SL Benfica secured a crucial and long-awaited 2-0 victory over Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena, marking their first win in the Champions League this season. After suffering four consecutive defeats, coach José Mourinho's team arrived in Amsterdam under immense pressure. However, their disciplined and sharp performance earned them all three points, providing a vital lifeline in the remaining stages of the competition.
Lightning Start Puts Benfica Ahead
Benfica wasted little time in making their mark on the match. In just the 6th minute, the visitors capitalized on an early set-piece opportunity. From a corner kick delivered by Heorhiy Sudakov, Richard Ríos powered a header that forced an initial save from Ajax goalkeeper Jaros. However, Samuel Dahl was quickest to react, swooping in to smash the rebound from approximately 15 meters out directly into the corner of the net, opening the scoring for the away side.
The early goal played perfectly into the hands of Mourinho's tactical philosophy. With the advantage secured, Benfica comfortably settled into their preferred defensive-counter-attacking style, prioritizing solidity and exploiting space behind the Ajax defense.
Ajax Frustrated by Tactical Rigidity
Trailing early, Ajax—desperate for points to keep their own slender hopes alive—were forced to push forward. They dominated possession throughout the first half, attempting to find a way through the Portuguese defense. Davy Klaassen had the hosts' clearest opportunity with a close-range effort, but he was expertly denied by a sharp save from Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.
Despite having more of the ball, the Dutch team appeared increasingly bogged down and lacking in cutting edge. Benfica's defense held firm, marshaled brilliantly by the commanding center-back António Silva. The young Portuguese defender delivered an excellent performance, neutralizing Ajax's attacking intent and ensuring that Trubin was well-protected for the duration of the first 45 minutes.
Late Goal Seals Three Crucial Points
The pressure from Ajax continued into the second half, though without immediate reward. The home team forced three consecutive corner kicks early on, but all were dealt with calmly and professionally by Trubin and the Benfica defense.
In an attempt to unlock the game, Ajax introduced attacking reinforcements, including Kasper Dolberg. Yet, it was Benfica who proved more clinical in exploiting the gaps left by the increasingly desperate home side.
As the match entered the final minute of normal time, Benfica delivered the final blow. Leandro Barreiro orchestrated the move, coordinating skillfully with Fredrik Aursnes before bursting forward. Barreiro unleashed a powerful shot that arrowed straight into the top corner, sealing a decisive 2-0 victory for the visitors and extinguishing any remaining hope for the Dutch side.
Contrasting Fortunes in Group Standings
The three points secured by this professional and disciplined performance were invaluable, quenching Benfica's thirst for a European victory and significantly improving their position in the group. They now face a challenging, but hopeful, final matchday.
Ajax, meanwhile, find themselves in a deep crisis. This defeat marks their fifth consecutive loss in the Champions League and their eighth successive defeat across all European competitions. Having lost all five group matches, their chances of progression are mathematically non-existent.
Looking ahead to the final round, Benfica faces a stern test against Napoli, while Ajax will travel to Azerbaijan to conclude their disastrous European campaign against Qarabag. For José Mourinho and his side, the victory at the Johan Cruyff Arena was a necessary and strong affirmation of their character, keeping the dream of Champions League qualification alive.