Ajax supervisor John Heitinga has defined that his crew’s 5–1 defeat to Chelsea within the UEFA Champions League was primarily as a consequence of taking part in with 10 males for many of the match.
Talking after the heavy loss at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night time, Heitinga stated Ajax’s recreation plan was working properly earlier than Kenneth Taylor’s early purple card modified the whole lot.
“The sport plan was working, and it was troublesome for them to interrupt our strains. We even had one good offensive second with Mika Godts,” Heitinga advised reporters. “Then the purple card occurred, and I believe they scored two targets from the penalty spot, and two others have been deflected. I can’t blame the gamers; they labored actually exhausting.”
Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca, made 10 modifications to the crew that beat Nottingham Forest within the Premier League, however nonetheless dominated the match.
Marc Guiu opened the scoring for the Blues, earlier than Moises Caicedo doubled the lead. Wout Weghorst pulled one again for Ajax, however Enzo Fernandez and Estevao Willian each scored from the penalty spot earlier than half-time.
Tyrique George added Chelsea’s fifth purpose after the break to finish the rout.
Heitinga admitted that Chelsea have been one of many strongest sides within the competitors, saying, “They’re one of many higher groups within the Champions League. We simply must be taught from this and transfer ahead.”
