Ajax secure Europa Conference League spot via penalty shootout
Ajax beat Utrecht in the Eredivisie playoff final after a 1-1 draw and a dramatic penalty shootout.
Photo: sport.ua
Ajax have secured a spot in the 2026/27 Europa Conference League after defeating Utrecht in the Eredivisie playoff final. The match, held at the Kras Stadion in Volendam, was decided by a tense penalty shootout.
After a goalless regulation time, the game opened up in extra time. Davy Klaassen put Ajax ahead in the 96th minute, but Jiway Zehiel leveled the score for Utrecht in the 106th minute, forcing the tie into penalties.
Ajax proved more clinical from the spot, winning the shootout 4-3 to clinch European qualification. For Utrecht, the result marks the end of their European ambitions for the season.
Ukrainian forward Artem Stepanov started for Utrecht but was substituted in the 60th minute. Meanwhile, Ajax defender Oleksandr Zinchenko was unavailable for the match as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.