Ajax defeat Utrecht on penalties to reach Conference League
Ajax secured a spot in the UEFA Conference League after a dramatic penalty shootout victory against Utrecht in the Eredivisie playoff final.
Photo: sport.ua
Ajax have secured their place in next season's UEFA Conference League after overcoming Utrecht in the Eredivisie playoff final. The match, held at the Kras Stadion, remained deadlocked through regulation, with the result ultimately determined by a 4-3 penalty shootout.
Following a goalless 90 minutes, the teams traded goals in extra time. Davy Klaassen put Ajax ahead in the 96th minute, only for Djivai Zehiel to equalize for Utrecht in the 106th minute, forcing the deciding spot-kicks.
Utrecht forward Artem Stepanov started the match but was substituted in the 60th minute. Ajax defender Oleksandr Zinchenko was not included in the squad for the match as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
With this win, Ajax successfully claimed the European qualification spot, while Utrecht's campaign for a continental berth has come to an end.