The match started slowly, with few chances for both teams. Steven Berghuis saw the first big opportunity to find the net. He crowned himself the match-winner by scoring the only goal of the match from a stunning attack and an assist by Kian Fitz-Jim. Panathinaikos came close to equalising early in the second half, but Daniel Macini’s goal was disallowed. After that moment, neither team managed to score any more goals.
The return leg will take place next Thursday at 20:15 in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The winner of the two-legged tie will qualify for the last qualifying round of the Europa League. Later this week, Ajax will start the Eredivisie season with a match against sc Heerenveen. That match will begin on Sunday at 16:45 in the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
Panathinaikos - Ajax 0-1 (0-1)
28. Berghuis 0-1
Ajax: Pasveer, Rensch, Šutalo, Baas, Hato, Henderson, Fitz-Jim (67. Van den Boomen), Taylor (82. Brobbey), Berghuis (57. Gaaei), Akpom (67. Traoré), Forbs (57. Godts)
