The match, played in Austria, saw Ajax dominated from the first whistle, with Panathinaikos controlling large spells and creating the better chances. The Greek side took the lead inside the opening ten minutes and never relinquished control.

Ajax struggled to impose any rhythm in the opening half, with Panathinaikos’ pressing forcing repeated errors in build-up play. The visitors doubled their lead before the half-hour mark, leaving Ajax chasing the game early. By the 65th minute, Panathinaikos had added a third, sealing a convincing win that exposed gaps in Ajax’s defensive structure. The defeat highlighted issues in midfield transition and defensive organisation under Van ’t Schip. Cruijff, speaking after the match, acknowledged the scale of the task ahead. “We knew this was a test,” he said. “The performance was not acceptable. We must improve quickly.”

\n\nKasper Dolberg is absent through injury as Ajax start their campaign without the Dane. The absence compounds a striking shortage up front after Wout Weghorst’s departure to FC Twente. Ajax manager Míchel is forced to field a makeshift attack against Panathinaikos.

Ajax now have less than three weeks to prepare for their Conference League second qualifying round tie, with opponents yet to be confirmed. The club faces a choice between FK Vojvodina and Ferencváros, both of which will demand a higher level of performance than was shown in Austria. Van ’t Schip admitted his team lacked intensity and sharpness, two traits he will demand in the coming days. “We were not ourselves today,” he said. “We need to find our identity again before the next challenge.” The defeat serves as a reality check for a club that has ambitions to return to the Champions League. Ajax’s technical staff must address defensive frailties and midfield cohesion in training sessions this week. With the window for squad reinforcement still open, Cruijff may look to add depth before the Vojvodina or Ferencváros tie. The next 18 days will be critical in shaping Ajax’s European prospects.",