Ajax failed to reach the knock-out stage of the UEFA Champions League. They needed a win over Atalanta to secure a place, but the game ended in a 0-1 victory for the Italian side. As a result, Ajax finish third in Group D behind Liverpool and Atalanta and will be heading for the UEFA Europa League next year.
It all went wrong for Ajax in the final phase of the match. Ryan Gravenberch got his second yellow card in the 79th minute, and minutes later Luis Muriel scored the game's only goal.
Ajax – Atalanta 0-1 (0-0)
85. Muriel 0-1
Red card: 85. Gravenberch (Ajax)
Ajax: Onana, Mazraoui, Schuurs, Martínez (90+1. Timber, 90+4. Álvarez), Tagliafico (63. Huntelaar), Gravenberch, Klaassen, Labyad (63. Ekkelenkamp), Antony, Brobbey (46. Promes), Tadic
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Erik ten Hag expressed his frustration about the result against Atalanta (0-1) and was especially disappointed by a moment during the game's 75th minute. "That was our best chance of the game, at 0-0. It could have made all the difference, but it's just a real shame. Davy Klaassen's opportunity really sums up and it almost a metaphor for our whole season. We weren't able to make the most of great opportunities."
Ajax have already played five eventful group duels in this year of the UEFA Champions League, but everything will be decided against Atalanta on Wednesday evening. Andre Onana wants to see his team play with pleasure and courage.