Edson Alvarez has dream Champions League debut for Ajax
Edson Alvarez made his UEFA Champions League debut a memorable one. The former Club America defender scored in the 43rd minute of the game to help Ajax move on to the group stage of the biggest club tournament on the planet.
After drawing 0-0 in the first leg of the series, the team from the Amsterdam knew that they only needed one goal for them to move on.
Alvarez started the game for the squad from the Netherlands and played a marvelous first half. The Mexican player made his presence felt and even got a yellow card in the 25th minute. He capped off his strong first half with a goal on a set play. Edson made a nice run on a free kick attempt and struck the ball with his head which found its way into the back of the net.
Ajax is one of the most successful European clubs in this competition having won the tournament four times. Only five other clubs have won more Champions League titles. However the last time the Eredivise giants lifted the top European trophy was in 1995. Last year they had one of their best runs in recent memory that ended in the semifinals at the hands of Tottenham.
The Dutch squad’s first step to working on their goal to win a title was to get to the group stage. But first, they needed to beat Apoel.
The second half turned a little chippy, and both teams nearly scored early on. It appeared as though Ajax had taken the lead on a goal by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, but the VAR showed its face, and the goal would be wiped off due to an attacker having literally a foot advantage.
Ajax, however, would not be denied. In the 80th minute, Huntelaar found Dusan Tadic wide open on the left side of the box, and the Serbian scored with a beautiful strike. The goal gave them a comfortable 2-0 lead and a spot in the group stage.
Alvarez’ night concluded in the 89th minute after being subbed out amid a standing ovation.
Ajax and Edson will have to wait until tomorrow to learn which group they will be playing in. One thing is for sure; the competition is expected to be intense regardless of who end up being their opponents.
