Ajax found it difficult to impose themselves on the match for large periods. Villarreal were the more dangerous side in the first half and created several opportunities, but goalkeeper Vítězslav Jaroš proved decisive with a number of excellent saves. Thanks to his interventions, the score remained 0–0 at the break.
Shortly after the restart, the Spanish side took the lead through Tani Oluwaseyi. Ajax responded with increased urgency and were rewarded when Gloukh found the equaliser, restoring belief in the closing stages of the match. That belief was fully justified in the final minutes, when Edvardsen finished clinically following an assist from Anton Gaaei to complete a late turnaround.
Ajax will continue their Champions League campaign next Wednesday at the Johan Cruijff ArenA against Olympiakos, with kick-off at 21:00. The next Eredivisie fixture follows on Sunday, February 1, away against Excelsior.
Villarreal - Ajax 1-2 (0-0)
49. Oluwaseyi 1-0
61. Gloukh 1-1
89. Edvardsen 1-2
Ajax: Jaroš; Gaaei, Bouwman, Baas, Wijndal (84. Edvardsen); Klaassen, Regeer (55. Itakura), Mokio (72. Steur); Gloukh (84. Fitz-Jim), Dolberg (72. Bounida), Godts.
