With just a nine per cent chance of progressing to the next round, the Amsterdam side started the match strongly. Fred Grim’s team created several clear chances in the first half, but efforts either went wide or were saved by the Olympiakos goalkeeper. Dolberg did find the net, though his goal was ruled out for offside. The teams went into the break with the score level at 0–0.
After the restart, Ajax struggled to match their first-half intensity. Shortly after the second half began, Gelson Martins opened the scoring for the Greek side. Ajax were then awarded a penalty, which Dolberg converted to make it 1–1. Grim’s team pushed for a second goal, but instead conceded again when Santiago Hezze restored Olympiakos’ lead. Ajax were unable to find an equaliser and suffered defeat in Amsterdam.
Ajax’s next match is an Eredivisie fixture against Excelsior, kicking off at 12:15 on Sunday, February 1.
Ajax – Olympiakos 1–2 (0–0)
52. Gelson Martins (0–1)
69. Kasper Dolberg (1–1)
79. Santiago Hezze (1–2)
Ajax: Jaros; Gaaei, Sutalo, Baas, Wijndal (88. Nash); Klaassen (69. Bounida), Regeer, Steur (69. Edvardsen); Gloukh (80. Mokio), Dolberg (80. Weghorst), Godts
