Ajax suffer shock Europa League defeat to Latvian Rigas
In a big surprise, the Dutch team Ajax Amsterdam suffered a shocking 0-1 loss to the host team Rigas, Latvia, in the match that was held in the sixth round of the group stage in the European League. The loss damaged Ajax's hopes of competing to qualify for the knockout stages.
Match details
The only goal of the match
Rigas managed to score the only goal of the match through player Arturs Zjuzins in the 57th minute, after exploiting a counterattack that the team led in an organized manner.
Ajax control without effectiveness
Despite Ajax's possession of the ball throughout the match and creating many opportunities, the team lacked accuracy in finishing the attacks, as Rigas' defense and goalkeeper stood as an impenetrable barrier against the Dutch team's attempts.
Ajax's disappointing performance
Clear offensive weakness
Ajax players lacked focus in front of goal, as they wasted several opportunities that could have turned the result in their favor. The team also seemed to lack harmony in the midfield and attack.
Defensive struggles
Although Rigas did not threaten Ajax's goal much, the Dutch team suffered from clear defensive gaps that the Latvian team exploited to score the winning goal.
Post-match statements
Ajax coach
The Ajax coach said after the match:
"It's a painful loss, especially since we were the better team for most of the match. We have to review the mistakes and correct them before the next match."
Rigas coach
For his part, Rigas' coach expressed his great happiness with this historic victory, saying:
"The players gave everything they had and deserved to win. This is an important victory for our club and our fans."
The position of the two teams in the group
Ajax
Ajax dropped to third place in the group standings with 7 points, which makes its mission to qualify complicated, especially with only one round remaining.
Rigas
Rigas achieved its first victory in the group stage, raising its score to 4 points, but it is still out of the competition to qualify.
What awaits Ajax?
With the inconsistent form continuing, Ajax now need to win their next match and make up for the lost points to secure a place in the next round.
Conclusion
Ajax suffered a shock defeat to Latvia’s Rigas in one of the biggest upsets of the sixth round in the Europa League. Despite the Dutch team’s dominance of the match, the lack of attacking effectiveness led to a result that could cost them