David Neres Equalizes the Position, Ajax Draws 1-1 Against Juventus

DBasia.news –  A draw with a 1-1 score was created in the Johan Cruyff Arena, the headquarters of Ajax Amsterdam, when entertaining Juventus in the first leg of the last eight Champions League, Thursday (11/4) WIB.

Ajax under the care of Erik ten Hag went down with a 4-2-3-1 tactic by relying on the names of reliable players such as: Andre Onana, Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, Judge Ziyech, David Neres, and Dusan Tadic.

Ajax played like they did when they eliminated Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League: aggressive when putting pressure on their opponents, trying to grab the ball fast and counterattack, and try to take possession of the ball in the third of the opponent’s defense.

In the first 20 minutes, Juventus, who played with a 4-3-3 tactic, relied on Federico Bernardeschi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mario Mandzukic, on the front lines, they were troubled by the host’s game. Ronaldo rarely even touched the ball.

Wojciech Szczesny, Juventus goalkeeper, has twice been forced to save from an attempt by Judge Ziyech. Ajax demonstrates entertaining and offensive football that the fans of European football lovers are keen to see.

New Juve can rise slowly since the 30th minute upwards. Their quality, seniority, and experienced players began to show off the troublesome Ajax defense which was mobilized by a young-experienced combination, Matthijs de Ligt and Daley Blind.

Ahead of the break, Juve who started to create a lot of opportunities finally converted one of the goals which was right on the 45th minute. The goalscorer? Who else if not Cristiano Ronaldo.

CR7 gored the ball from a cross from his compatriot, Joao Cancelo, as he ran past two Ajax defenders and the ball couldn’t be pushed over by Onana. Juve’s 1-0 suddenly excelled and closed the first half with that position.

It didn’t take long for Ajax to reply at the start of the second half. Taking advantage of Juve’s defenses, which were not reinforced by Giorgio Chiellini because of an injury, Neres dribbled the ball from the left side and fired a shot that Szczesny couldn’t push. 1-1.

Ajax played with determination as in the first half and did not make it easy for Juventus players to control the ball for long. Massimiliano Allegri tried to change his style of play by including Douglas Costa, replacing Mario Mandzukic in the 60th minute.

The intensity of the game with fast tempo continues to be guarded by Ajax who wants to win at their headquarters. Juventus, as usual, played tactically to ward off Ajax’s attacks and rely on counterattacks.

Ajax was supposed to create enough chances in this match: 19 attempted kicks and six strikes on target. Unfortunately for them, only one can be converted into a goal.

As a result, up to five additional minutes of time ended in the second half, the 1-1 position did not change. Juve had an away goal advantage to take to the second leg which took place at Juventus Stadium, Wednesday (17/4) at 2:00 a.m. WIB.

Player composition:

Ajax Amsterdam: (4-2-3-1): Andre Onana; Joel Veltman, Matthijs de Ligt, Daley Blind, Nicolas Tagliafico; Lasse Schone (Jurgen Ekkelenkamp 75 ‘), Frenkie de Jong; Judge Ziyech, Donny van de Beek, David Neres; Dusan Tadic

Substitute Players: Daley Sinkgraven, Kasper Dolberg, Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, ​​Bruno Varela, Rasmus Kristensen, Lisandro Magallan, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

Coach: Erik ten Hag

Juventus (4-3-3): Wojciech Szczesny; Joao Cancelo, Leonardo Bonucci, Daniele Rugani, Alex Sandro; Rodrigo Bentancur, Miralem Pjanic, Blaise Matuidi (Paulo Dybala 75 ‘); Federico Bernardeschi (Sami Khedira 90 + 3 ‘), Mario Mandzukic (Douglas Costa 60’), Cristiano Ronaldo

Substitute players: Douglas Costa, Sami Khedira, Moise Kean, Mattia De Sciglio, Leonardo Spinazzola, Paulo Dybala, Mattia Perin

Coach: Massimiliano Allegri