Dutch women’s sides stumble in Europe as Ajax and PSV lose

A while Ajax women’s Champions League hopes dim after a 0‑2 loss to Real Madrid in the first play‑off leg, PSV’s women also stumbled, falling 0‑1 to Danish side HB Køge in Eindhoven, highlighting a rough start for Dutch clubs in Europe.

A ticket for the Women’s Champions League now seems distant for the Ajax women after a 0‑2 defeat to Real Madrid in the first play‑off leg. Former PSV forward Janou Levels scored both goals, and the return match is scheduled for Wednesday in Madrid.

Ajax's early European setback

The Amsterdammers adopted a defensive stance against the Spanish side, relying mainly on counter‑attacks.

Keepster Femke Liefting made several saves, while Real Madrid never became a serious threat.

The Ajacieden were forced to stay compact for most of the game.

Ajax invested heavily this summer, recruiting four players from the English Women’s Super League.

Goalkeeper Femke Liefting arrived from Chelsea, midfielder Nadine Noordam from Brighton & Hove Albion, defender Sari Kees from Leicester City and striker Katja Snoeijs from Everton.

All four earned starting positions against the Madrilenen.

The most striking chance in the first half came from 20‑year‑old right‑winger Mirte van Koppen, who cut inside and tried a cross to the far corner.

German Real keeper Merle Frohms had to stretch fully to tip the ball away.

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Real appeared close to scoring when former Ajax and Dutch international Lotte Keukelaar’s shot struck the post.

Moments later Swedish striker Felicia Schröder converted a free kick, putting Real ahead.

In the second half Ajax pressed for an equaliser, but Real doubled their lead.

Dutch left‑back Janou Levels found space in the box and finished the scoring, confirming the 0‑2 result.

Levels joined Ajax this summer from Wolfsburg, as did fellow Dutch forward Lineth Beerensteyn, who entered later.

Beerensteyn missed a clear chance in injury time, her shot from midfield being delayed as four defenders regrouped.

PSV and Feyenoord also stumble

In Eindhoven, PSV’s women also began their play‑off campaign with a 0‑1 loss to Danish side HB Køge.

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HB Køge secured the advantage with a solitary goal.

Feyenoord’s women played their first official European match, losing 2‑1 to RSC Anderlecht in the opening round of the Europa Cup.

The game started dramatically with a goal by Sarah Wijnants in the third minute and a red card for Tess van Bentem in the eighteenth.

Romée van de Lavoir equalised, but Lithuanian Rimante Jonusaite scored the winner for the Belgian side.

The return leg is set for next week in Rotterdam.