Ajax's home advantage, but setback, still advance in Europa Cup

Ajax Women officially qualified on Wednesday evening for the main round of the Women’s Europa Cup, after they achieved a monster 8‑0 at home and lost 1‑0 in Kazakhstan, advancing with an 8‑1 aggregate. The aggregate score confirmed their place, despite the disappointment in Aktobe.

Dominant home victory

In the first leg at De Toekomst, Ajax Women dominated with an 8‑0 win. Record international Sherida Spitse started, while 17‑year‑old talent Jade Otteman earned her first start. No B‑team was used, and the side kept the ball almost entirely in possession.

The return to Kazakhstan proved much tougher; Ajax lost 1‑0 thanks to a long‑range shot from American Morgan Rees. The team played slowly, found no scorer and conceded the sole goal seven minutes before the end. Despite the pressure, the attack could not find the net.

With an aggregate of eight to one, Ajax Women progressed to the main round of the Women’s Europa Cup. The aggregate score confirmed the qualification, despite the disappointment in Aktobe.

The official confirmation came on Wednesday evening, a week after the home win that had practically secured qualification. This timeline underscores how quickly the situation can turn.

Upcoming round and national competition

The draw for the main tournament takes place on Friday, after which the round of 16 will commence. All rounds are played over two legs (away and home), according to the usual European club format.

Later the same day, PSV and Feyenoord can also qualify for the Europa Cup, expanding the Dutch representation in the competition.

Coach Anouk Bruil had Sherida Spitse return for the away leg and gave Jade Otteman a starting spot, but emphasized that there was no B‑team option. The return trip to Aktobe covered more than 3 500 kilometres, a huge distance compared with the short journey to Amsterdam.