Ajax shouldn't be taken lightly in the Champions League quarterfinals

After upsetting the title holders Real Madrid in a historic game at the Bernabeu last week, the Dutch giants proved to Europe that they are a force to be reckoned with in this year’s UCL quarterfinals.

It was the talk of Europe last week when Ajax did the unthinkable, thrashing Real Madrid 4-1 in the second leg of the round of 16 to advance to the final eight. They took full advantage of Real Madrid’s recent struggles and piled all sorts of pressure on, absolutely dominating the former champs of Europe in every aspect of the match through 90 minutes.

This Ajax team is full of young and exciting talent and they have put it all on full display during this league’s Champions League campaign. Their only loss in UCL competition was in the first leg against Madrid in Amsterdam where they lost 2-1. In the group stage, they won three and drew three matches.

Full of exciting talent

Frenkie De Jong is the main name that people think of when they hear Ajax. The Barcelona bound midfielder was a huge reason they went through against Madrid thanks to his skillful play in the midfield, outplaying the likes of Luka Modric. His all-around game of offensive and defensive prowess is extremely vital to Ajax’s success and will continue to play a huge part in the final eight. He is clinical at getting the ball over half on the counter-attack, getting his strikers involved such as Dusan Tadic and David Neres on the flanks. De Jong is their rock in the middle of the pitch and has proved that it doesn’t matter who he is up against, he can compete with the world’s best.

When it comes to bagging goals, there is one player you can’t leave out of the conversation this year for the Amsterdam side. Dusan Tadic has been absolutely lethal this term in front of goal. The 30-year old Serb has netted 29 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions this season, including nine goals in just 14 Champions League appearances. An older player on a team filled with players who average around 25, Tadic is enjoying an outstanding season off the ball as well. He’s been extremely instrumental in setting up goals, tallying seven assists in UCL competition. Tadic was one of the biggest reasons Ajax beat Madrid, bagging a goal and two assists in their 4-1 win.

David Neres is another exciting talent who Ajax has on the attack. The Brazilian is quick and precise with his passes, showing his talent to whip balls across constantly against Madrid. He’s very important on their attack in both scoring goals and threading passes through to Tadic.

Ajax has a superb backline as well, led by youngster Matthijs de Ligt and Daley Blind. They were absolutely solid in the round of 16, shutting down the likes of Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema.

Anything is possible for Ajax

The way this team played in Madrid was absolutely outstanding. They were so quick on the attack, moving the ball from flank to flank with pace and making cutting runs behind the Real defense, leaving them scratching their heads. Their young, fresh legs are a huge benefit to this club and they proved that they can compete with anyone in this competition if they play at this top form.

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With an electric attack and one of the best all-around midfielders in the world, Ajax should definitely be a team to watch very closely in the Champions League quarterfinals.

The quarterfinal draw will take place on Friday morning at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.

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Ajax shouldn’t be taken lightly in the Champions League quarterfinals

By Quinn Allen | Mar 15, 2019

After upsetting the title holders Real Madrid in a historic game at the Bernabeu last week, the Dutch giants proved to Europe that they are a force to be reckoned with in this year’s UCL quarterfinals.

Full of exciting talent

Anything is possible for Ajax