Míchel’s debut sparks Ajax’s comeback win over Burnley

In the debut of Míchel at the Johan Cruijff Arena, Ajax secured a 2-1 friendly victory over English Premier League side Burnley on a sunny afternoon, with Abdellah Ouazane scoring the decisive goal for the Amsterdammers.

The win came after Ajax’s second‑round triumph and set up a friendly against the recently relegated Burnley, giving the Dutch side a chance to test their new‑look squad.

For the first time, striker Marcos Leonardo started, while Aaron Bouwman and Ouazane proved lethal; a corner from new signing Caio Henrique found Maher Carrizo, whose pass reached Bouwman, whose shot was saved by Burnley keeper Max Weiss before the rebound fell harmlessly.

Míchel introduced several changes at halftime, bringing Daley Blind onto the pitch for his return to the Johan Cruijff Arena. About an hour in, former Ajax player Jaydon Banel equalised for Burnley, a goal that referee Marc Nagtegaal confirmed despite the Amsterdammers’ protests.

Five minutes later Ouazane, the 17‑year‑old Moroccan, finished a swift counter‑attack, tapping the ball home before leaving the field with cramp; his goal proved the match‑winner.

The victory leaves Ajax buoyant ahead of their Conference League return clash with Vojvodina, after a 1‑4 win in Serbia suggested progression to the next round is within reach.

Looking ahead, Ajax will open the Eredivisie season away at PEC Zwolle and will face Het Andere Oranje in a pre‑season friendly on 2 August. The starting XI for the Burnley game featured Heerkens; Gaaei, Bouwman, Baas, Henrique; Johnson, Ouazane, Mokio; Carrizo, Leonardo and Edvardsen.