Cup triumph sparks culture shock before ConfL clash: Ajax vs Sion

On Sunday FC Sion travelled to the second‑division side FC Kerzers, winning 6‑1 in the first round of the Swiss Cup, before hosting Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam on Thursday for the Conference League playoff first leg – a cultural shock for the Wallis club.

Contrast programme sets the stage

Four days after the 6‑1 victory over Kerzers at the Erli sports field, the European heavyweight arrives at the Tourbillon stadium for the Conference League playoff first leg. The match represents a stark contrast programme for FC Sion, moving from a domestic cup win to a continental showdown.

Ajax's storied yet waning legacy

Ajax Amsterdam is the record champion of the Netherlands, having lifted the premier club trophy four times – in 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1995 – and adding a UEFA Cup in 1992 and a Cup Winners’ Cup in 1987. Their cabinet also holds 36 national league titles and 20 domestic cups.

However, the club’s golden era has faded; the last international trophy came over 30 years ago and Ajax have not won the Eredivisie since the 2022 season. Feyenoord Rotterdam and PSV Eindhoven have claimed the previous four Dutch championships.

New coach and squad for the Dutch side

Michel Sanchez, a 50‑year‑old Spaniard, is the new head coach, becoming the tenth manager since the summer of 2022 when Erik ten Hag departed for Manchester United. The 2022 Eredivisie title under ten Hag remains Ajax’s most recent league triumph.

A notable image shows Julian Brandt no longer in Dortmund’s yellow‑black kit but in Ajax’s red‑white jersey this season, highlighting the squad’s evolving profile.

The Dutch side’s lineup for the tie includes veteran Dutch defenders Daley Blind (36) and Davy Klaassen (33), German goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen (34) on loan from Barcelona, and Julian Brandt (30) from Dortmund. Israeli forward Oscar Gloukh has been prolific in the qualifiers, scoring four goals in three appearances.

FC Sion, valued at €30 million, enters the tie with confidence after eight serious matches this season, losing only to Young Boys. While the 6‑1 cup win over amateur Kerzers is not a direct benchmark, it underscores the team’s attacking potential under Didier Tholot.

The Conference League playoff first leg will be streamed on Thursday via the SRF Sport App, giving fans a chance to watch the clash between the Swiss underdog and the Dutch heavyweight.