AFC Ajax have secured their first win in the Conference League. The Amsterdam side beat Atalanta 2-0 on Thursday night thanks to two goals in the dying minutes.
The match seemed destined for a goalless draw for a long time. It wasn't until the 87th minute that Tolu Arokodare broke the deadlock following a long pass from Youri Baas. In the third minute of added time, Abdellah Ouazane sealed the result, assisted by Arokodare. The victory follows a 5-2 league win over FC Groningen and a 2-1 defeat to Hajduk Split in Europe. In the league, Ajax are in strong form with two wins and two draws from their last five matches, including a 1-1 draw with NEC Nijmegen and a 2-2 draw with Excelsior.
This win is key for Ajax's hopes in the Conference League, where the top 24 teams advance. The team currently sits fourth in the Eredivisie with 18 points from nine games, five points behind leaders Feyenoord. With a record of five wins, three draws and one loss, the side has scored 27 goals and conceded just 12 this season. Top scorer Julian Brandt, who also received a rating of 7 in the match report, has netted six times in nine appearances.
In the first half, Ajax failed to score. Lucas Rosa hit the post after five minutes and Marcos Leonardo failed to capitalise on his chances. Oscar Gloukh was threatening but saw many of his shots blocked. After the break, Ajax took control. Davy Klaassen, listed as a right winger but playing more centrally, made a risky sliding tackle in his own penalty area in the 60th minute, but no foul was given.
Ajax's next assignment is an away fixture against Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday 25 October. The Rotterdammers are 13th in the standings. The three players who earned a rating of 7 in the report were Youri Baas, Julian Brandt and Jorthy Mokio.
The report in full is at Voetbal International
Marcos Leonardo is still struggling for form at Ajax. The Brazilian striker, signed for around twenty million euros this summer, has scored just twice in thirteen matches. After the 2-0 win over Atalanta, he admitted the lack of goals is eating at him. "I haven't forgotten how, I hope it comes soon," Leonardo told reporters. He cited his physical condition after a late return from Brazil as a factor. The team, sitting fourth, plays away at Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday.
Abdellah Ouazane scored his first European goal for Ajax. The 17-year-old midfielder netted the 2-0 against Atalanta. "It was a nice goal, but we're keeping our feet on the ground," Ouazane told reporters. The club, which is fourth in the Eredivisie, is now on a two-game winning run.
Update, 24 October 2026 Manager Míchel Sánchez said Ajax's inconsistency is due to the many new players. "With so many new players, the process of forging a team is one of trial and error," he said. The coach also stated he sees the players growing after the 2-0 win over Atalanta. Ajax, fourth in the Eredivisie, is now on a two-game winning streak.
