Ajax dominate but Benfica score to advance in Champions League
THE HAGUE - Portuguese side Benfica took a shock 1-0 win at Ajax in Amsterdam on Tuesday to advance to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League, after a 2-2 in the first leg in Lisbon in February.
Ajax dominated the match at the Johan Cruyff Arena from the start and had some opportunities. However, Erik ten Hag's team lacked sharpness in front of goal, with Antony, Edson Alvarez, Steven Berghuis, Jurrien Timber and Lisandro Martinez all missing the target, and Benfica goalie Odysseas Vlachodimos saving attempts by Antony and Ryan Gravenberch.
In the second half, Ajax continued to push Benfica back. However, in the 77th minute, Benfica scored in a rare attack. After a free-kick by Alex Grimaldo, Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez rose above the Ajax defense and goalkeeper Andre Onana to score the game's only goal and see his team advance 3-2 on aggregate.
Most Popular
- Nation's Winter Paralympics squad is its biggest ever
- China to send 70 athletes to Milan-Cortina Paralympic Winter Games
- China announces largest-ever delegation for 2026 Winter Paralympics in Italy
- Chinese men's basketball team beats Japan
- Grassroots soccer hits fever pitch in 'wild stadium'
- Team China excels on and off the field at 2026 Games





























