The match started brightly in the Johan Cruijff ArenA, with chances at both ends. However, it was the Italians who capitalised on the first real opportunity. Loum Tchaouna clinically finished after an excellent through ball from Pedro. Ajax created chances through Brian Brobbey and Bertrand Traoré in the first half, but they failed to find the back of the net.
Ajax came out flying in the second half. While Traoré had struggled to find his aim in the first 45 minutes, he struck beautifully just after the break. Following a cleared free kick, the winger smashed the ball into the net: 1-1.
The joy was short-lived for Ajax. Shortly after equalising, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru powered the ball into the near corner. Remko Pasveer appeared to save it, but goal-line technology confirmed that the ball had crossed the line.
Struck the crossbar
With fifteen minutes remaining, Pedro sealed the victory with a stunning strike, curling the ball perfectly past Pasveer to make it 1-3. Ajax came close to pulling one back through Traoré and substitute Anton Gaaei, but both efforts struck the crossbar. While Ajax was unlucky not to score, a point was never within reach. A clever and efficient SS Lazio earned a deserved win in Amsterdam.
Ajax - SS Lazio 1-3 (0-1)
12. Tchaouan 0-1
47. Traoré 1-1
52. Dele-Bashiru 1-2
77. Pedro
Ajax: Pasveer; Rensch (78. Gaaei), Šutalo, Baas, Hato; Henderson, Taylor (78. Rasmussen), Berghuis (72. Akpom); Traoré, Brobbey (72. Weghorst), Godts (57. Fitz-Jim)
