Ajax secure European place after dramatic shootout victory over Utrecht

PARIS: Ajax Amsterdam booked their spot in European competition after edging Utrecht 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time in their playoff clash held in Volendam on Sunday.

The result sends Ajax into the second preliminary round of the Conference League, offering relief in an otherwise challenging season for the Dutch giants, who finished fifth in the league.

The breakthrough in extra time came when Davy Klaassen scored from a deflected free kick, only for Utrecht’s Gjivai Zechiel to quickly restore parity.

In the decisive shootout, Ajax converted all their penalties, while Utrecht’s Sebastian Haller and Souffian El Karouani were denied, as goalkeeper Maarten Paes produced crucial saves to seal the win.

Ajax will discover their next opponents in the June 17 draw, with several qualifying rounds still ahead before a potential place in the group stage.