A missed penalty by Dusan Tadic was followed by an equaliser for AS Roma. Shortly afterwards, Lorenzo Pellegrini took a free kick for the Italians:1-1.
Just before the end of the game, Roger Ibañez plunged Ajax into mourning. Ten Hag's team was chasing the 1-2, but the goal fell on the other side.
The return will follow next week in Italy.
Ajax - AS Roma 1-2 (1-0)
39. Klaassen 1-0
57. Pellegrini 1-1
87. Ibañez 1-2
Ajax: Scherpen, Rensch (79. Klaiber), Timber, Martínez, Tagliafico, Álvarez, Klaassen, Gravenberch, Neres (64. Brobbey), Tadic, Antony (88. Antony).