Brighton took management of their Europa League future with a commanding 2-0 win towards Ajax on the Amsterdam Enviornment to finish back-to-back victories over the Dutch giants.
A purpose in every half from Ansu Fati and Simon Adingra meant Roberto De Zerbi’s aspect moved into the qualification spots in Group B for the primary time on their debut European marketing campaign, with a efficiency that matched the benefit with which they dispatched the four-time European champions at house two weeks earlier.
Since then, Ajax had appointed a brand new supervisor in John van’t Schip, however regardless of an uptick in home type it by no means regarded like they’d the firepower to unduly hassle Brighton, who might have received by a larger margin had Joao Pedro, Adingra and Fati not wasted good possibilities.
Regardless of their struggles this season, Ajax made the brighter begin. After 13 minutes, Kristian Hlynsson discovered himself with house to float into with the ball and shot from 25 yards, although it was a snug save from Bart Verbruggen.
The opening purpose for Brighton was towards the run of play, and got here from an Ajax error. Silvano Vos was below little strain in midfield however carelessly gave the ball to Adingra, who moved it calmly into the trail of Fati to roll it past Diant Ramaj within the house aspect’s purpose.
De Zerbi’s aspect stored their hosts largely at arm’s size for the rest of the primary interval, coming to life in added time earlier than the break when Fati regarded to return Adingra’s favour in aiding his purpose.
The pair linked up properly down the suitable of Ajax’s field, however after a intelligent move by the goalscorer Adingra’s shot to Ramaj’s close to put up was deflected behind off the legs of the goalkeeper.
Ajax had received twice within the Eredivisie since being overwhelmed on the Amex Stadium two weeks beforehand, dragging themselves off the underside of the league and into midtable.
But regardless of reaching half-time right here having loved the lion’s share of possession, they’d hardly ever troubled Verbruggen as they sought a consequence to lastly kick begin their European marketing campaign.
Pedro, the competitors’s joint-top scorer initially of play, danced by means of Ajax’s defence early within the second half a lashed an effort into the aspect netting. The Brazilian obtained a primary senior nationwide crew call-up on Monday and was inches from marking it with a fifth Europa League purpose of the marketing campaign.
As an alternative it was Adingra who would double Brighton’s lead minutes later, timing his run completely to get on the tip of Fati’s move and unleashing an unstoppable, rising drive into Ramaj’s prime nook.
Fati had the prospect to get his second and Brighton’s third when Ramaj offered the ball to Karou Mitoma, Ajax saved from additional embarrassment solely by a poor contact from Fati because the move was performed in to him.
They got here inside inches of a lifeline quarter-hour from time. Brian Brobbey struck first time along with his left foot because the ball arrived into the field, and his shot beat Verbruggen earlier than hitting the put up, rolling alongside the goal-line and placing the other upright.
It was to be as shut as Ajax would come, as Brighton earned a primary away win in Europe to cement their place within the group forward of their closing two video games.
