Ajax was quite efficient in the Bulgarian heat. While the temperature remained well above twenty degrees, Maurice Steijn's team had already made the difference before the break. Kudus was particularly cool-headed in front of the Bulgarian goal. After two opportunities for the Ghanaian within two minutes, the score was 0-2. The second goal was set up by a beautiful combination between Brobbey and Kenneth Taylor.
The Ajax striker had the final touch to make it 0-3. After a cross from Owen Wijndal, the attacker headed-in Ajax’s third goal. It came at the ideal moment. With just five minutes to play before half-time, he had already scored the decider.
Ludogorets did shake off its hesitation in the second half. Shortly after the break, Jay Gorter had to come into action twice to prevent 1-3. As the home team applied pressure, space opened up behind the Bulgarian defence. Carlos Forbs took advantage. After a good rush from the right wing, he found Steven Bergwijn. He was unselfish and passed to Kudus, who made it 0-4.
Ludogorets strikes back
Ajax did get into trouble one more time in the match. After a handball by Jorrel Hato in his own penalty area, Ludogorets was awarded a penalty. Keeper Jay Gorter did pick the right corner, but couldn't parry Olivier Verdon's penalty shot.
In any case, Ajax can feel good about working toward the return leg with 1-4 in its pocket. The Amsterdammers play the home game against the Bulgarians on 31 August.
Ludogorets - Ajax 1-4 (0-3)
16. Kudus 0-1
18. Kudus 0-2
40. Brobbey 0-3
50. Kudus 0-4
70. Verdon (pen.) 1-4
Ajax: Gorter, Rensch, Medić, Hato, Wijndal (78. Salah-Eddine), Tahirović, Berghuis (72. Klaassen), Taylor (72.Van den Boomen), Kudus (90. Godts), Brobbey (46. Forbs), Bergwijn.
