27 NOV 2019; Lille - Ajac; CL Group Match 5

[Tom_]

Yessssss, that was really typical of our last couple of seasons. Now we wait for VAR to rule it out

[Tom_]

It's similar to the home game... After a good first ten minutes, we're not keeping control of the ball and Lille have had good opportunities. They are particularly dangerous on *our* set pieces, if you see what I mean.

I guess Alvarez would have come on for Mazraoui, but will ten Hag risk it with one sub used already...?

[SPL]

Will be happy with a point but Mazraoui has to be careful.Maybe Alvarez will replace him

[SPL]

Had Chelsea won tonight then a win by us tonight all but qualified us. Valencia would then have needed a win by more than 3-0 against us.

[kezme44]

Had Chelsea won tonight then a win by us tonight all but qualified us. Valencia would then have needed a win by more than 3-0 against us.

exactly, now need to get a draw against Valencia

[Tom_]

Niiiice, the trademark Ziyech - Promes goal.

[Amol]

Phew!!! 2-0 with a now trademark Ziyech-Promes delivery. That's the 4th in the last 3 games.

[Tom_]

Sigh, another CL game, another goal ruled off by VAR. That one was a legit handball though.

[Tom_]

Two points clear at the top of the group with one game remaining. Will still be a stressful final match, but it's all in our own hands.

[SPL]

Fine performance tonight although they had 2 or 3 clear chances.Hope Ziyech is ok we cannot do without him.A draw to go through although who knows Lille may beat Chelsea as they are not that special.

[kezme44]

good win. hope ziyech is ok with that arm injury

[SPL]

Martinez was superb and Schuurs had a good game. Blind and Veltman not missed tonight. No one suspended for Valencia which is good news

[Cruijff]

I know Ajax have to win. But it would be so nice if Chelsea fail to win the other game. I would hate to finish second, even though, Ajax are not the same 'minnows' as they used to be not so long ago.

[Orange14]

I had to drive my daughter her sister's apartment so I just finished watching the game. Ajax were fortunate that there was Valencia-like finishing on the two break aways otherwise this would have been a different game. The back line held strong during most of the game and the first goal by Ajax was really pretty. Onana had a great double save to keep the clean sheet. The group goes down to the final match day with Ajax only needing a point from Valencia to move forward. A win and Ajax win the group. Chelsea host Lille who might have something to prove for a rather dismal campaign.

Props to ETH for getting the line up and subs correct.

Player Ratings:

Onana (7.5) - great double save but otherwise with little to do
Tagliafico (7) - solid at both ends
Martinez (7) - undersized in the back but played great position
Schuurs (7) - solid game and he is really so good on the ball
Dest (7) - very good on the day and got the play to the first goal started
Mazraoui (5.5) - really lucky not have been sent off for the second bad foul, I think this would have been a YC in the Eredivise
van de Beek (7) - played deeper tonight as Ajax did not want to concede
Ziyech (8) - excellent game and I hope his arm is OK
Promes (8) - really nice goal on the pass and he was tracking back all evening
Tadic (7.5) - good in very tight spaces
Labyad (6.5) - very good in setting up the first goal and a shame he took a boot to the knee
Lang (6.5) - superb as a sub coming on with speed to burn; really should have shot when he broke in on goal
Alvarez (6.5) - played it conservative subbing for Mazraoui but that's what was required
de Jong (NR) - on late for Ziyech

FC Twente in Enschede this Sunday