Ajax punished for errors in Conference League defeat at Hajduk Split

Ajax opened their UEFA Conference League league-phase programme with a 2-1 loss away to Hajduk Split, punished for costly errors either side of Davy Klaassen’s second-half equaliser at Stadion Poljud.

Abdoulie Sanyang gave the Croatian side a first-half lead after Ajax lost possession in midfield. Klaassen then brought the visitors level with a composed finish after the interval, but the recovery lasted only two minutes.

Quick facts

• Hajduk Split beat Ajax 2-1 at Stadion Poljud.
• Abdoulie Sanyang opened the scoring for the home side.
• Davy Klaassen equalised for Ajax in the second half.
• Marin Soticsk scored the decisive goal after confusion between Jofre Torrents and Youri Baas.
• The second half was briefly halted after home fans used pyrotechnics.
• Ajax play FC Groningen on Sunday before hosting Atalanta next week.

A misunderstanding between Jofre Torrents and Youri Baas presented Marin Soticsk with the opportunity to restore Hajduk’s advantage. Ajax were unable to find another response, leaving Split without a point from their European opener.

The match was briefly interrupted during the second half when pyrotechnics were set off in the home sections. Ajax midfielder Klaassen said the setting could not be used to explain the result, stressing that the team had played in more imposing venues and had created its own problems.

Head coach Michel said Ajax had paid heavily for an underpowered opening 45 minutes. “Our first half was not at the required level,” he said, pointing to repeated giveaways, insufficient energy and a lack of pressure.

Michel believed Ajax controlled much of the second period and merited more from it, but said two individual errors had resulted in two conceded goals. Klaassen similarly said decisive moments in both penalty areas had gone against the Dutch side.

“Defeat always hurts, particularly when you want to begin well,” Klaassen said. He added that Ajax could not afford to lose control of key situations in either box, especially in matches where they had not fully dominated.

Sofyan Amrabat described the outcome as “very bitter” after Hajduk began the match more strongly. The midfielder said Ajax were producing chances but failing to convert their performances into wins.

Amrabat called for a collective response, saying the squad needed to improve, work harder and retain belief with much of the season still to play. “We have to wake up, take responsibility and start collecting points,” he said.

Klaassen urged calm rather than alarm after the defeat, saying Ajax must continue reviewing their shortcomings without allowing the result to trigger panic.

Ajax return to VriendenLoterij Eredivisie action against FC Groningen on Sunday. They then welcome Atalanta to the Johan Cruyff ArenA next week in their second Conference League fixture, with an immediate opportunity to repair their European start.