How the Match Opened and Why the Early Goal Changed Everything
Ajax’s meeting with Benfica started at a fast pace inside the Johan Cruyff Arena. The home crowd expected the usual possession control, but Benfica struck before Ajax had time to settle. The opening goal came from Samuel Dahl, who finished with power in the sixth minute. Aftonbladet described the strike by writing that Dahl “dundrade in sitt första Champions League mål” and added that the moment “banade vägen för tre poäng” which means the goal helped set up the three points for Benfica. The match report appears through Aftonbladet’s coverage of Dahl’s early finish.
Ajax tried to regain control by keeping the ball. Their passes moved across midfield as they attempted to find patterns, but nothing came easily. When a team trails early, the rhythm can break quickly. Ajax began pushing forward without the sharpness they needed. The missed opportunities created tension in the stands as the match moved forward.
The early Benfica goal also influenced Ajax’s decision making. They took more touches around midfield than usual because breaking through felt harder. Benfica allowed them space in the center while cutting off lanes in the final third. Ajax had possession, but possession without threat rarely shifts momentum. By the time the midway point of the first half arrived, Ajax were still hunting for clear chances.
How Possession Looked Strong but Threat Looked Limited
Ajax dominated the ball for most of the match. ESPN listed their share of possession at roughly sixty two percent with seven total shots. Benfica had eleven shots despite having much less time with the ball. The numbers tell a simple story. Ajax controlled territory while Benfica controlled quality. The breakdown is available through match statistics reported by ESPN.
This pattern has become familiar for Ajax this season. They can keep the ball, but turning that control into pressure inside the box has been a challenge. Their passing sequences often looked clean until they reached crowded spaces near the penalty area. From there the rhythm slowed and the team looked hesitant.
One of Ajax’s better moments came from Davy Klaassen. Reuters noted that Klaassen had a clear attempt in the first half but was stopped by the Benfica goalkeeper during a rare spell of danger. The report added that Ajax once again finished a Champions League match without points and that their hopes were “all but ended” after another setback. The story is available through Reuters’ match recap.
The lack of a finishing touch mattered most. Benfica didn’t need long stretches of possession. They simply needed to stay compact and wait for openings. Ajax pushed the pace but rarely forced panic. Each missed chance created another layer of pressure for the home side. The frustration showed as the second half unfolded and Benfica continued to deny space.
How Benfica Managed the Game and Found the Second Goal
Benfica entered the match without a single Champions League point this season. The pressure sat on them too, but their approach gave them a way to manage the situation. They stayed conservative when necessary and then moved quickly when Ajax made mistakes. The early goal gave them confidence, and from there they used time wisely.
Benfica shaped the match through defensive timing. They didn’t chase the ball across the field. They let Ajax move it around and waited for moments to step forward. When they countered, they brought numbers with pace rather than with long buildups. The second goal came at the end of regulation when Leandro Barreiro finished a chance that confirmed the result. Ajax were still pushing forward, and Benfica took advantage of the space behind them.
There was commentary across Europe about Ajax’s difficulties. AS described Ajax as being haunted by past problems and current form. The Spanish outlet wrote that Mourinho “se aprovecha de un fantasma” which translates to taking advantage of a ghost. The comment reflected the sense that Ajax feel weighed down by their own history and expectations. That analysis appears through AS coverage of Ajax’s struggles.
Benfica’s win didn’t erase their earlier results, but it offered a path forward. Teams often need a performance that confirms they can execute under pressure. This match provided that feeling for them. Their players celebrated with relief, knowing the points mattered for confidence as much as for placement.
What the Result Means for Ajax and Their Next Steps
Ajax remain at the bottom of the standings. The new Champions League format includes a large table, and five consecutive losses place Ajax near the end of the list. Their upcoming match against Qarabag is one of the last chances to salvage something from the campaign, though even a win may not change the overall picture. The concern is not only the results but also the patterns behind them.
Ajax face issues on both ends of the field. Their defensive challenges appear whenever the opponent accelerates. Their finishing problems appear whenever they reach the final third. They don’t look disconnected but they don’t look confident either. Supporters watching from the United States may notice that the difference between their possession and their chance creation becomes wider every week.
The club must find a balance between patience and directness. Their midfield can control matches but needs clearer intentions near the box. Their defenders need to anticipate quicker breaks. These aren’t problems built in a single match. They’ve shown up throughout the season, which makes them harder to address in the short term.
What the Result Means for Benfica and Their Remaining Matches
Benfica leave Amsterdam with renewed energy. Their next match against Napoli will test how much this win changed. They’ll want the same structure and awareness they showed against Ajax. The victory reminded them they can compete in Europe even without dominating possession.
The match also showed that Benfica’s young players can step up. Dahl’s goal offered a glimpse of confidence. Barreiro’s finish highlighted composure. Their defensive shape stayed tight until the final whistle. They created a mix of experience and controlled risk that worked for them.
The coming fixtures will show whether this performance becomes a stepping point or stays isolated. Benfica have the tools to make their season respectable. They just need consistency.
If you want, I can also prepare a shorter newswire version, a conversational recap for social media, or a version with more tactical emphasis.
