The Amsterdam side hoped to take an important step forward in Latvia against FC RFS, a team that had only collected two points so far in the League Phase of the UEFA Europa League. Ajax, with ten points before the game, could have strengthened their position with a win, but it wasn’t to be.
Ajax dominated possession in the first half but struggled to create real danger. In the second half, Francesco Farioli’s team showed more attacking intent. Kian Fitz-Jim saw a goal disallowed due to offside by Mika Godts, and a header from Josip Šutalo off a corner was cleared just before crossing the line.
FC RFS rarely troubled Remko Pasveer’s goal, but they capitalized on an error in the 78th minute. A misplaced pass in the buildup from Kian Fitz-Jim allowed Adam Markhiyev to break through and finish past Pasveer: 1-0.
Ajax had a big chance to equalize, but Fitz-Jim failed to convert. The team left the pitch disappointed, returning home empty-handed.
FC RFS - Ajax 1-0 (0-0)
78. Adam Markhiyev
Ajax: Pasveer, Gaaei (61. Berghuis), Sutalo, Rugani, Baas, Fitz-Jim, Henderson, Taylor (81. Van den Boomen), Traoré (81. Rasmussen), Brobbey (61. Weghorst), Godts (73. Akpom)
