Ajax initially struggled against last season’s third-placed side in France. After around twenty minutes, the Amsterdammers grew into the game. Just under ten minutes later, Ajax took the lead with a fine goal. Following a slick combination with Davy Klaassen, Taylor was able to finish from close range: 1–0.
Wout Weghorst then had a chance to make it 2–0 but failed to convert. AS Monaco did strike at the other end. It became 1–1 through Mika Biereth, one of two former Eredivisie players in the Monegasque starting line-up.
Midway through the second half, AS Monaco took the lead when Takumi Minamino slid in a cross from the right.
Ajax found an equaliser in the closing stages. A fine goal from Bertrand Traoré made it 2–2 six minutes from time. He finished off a cross from Owen Wijndal.
In stoppage time, Ajax had further chances to snatch the win through that same Traoré and Steven Berghuis, but it remained 2–2.
Ajax will kick off their league campaign in a week’s time at home to Telstar.
Ajax - AS Monaco 2-2 (1-1)
29. Taylor
34. Biereth 1-1
66. Minamino 1-2
87. Traoré 2-2
Ajax: Jaros, Regeer, (73. Gaaei), Bouwman, Baas, Wijndal, Klaassen, Mokio (81. Steur), Taylor (73. Traoré), Berghuis, Weghorst (62. Brobbey, 81. Edvardsen), Moro (62. Godts).
