Ajax Amsterdam endured a nervy encounter with Union Saint-Gilloise, but ultimately held on to secure a 1-1 draw (3-2 aggregate win) and progress to the last 16 of the Europa League. Despite squandering a two-goal lead from the first leg and losing captain Davy Klaassen to a red card, Ajax showed resilience to overcome a spirited challenge from the Belgian side.
Union Saint-Gilloise stunned the Johan Cruyff Arena with an early goal from Kevin Mac Allister, who headed home from a free-kick. They almost leveled the tie on aggregate minutes later, but Sofiane Boufal’s effort was ruled out for offside.
Ajax’s task was made even harder when Klaassen was sent off for a handball on the line, with Promise David converting the resulting penalty to give Union Saint-Gilloise a 2-0 lead on the night.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Ajax managed to stem the flow of Union Saint-Gilloise’s attacks in the second half. They struggled to create chances of their own, but their defense held firm to force the game into extra time.
In extra time, Ajax were awarded a penalty for a handball, which Kenneth Taylor converted to give them the lead on aggregate.1 They then defended resolutely to secure their place in the last 16.
Ajax’s victory ensures their place in the Europa League last 16, where they will face one of the winners from the Champions League play-off round. The draw for the next round will take place on Friday.
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