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Ajax could be just 90 minutes away from making the final of the Champions League after going to Tottenham and winning 1-0 on the first leg of their semifinal. The Dutch side took it to the back of the night, while waiting for the guests, while Ajax's pressure left. Tottenham's attack clueless.
It was much of the same style of play that has caught the eye of the world. This result puts Ajax on the verge of making the final, yet the team will rue the two clear chances missed to tie the tie.
In the end, Ajax did its job on the road and now returns home Wednesday second leg. Real Madrid, Juventus and Tottenham. Ajax has gone on the road in this competition. For Spurs, it's back-to-back defeats at their new stadium and a big hill to climb. Tottenham lost 1-0 to West Ham in Premier League play last weekend.
Here's what to know and see.
First half
Ajax, got it done in the knockout stage, got started quickly. From the opening whistle the team dominated the ball and made Tottenham look like it had no idea what it was doing. Harry Kane (injury) and Son Heung-Min (suspended).
It only took just 15 minutes for the visitors to score, as Hakim Ziyech found Donny van de Beek inside the box, with the latter calmly finishing in the left side of the goal to lead 1-0:
There was a call from defenders and fans for offside, and it was reviewed by Video Assistant Referee, but the goal was confirmed. Here you can see that van de Beek was onside:
Ajax's strong play continues to be the championship winners exposed the hosts down the flanks. A lovely bit of play 2-0 lead, but it was not meant to be. Van de Beek's dummy and the Spurs backline, but instead of squaring the ball to Neres for what was probably a goal, Hugo Lloris:
Still, Ajax led 1-0 at the break after a fine first half.
Second half
Tottenham was much improved but still lacking creativity. Without the team's two star attackers, it was always going to be a challenge. Lucas Moura had a couple bright moments but the only real danger felt like it came on set pieces.
Ajax kept playing with the game, and it came back to the game. 78 minutes in when Neres slipped inside the left side of the box. But his effort pinged off the far
That was all written, with Ajax getting a fantastic result in London.
Goal scorers
⚽ Ajax – Donny van Beek (15 ')
Game-changing moment
It was the opening goal, because once again Ajax struck early, it was the tone and let anyone doubted this team know that the club is for real. An away goal gives Ajax plenty of room in the second leg. Just a draw will be enough for Tottenham to move on.
Most telling stat
Spurs managed 12 shots, but only one went on the frame in the entire game. But goalkeeper Andre Onana, who was strong in the air to punch balls out and commanded his defense. A fine performance in which he was not asked to do too much when it came to making saves.
Player of the game
It's van de Beck because of what the goal means. His dummy on the other luck in the first half was classy as well. He got caught higher than usual at a couple times, but there is no denying his impact.
What's next?
The second leg is next Wednesday at 3 pm ET, and you can see it on fuboTV (Try for free). Be sure to join CBS Sports' coverage of Barcelona vs. Ajax on Wednesday in the other semifinal here.
Relive Ajax vs. Tottenham
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