Ajax Women make history by qualifying for UEFA Champions League | OneFootball

On Wednesday evening, Ajax Women’s football team clinched a spot in the group stages of the Women’s UEFA Champions League after beating FC Zurich 2-0. This historic win made them the first Dutch club to qualify for the group stage of any European competition, while FC Twente failed to qualify after losing 2-1 to Swedish side BK Häcken.

Coach Suzanne Bakker stated that ‘It’s very important that we made it to the Champions League’ as the team now have the ability to develop further against tougher opposition. The women’s team continue to be aligned with the ingrained culture within Ajax of developing young players to play ‘The Ajax Way’, with five of the starting team aged 22 or younger. Champions League football will only enhance their ability to improve with Romée Leuchter, scorer of both goals versus FC Zurich, speaking of the teams excitement at the prospect of playing in Europe’s top club competition.

Following the 2-0 win, Ajax reported that the three home games during the group stages will be played at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. This will be the first time the Women’s team will play consecutive games at the 55,000 capacity stadium, with the only previous time occurring last season during De Klassieker against Feyenoord. The draw for the Women’s Champions League takes place on Friday 20th of October. Ajax Women are placed in pot 4 and will therefore face either FC Barcelona, Chelsea, Bayern Munich or Lyon, who have all proven themselves at the highest level in the UEFA Champion’s League.

GBeNeFN | Max Mumford