Ajax Remain Pointless as Benfica Secure First UCL Win 2-0

Ajax’s Champions League Nightmare Deepens After 2-0 Loss to Benfica

Ajax remain rooted to the bottom of their Champions League group after a 2-0 defeat to Benfica, leaving the Dutch giants pointless and on the brink of an early exit.

This marks their fifth consecutive UCL defeat and a continuation of poor European form that stretches back to three Europa League losses last season.

Early Strike Sets the Tone

• Samuel Dahl opened the scoring for Benfica with a stunning strike in the 6th minute, blasting an unstoppable drive into the top corner.

• It was the Portuguese side’s first win in this year’s Champions League campaign, ending a run of six defeats in a row.

Trubin the Wall

• Ajax created several chances, but Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin was in imperious form.

• He denied Davy Klaassen and Rayane Bounida, and later pushed away a powerful near-post effort from Oscar Gloukh.

Barreiro Seals It Late

• In stoppage time, Leandro Barreiro broke away on a counter-attack and delivered a clinical finish to make it 2-0 and seal all three points.

• Benfica showed composure and control in the final minutes to secure the clean sheet and much-needed win.

Ajax’s Dire European Run

• Ajax have now lost five straight matches in the Champions League this season and scored only one goal in the process.

• Their hopes of reaching the knockout stages are now all but over, pending results in the final group match.

Post-Match Reaction

“We needed that win for belief. The players delivered, especially Trubin who was fantastic,” said Benfica manager Jose Mourinho after the match.

Group Outlook

• Benfica revive their chances of progressing with the win and now have a realistic shot at second place depending on final round results.

• Ajax, however, will need a miracle to even reach the Europa League fallback spot.