Brighton & Hove Albion compounded Ajax’s misery by beating the floundering Dutch giants 2-0 in the UEFA Europa League (UEL), while also earning their first-ever European win.
Both teams have faced their struggles in recent times – entering the match on the back of a combined 13 consecutive winless matches – but Brighton looked the brighter as they dictated the early play.
Even so, De Godenzonen’s backline wasn’t overly troubled with João Pedro sending the opening quarter-hour’s only chance comfortably wide following good work from Kaoru Mitoma. There was a slight scare for the hosts when Jan Paul van Hecke’s pass hit Steven Bergwijn but eventually trickled out of play.
Ajax were resolute but didn’t always look comfortable on the ball, as an underhit backpass from Jorrel Hato forced a rushed intervention from Diant Ramaj that sent the ball behind off João Pedro, who then saw an effort saved by the goalkeeper making his first start for the visitors.
Their defence was finally breached in the 43rd minute as Brighton’s patience paid off, with João Pedro reacting quickest to Ramaj parrying the ball from Mitoma’s strike to stroke home his fourth goal of the UEL campaign.
The visitors had some bright moments after the restart, but saw their deficit doubled just eight minutes into the second period. Billy Gilmour drove forward and sprayed the ball out to Simon Adingra, who played in Ansu Fati with an intelligent pass that was matched by a deft touch and finish from the Spaniard.
He sent another effort whistling past the post moments later, before Steven Berghuis came within a post’s width of renewing Ajax hopes. Hedwiges Maduro’s side struggled to create anything of note following that attempt, and their evening soured further as Bergwijn hobbled off.
Facundo Buonanotte was denied a late goal, but Brighton remained in control as they comfortably saw out the historic win that takes them level on points with second-placed AEK Athens.
They also inflicted Ajax’s third straight defeat across all competitions, leaving De Godenzonen bottom – although all hope of a turnaround is not lost with a mere three points separating top and bottom in UEL Group B.
