Ajax had a tough start to the match, with Celtic hitting the crossbar early on and doing so again later in the first half. After a sluggish opening, Ajax found their rhythm and took the lead in the 16th minute through a brilliant long-range strike from Steven Berghuis into the far corner. About five minutes later, Celtic equalised via Yang Hyun-Jun.
The score was 1-1 at the break, but Ajax took control in the second half. Davy Klaassen made it 2-1 shortly after the restart, converting the rebound after a shot from substitute Mika Godts. Just before the hour mark, Berghuis added his second, punishing a major error in Celtic’s build-up for the 3-1.
The best was saved for last. Aaron Bouwman made it 4-1 with a thunderous long-range strike into the top corner. Also impressive was Bounida’s 5-1: just moments after coming on, the youngster curled in a left-footed shot from the edge of the box past Celtic keeper Schmeichel.
Ajax will now face hosts Como 1907 in the final of the Como Cup on Sunday.
Ajax - Celtic 5-1 (1-1)
16. Berghuis 1-0
21. Hyun-Jun 1-1
47. Klaassen 2-1
59. Berghuis 3-1
74. Bouwman 4-1
83. Bounida 5-1
