Tactical Analysis: Ajax 4-0 Borussia Dortmund

On Tuesday night in matchday three of this season’s UEFA Champions League, Ajax picked Borussia Dortmund apart at the Johan Cruyff Arena, winning 4-0 against the German outfit. A Marco Reus own goal opened the scoring in the 11th minute before a beautiful strike from Daley Blind doubled the home side’s lead. In the second half, goals from Antony and current Champions League top scorer Sebastien Haller completed Ajax’s victory. 

Erik ten Hag had assembled something of a super team back in 2018/19 before the majority of their star names moved on to bigger and better things, but this win felt like a statement from a new Ajax team saying: “We’ve rebuilt, and we’re ready to go again.” In my opinion, the 4-0 scoreline was reflective of an extremely impressive Ajax performance, rather than a bad Dortmund one. 

What I enjoyed about it most was that Ten Hag’s side were 10/10 in all areas of the game.  Tactically, technically, physically, and psychologically. Aside from the obvious superb pressing and dominance in possession - things we’ve come to expect from Ajax - they counter-attacked with vigour, they won the majority of their individual battles, and even stand-in goalkeeper Remko Pasveer made some terrific saves.

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