Jan 24, 2024 at 10:55 PM Update: 13 hours ago
Ajax Women failed to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday. Coach Suzanne Bakker’s team lost 3-1 at Paris Saint-Germain and therefore lost the top position in group C.
Ajax fell behind after just seven minutes in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, a suburb of Paris. Marie-Antoinette Katoto found the goal with a beautiful half bicycle kick after a cross from Sandy Baltimore.
Eighteen minutes later, Katoto scored again for PSG. The French top striker was served by Grace Geyoro after Ajax lost the ball near the halfway line and finished with a shot into the right corner.
Romée Leuchter brought Ajax back into the match in a brilliant way moments later. The striker intercepted the ball on the left side of the field, dribbled dozens of meters and then shot decisively into the right corner.
But before half time, Paris Saint-Germain extended their lead again. Ajax keeper Regina van Eijk was able to turn back an unintentional attempt by her teammate Kay-lee de Sanders, but had no answer to Geyoro’s rebound.
Standings group C
Ajax keeper Van Eijk prevents a bigger defeat
In the second half, Ajax escaped the 4-1 several times thanks to good goalkeeping work from Van Eijk. The goalkeeper was alert to goal attempts by Tabitha Chawinga and Katoto. Danique Tolhoek then had the perfect opportunity to score the tying goal, but her effort was saved by PSG keeper Katarzyna Kiedrzynek.
Lieke Martens came on fifteen minutes before the end for Jackie Groenen at PSG, who played the match professionally. Ajax tried, but failed to create big opportunities.
Due to the defeat, Ajax is now second in group C with seven points from five games. Paris Saint-Germain takes over the lead from the Amsterdam team and is on nine points. Bayern Munich, which drew 2-2 at AS Roma earlier in the day, is number three with six points.
Next Tuesday Ajax can still qualify for the quarter-finals. Bakker’s team will then play against AS Roma in front of their own audience.
Joy at Romée Leuchter after Ajax’s 2-1. Photo: ANP
