Olympiakos Stun Ajax with Late Winner at Johan Cruijff Arena

Santiago Hezze’s 79th-minute strike secured a crucial 2-1 victory for Olympiakos Piraeus at the Johan Cruijff Arena, dealing another blow to Ajax’s already slim Champions League qualification hopes.

The Greek side’s triumph lifts them to 14 points and strengthens their position in 18th place, whilst Ajax remain rooted at the bottom of the 36-team table with just six points from eight matches. The 14-place gap between the sides was evident throughout a match that saw Olympiakos execute their game plan to perfection despite Ajax’s territorial dominance.

Ajax controlled proceedings for long periods, enjoying 63% possession and registering an impressive expected goals tally of 1.87 compared to Olympiakos’ modest 0.53. However, clinical finishing proved the difference as the visitors capitalised on their limited opportunities with ruthless efficiency.

The opening 45 minutes passed without incident, though Ajax thought they had broken the deadlock on 33 minutes when Kasper Dolberg found the net, only for VAR to rule the effort offside. The Danish striker would later play a pivotal role in Ajax’s response.

Olympiakos broke the deadlock seven minutes into the second half through Gelson Martins, whose strike against the run of play reflected their clinical approach. Ajax’s response was swift, with Dolberg converting from the penalty spot on 69 minutes after VAR confirmed Sean Steur had been fouled in the area.

Just as the Johan Cruijff Arena began to believe in a comeback, Hezze struck the decisive blow ten minutes from time, capitalising on a rare lapse in Ajax’s defensive concentration to restore Olympiakos’ advantage.

The statistics painted a picture of Ajax dominance - 628 passes completed at 85% accuracy compared to Olympiakos’ 350 at 75% - yet football’s cruel mathematics prevailed. Erik ten Hag’s side created numerous chances but lacked the cutting edge their Greek opponents demonstrated in key moments.

This defeat extends Ajax’s disappointing European campaign, with their poor goal difference of -13 highlighting defensive frailties that have plagued their season. For Olympiakos, continuing their impressive form of three wins from their last four matches, qualification for the knockout stages remains within reach.