Real Madrid has been shockingly eliminated from the UEFA Champions League, after Ajax Amsterdam thrashed them 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Real who were still licking their wounds following double defeats to Barcelona, were hoping to hold on to Europe’s biggest trophy in a bid to salvage something (as they usually do) in a collapsing season.
However, after losing first leg of the tie 1-2 to Santiago Solari led side, Ajax stormed the Bernabeu with a plan to kill and destroy — that which they carried out to perfection.
Real started the game in thrilling fashion but failed to stake a claim after Vazquez hit the woodwork.
But it was Ajax who eventually wasted no time in revealing their intentions for the night as they opened scoring after just seven minutes of play. Attacking midfielder, Hakim Ziyech, the goal scorer. Duzan Tadic dispossessed Toni Kroos to set up the Moroccan, who made no mistake in beating Courtois in goal.
As if the first goal wasn’t enough shock for the home fans, Duzan Tadic orchestrated another attack which culminated in Brazilian midfielder, Neres slotting home Ajax’s second goal with less than 20 minutes played.
If Madrid had come into with lots of morale, every atom of that must’ve fizzled out by then. Ajax continued to look and play like the superior side, with Real struggling and just grasping on straws till the ref gave them a bit of relieve when he blew the first half whistle.
Second half started with the 13 times European Champions’ season hanging on a very thin rope, and 45 minutes away from either cutting completely or being afforded more “hang-out” time.
Asensio and Gareth Bale (earlier in the first half) have both been introduced. With fans expecting their players to treat the half as a do or die affair, Real started the half with improved showing.
Asensio’s shot had just missed target by whiskers in the 49th minute. A minute later, Carvajal sent in a dangerous cross which was chested by Benzema with a follow up volley that should’ve brought Madrid back into the game, but it went over the bar.
Things however went from bad to worse for the defending champions as Duzan Tadic continued to cause them catastrophical damages. The Serbian striker got on the scoresheet this time around, in the 60th minute to give the Netherlands outfit an unassailable 3-0 lead.
Madrid got a consolatory goal 10 minutes later through Marco Asensio who was put free on goal by Sergio Reguilon.
But Schone made sure those at the capital didn’t harbour any hope of a miraculous comeback as he sent a sumptuous freekick past Thibaut Courtois two minutes later. 4-1 it ended in favour of the away side.
A domineering and outstanding display it was from Erik ten Hag’s side as they’ve completely clobbered the defending European Champions. They’ve become the first side to eliminate Real Madrid from UCL in the last four years.
The defeat also meant that Madrid became the first reigning Champions League winners to fail to qualify for quarter final since Chelsea in 2013, as they suffered their heaviest defeat at home in the competition.
Real’s season has been confirmed, a collosal disaster as they’ve been eliminated from Copa Del Rey, Champions League and lost grip on their league pursuit all in a week.