The opening phase saw few clear chances for either side. However, the match changed dramatically when Kenneth Taylor was sent off for a foul on Facundo Buonanotte. With Ajax reduced to ten players, Chelsea immediately took advantage. Marc Guiu found space in the penalty area and fired past the Ajax goalkeeper to open the scoring.
Ten minutes later, Moisés Caicedo doubled the home side’s lead with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. Chelsea began to dominate possession and move the ball quickly across the wet surface, leaving Ajax on the defensive for long stretches.
Opportunities on the counterattack
Despite the setback, Ajax continued to look for opportunities on the counterattack. Their persistence paid off shortly after the half-hour mark when Tosin Adarabioyo brought down Moro inside the penalty area. Wout Weghorst stepped up to take the spot-kick and converted to make it 2–1. The striker later suffered a head injury but, after receiving treatment, was able to return to the pitch.
Just before half-time, Chelsea were awarded a penalty after a foul inside the box. Enzo Fernández converted to restore the home side’s two-goal advantage. Shortly after, Chelsea were awarded another penalty. Estevao gave Ajax another blow, scoring the next goal for Chelsea. The teams went into the break with the score at 4–1.
Early in the second half, Ajax’s hopes of a comeback were further dampened when Tyrique George added a fifth goal for Chelsea. From that point onwards, the London side controlled the match, maintaining possession and creating several more chances. Ajax were unable to find another goal before the final whistle.
Chelsea – Ajax 5-1 (4-1)
18. Guiu 1-0
27. Caicedo 2-0
33. Weghorst 2-1 (pen.)
45. Fernández 3-1 (pen.)
45+6. Estevao 4-1 (pen.)
48. George 5-1
Ajax: Pasveer; Baas, Sutalo, Itakura, Rosa (84. Gaaei), Godts, McConnell (79. Regeer), Godts (85. Fitz-Jim), Gloukh, Moro, Weghorst (46. Klaassen)
