams had already secured their place in the next round of the Champions League before the final game. Still, Ajax went all out for the three points at home, because never before has a Dutch team been able to take 18 out of 18 in the group stage.
The match couldn’t have started better for Ajax. After 8 minutes, the ball went on the spot after a foul by Bragança on Haller. The Ivorian himself aimed his 10th in just 6 games against the ropes. No one ever did that faster.
Sporting’s glorified B-team responded fifteen minutes later via Nuno Santos. His controlled volley went past Pasveer in goal: 1-1. Even before the break Antony punished a blunder in the defence: Ajax took the lead again.
After the coffee, the home team widened the lead thanks to Neres and Berghuis. Tabata’s 4-2 did not cause Ajax any more problems.
With 18 out of 18 Ajax has played a unique group stage. It also did that with impressive football, many goals and few goals against.
