AFC Ajax has drawn Atalanta as a standout opponent in the Conference League group stage. Thursday's draw also paired the Amsterdam club with FC Midtjylland, Getafe, Sint-Truiden, Hajduk Split and FC Thun, as reported by NOS Sport.
The competitive phase of the tournament starts for Ajax on 15 October. Exact match days and kick-off times will be determined later. Ajax currently sits seventh in the Eredivisie with four points from two matches. The team has scored four goals and conceded two, for a goal difference of plus two. The next fixture is an away match against Telstar on 30 August.
Which opponents will Ajax face?
Ajax's group is a varied assortment. Atalanta from Italy is the most notable name and features Dutch midfielder Marten de Roon. Ajax will host Atalanta at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The other home matches are against Spanish side Getafe and Swiss club FC Thun. The away trips will take the team to Denmark (FC Midtjylland), Belgium (Sint-Truiden) and Croatia (Hajduk Split).
This draw means significant travel for the squad. The journeys to Split and Herning are considerable distances. It's a challenge the staff must account for in their planning, especially with a busy calendar. Fans can follow the full schedule on our fixtures page.
What does this mean for Ajax's season?
The Conference League commitment comes on top of domestic duties. Ajax started the season with a draw and a win and trails leaders AZ Alkmaar by five points. The European campaign demands a deep squad and careful schedule management.
The manager and staff must find balance between the league and Europe. Players who get less Eredivisie playing time could seize their opportunity in this tournament. It offers chances for young talent to gain experience on the European stage. The current squad composition can be viewed in our squad overview.
How does the draw compare for other Dutch clubs?
The draw wasn't only for Ajax. NEC was paired with Juventus and Benfica, as was AZ Alkmaar. FC Twente drew SC Freiburg. This means all four Dutch participants have challenging groups. For the Eredivisie as a whole, it's a chance to collect coefficient points.
For Ajax itself, the clash with Atalanta is the highlight. It's a direct benchmark against a club that regularly features in the Champions League. The other opponents, while less famous, are certainly not to be underestimated. Getafe is known for its physical play, while Hajduk Split is a tough away fixture due to the stadium atmosphere.
The start of the Conference League on 15 October is approaching fast. Ajax must first focus on the league, where the next match against Telstar is scheduled. The Eredivisie standings are always important and can be followed live via our standings page. The European adventures form a new chapter in a season that has only just begun.
