UEL: Ajax Edges Past Royale Union in Europa League Thriller

Ajax secured a spot in the Europa League Round of 16 with a 3-2 aggregate win over Royale Union, despite losing 2-1 on the night.

Ajax secured a spot in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 with a 3-2 aggregate win over Royale Union, thanks to Kenneth Taylor's penalty in extra time. Despite losing 2-1 on the night, Ajax's aggregate lead ensured their progression to the next round.

Royale Union, considered underdogs, started aggressively at the Johan Cruyff Arena. They nearly conceded early, however, when Steven Berghuis delivered a free-kick that Jorrel Hato headed wide. Royale Union's intensity eventually paid off, as they scored from a free-kick around the 15-minute mark, with Kevin Mac Allister heading home Sofiane Boufal's set-piece.

Boufal, making his first start since returning from injury, had the ball in the net again just three minutes later, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Undeterred, Royale Union continued to push forward, with Ousseynou Niang's strike being denied by Remko Pasveer's legs.

The winger's shot was then desperately palmed away by Davy Klaassen, resulting in a red card for the Ajax captain and a penalty for Royale Union. Promise David converted the penalty, sending Pasveer the wrong way. Ajax, who had entered the game in a comfortable position, suddenly looked lost.

As the first half progressed, Royale Union had several opportunities to further capitalize on their advantage. Sofiane Boufal, Franjo Ivanović, and Anan Khalaili all sent efforts over the crossbar, giving Ajax a series of reprieves. However, the hosts suffered another setback before halftime when Christian Rasmussen went off injured. Ajax coach Francesco Farioli responded by making three substitutions and changing the team's formation ahead of the restart.

The changes initially failed to swing the momentum in Ajax's favor. Kōki Machida's header was saved, and Ivanović shot agonizingly wide within five minutes of the second half. However, Ajax gradually began to compete more effectively. Pasveer marginally reached Machida's header before Promise David, who then had a header of his own blocked as the atmosphere grew increasingly tense in the Dutch capital.

As the game neared its conclusion, Bertrand Traoré almost provided a moment of inspiration for Ajax, but was denied by Anthony Moris. Moris then palmed Mika Godts' attempt into the side netting, sending the match to extra time.

Determined to secure a win for their exhausted and stressed-out fans, Ajax was awarded a penalty just two minutes into extra time. Christian Burgess handled Bertrand Traoré's cross, and Kenneth Taylor deceived Anthony Moris to put Ajax ahead in the tie.

Ajax are through to the round of 16 👏#UEL pic.twitter.com/xuGRC4yPl5

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 20, 2025

Despite the setback, Royale Union pushed for an equalizer, creating several tense moments. Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer made crucial saves, awkwardly tipping Franjo Ivanović's shot wide and stopping efforts from Mohammed Fuseini and Kevin Rodríguez. These saves ensured Ajax's progression to the UEFA Europa League Round of 16.

Ajax will face either Eintracht Frankfurt or Olympique Lyonnais in the next round, despite seeing their five-game winning streak across all competitions come to an end. The defeat was a heartbreaker for Royale Union, who had secured a gutsy win at the Johan Cruyff Arena, but ultimately fell short of advancing to the next round.