Never mind the gaping difference in budgets; never mind the fairytale narrative that has captivated Europe. Ajax could not beat Juventus but, in one sense, they achieved what they set out to do. They made this a clash of equals, just like the European Cup finals the sides contested in 1973 and 1996, and will be far from cowed by going again in Turin next Tuesday.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s emphatic header, the last action of the first half, appeared to be the kind of ruthless, ice-blooded moment Juve contrive like nobody else. But David Neres responded straight after the restart and, after an intoxicating second period, the only certainty was that the second leg has the ingredients to be a classic.
Written by Nick Ames at the Johan Cruyff Arena
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/apr/10/ajax-juventus-champions-league-quarter-final-match-report under the title “David Neres strike gives Ajax fighting chance in second leg at Juventus”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
