Europa League Playoff Second Legs: Ajax Cruise, Sparta Prague Still Hopeful

The second legs of the UEFA Europa League playoff round took place early on September 1st, Beijing time, as the final matchups before the group stage were decided. Ajax, having secured a 4-1 victory away to Ludogorets in the first leg, entered the second leg with little to worry about. With qualification all but assured, the Dutch giants were expected to field a rotated squad, preserving energy for the Eredivisie. Meanwhile, Sparta Prague, despite a 3-1 defeat in the first leg against Dinamo Zagreb, returned home with a glimmer of hope. Given their extensive experience in European competitions, the Czech side could still turn the tie around, especially on their home turf.

Ajax vs. Ludogorets: A Miracle Unlikely, But the Bulgarians Seek Redemption

Ajax’s dominance in the first leg was undeniable, surprising even those who expected a more competitive matchup. The Amsterdam-based club executed their game plan to perfection, taking the lead just 16 minutes into the match. After capitalizing on a mistake in Ludogorets' defensive third, Mohammed Kudus slotted the ball home with a low, precise shot from outside the box. It wasn’t just the goal that caught the attention but the manner in which it was scored. Ludogorets’ winger, Bernard Tekpetey, who had tracked back to defend, found himself dispossessed at the edge of his own penalty area after hesitating on the ball, seemingly forgetting his position on the pitch. His failure to either clear the ball or attempt a feint left him exposed, allowing Ajax to capitalize with ruthless efficiency.

Just two minutes later, Ajax struck again with a beautifully executed team move. This time, it was Kudus who found the back of the net once more, completing a smooth one-two pass inside the box and calmly finishing from close range. By this point, the match—and arguably the tie—was effectively over. Ludogorets, realizing the enormity of their task, began to play with more freedom, stringing together some promising attacks. They nearly pulled one back with a well-struck volley from the edge of the area, only to see the shot sail just wide of the post.

Ajax’s dominance continued, however, as Brian Brobbey headed in a third goal just before halftime. The towering forward rose highest in the box to meet a pinpoint cross, leaving the Ludogorets goalkeeper with no chance. At 3-0, the Bulgarian champions were left with little more than pride to play for.

Ludogorets did manage to create a couple of good chances early in the second half, one of which came from a defensive lapse by Ajax. After intercepting a poor pass, Ludogorets broke free on goal, only for Ajax’s goalkeeper to deny them with a smart save. The missed opportunity was immediately punished as Ajax launched a counterattack. Pushing the ball quickly up the field, they created several scoring opportunities, each time opting to pass rather than shoot, until Kudus arrived in the box to complete his hat-trick with a simple finish.

With a 4-0 lead, Ajax naturally took their foot off the gas, allowing Ludogorets to see more of the ball. The visitors eventually won a penalty in the 70th minute after a handball in the Ajax box. This time, Ludogorets made no mistake, converting from the spot to earn a consolation goal, with the match ending 4-1 in Ajax’s favor.

Heading into the second leg in Amsterdam, it would take a monumental collapse for Ajax to be denied a place in the Europa League group stage. Ludogorets, knowing the tie is effectively over, might aim for a narrow 1-0 victory to salvage some pride, but a miraculous comeback seems beyond reach.

Sparta Prague vs. Dinamo Zagreb: Will the Offense Continue to Stall?

In a much tighter affair, Sparta Prague faced off against Dinamo Zagreb in the Croatian capital, with both sides entering the match evenly matched in terms of quality and ambition. Fans of both teams anticipated a closely fought contest, and the players delivered, although the final scoreline may not have reflected the full story of the match.

The first leg was a cagey affair, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm in the opening exchanges. Dinamo Zagreb fell into Sparta’s well-executed offside traps, while Sparta, despite their best efforts, couldn’t find the finishing touch in the final third. The stalemate persisted until the 40th minute when the match finally sprang to life.

Sparta Prague broke the deadlock after one of their forwards managed to get on the end of a cross inside Dinamo’s penalty area. His shot was blocked by a defender's outstretched arm, leaving the referee with no choice but to award a penalty. Lukas Haraslín stepped up and confidently converted from the spot, putting the visitors in front.

Football, as it often does, took an unexpected turn. Up until the goal, both teams had struggled to link their play together, with passes frequently going astray and attacks stalling at crucial moments. But following Sparta’s opener, the match opened up dramatically. Both sides began to find success in their offensive efforts, creating more fluid and threatening moves. However, it was the home team, Dinamo Zagreb, who adapted better to the shift in momentum.

Dinamo responded to the setback with vigor, pressing Sparta high up the pitch and forcing mistakes. Their efforts paid off as they turned the game on its head, scoring three times to secure a 3-1 victory. Despite their dominance, Sparta remained in the tie, knowing that a 2-1 win in the return leg could still see them through on away goals.

Sparta Prague, buoyed by their extensive experience in European competitions, will return to their home ground knowing that they still have a fighting chance. The two-goal deficit is by no means insurmountable, and with a vociferous home crowd behind them, Sparta will be aiming to overturn the scoreline. Their deep knowledge of European football, developed over years of continental campaigns, could prove crucial in a high-pressure environment.

As they prepare for the second leg, the key question will be whether Sparta can finally click in attack. Both teams showed flashes of brilliance in the first leg, but Sparta, in particular, will need to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to progress. Their defensive discipline will also be tested, as conceding could leave them with a mountain to climb. However, a 2-1 victory at home is certainly within their grasp, and with it, the possibility of continuing their Europa League journey.

Both matches represent different but equally compelling narratives. Ajax, with their overwhelming first-leg victory, will look to cruise through their second leg without any drama. Meanwhile, Sparta Prague will fight to keep their European dream alive in what promises to be a tense and potentially thrilling encounter. As the second legs unfold, fans will be eager to see whether the expected outcomes hold true or if European competition once again delivers its trademark surprises.