Training got underway with the usual exercise drills, while the three goalkeepers were put through their paces by goalkeeper coach Anton Scheuntjens. Gradually they felt first drops of rain falling, this weather lasting the entire training session.
Under the watchful eye of the national press, who were welcomed in for the first fifteen minutes, the Ajax players started some positional play. The pattern was two square pitches each housing three teams. For the team with possession, the task was to keep possession with seven players against three defenders. If the defenders won the ball, they could score in three small goals at the side of the pitches.
Eventually, the small goals were replaced with two full-size goals and the game was played on half a pitch. For two of the teams, the aim was to be ahead after a certain time.
The final training session before the match against Ludogorets was brought to a close with some quick-fire set pieces. Assistant manager Richard Witschge volleyed the balls from the back line down low towards the edge of the penalty area. Each player had to land the ball in one and then take a shot. Anass Salah-Eddine eventually managed this best, turning out to be even more ruthless in the end than Josip Šutalo and Anton Gaaei.
