Ajax 0-2 Inter: Goals and Highlights
Summary
Inter Milan started their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win over Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The Nerazzurri, under coach Cristian Chivu, scored twice before halftime to take the three points, after a tough Serie A run.
Ajax, managed by Francesco Farioli, pushed hard but couldn’t score, starting their European journey with a loss. This is Inter’s 12th unbeaten game against Dutch teams in the Champions League, while Ajax will look to bounce back against Marseille next.
Goals
Inter scored the opener in the 42nd minute when Marcus Thuram headed in a corner from Hakan Çalhanoğlu, beating Diant Ramaj. The French striker scored again two minutes into the second half, in the 47th, nodding home another perfect cross from Çalhanoğlu after a quick throw-in. Ajax’s best chance came late, with Brian Brobbey’s header saved by Yann Sommer, but the hosts couldn’t score.
Player of the Match
Marcus Thuram was Player of the Match for his two goals. The striker’s aerial ability and timing destroyed Ajax’s defense, winning the game for Inter with his movement and finishing.Inter dominated with 55% possession, using set-pieces—over a quarter of their goals last season came from crosses.
Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s crosses were the key, while Nicolò Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan controlled the midfield. Ajax grew angry, with Kenneth Taylor and Jordan Henderson causing problems, but Sommer saved Brobbey and David Kalokoh.
A yellow for Denzel Dumfries after a clash with Josip Šutalo added to the tension, but Inter’s backline, led by Alessandro Bastoni, stayed calm. Subs like Francesco Acerbi for Inter and Sivert Mannsverk for Ajax brought energy, but the Italians held strong. This win puts Inter ahead of Slavia Prague, while Ajax will rue the missed chances.
