Auxerre Stun Ajax

AJ Auxerre 2-1 Ajax: AJA Stun Godenzonen To Keep Slim Hopes Alive

Eufa Champions league.

Auxerre picked up three vital points in their quest for progression from Group G as they overcame Ajax 2-1 at the Stade Abbe-Deschamps in France. Frederic Sammaritano scored the the go-ahead goal in the first half and Toby Alderweireld equalised for the visitors after the break. Substitute Steveen Langil won it for the hosts shortly after to give the AJA a glimmer of hope for qualification.
The Godenzonen started the game on the front foot and were the better team in the early minutes of the game. Then, completely against the run of play, Frederic Sammaritano opened the scoring with a fine volley in the ninth minute after some good play by Dariusz Dudka.

Ajax, clearly surprised with the somewhat unfortunate development of the game, continued to press for goal, but were lacking penetration and were mainly restricted to long range drives. Demy de Zeeuw, Rasmus Lindgren and Eyong Enoh all tried their luck from distance in the next twenty minutes and could not find the equaliser before half-time.

For their part, AJA created some decent half-chances on the counter, but could not put them away and entered the break with a slender lead.

The second half saw Auxerre throwing bodies forward in search for a goal that would seal the game. Their inability to penetrate Ajax's stubborn defence, however, convinced them to take a more negative approach in attempt to close up the game.

The Godenzonen laid a siege on the hosts and launched countless attacks as they were looking for an equaliser. After much resolute defending AJA's backline finally capitulated in the 79th minute when Tody Alderweireld headed past Olivier Sorin after cross by Luis Suarez from the left wing.

Ajax's reckless attacks continued in the remaining minutes of the game and the Godenzonen ultimately paid the price for their aggressiveness in the 84th minute when substitute Steveen Langil netted a controversial winner for the hosts. Auxerre held on until the final whistle and claimed their first three points in this season's Champions League

Following tonight's result AJA are last in Group G with three points, one short of Ajax in third. The Godenzonen face Real Madrid on home soil on the November 23rd, while Auxerre host AC Milan on the same day.