Ajax secured a crucial 2-0 victory against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (USG) in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off, putting themselves in a commanding position ahead of the return leg in Amsterdam.
The win also extended Ajax’s unbeaten record in European matches on Belgian soil to six games (W3, D3).
The visitors came close to a dream start in their seventh consecutive UEFA knockout appearance.
Oliver Valaker Edvardsen thought he had bundled the ball over the line from a corner, but goalline technology confirmed that Noah Sadiki’s last-gasp clearance had denied him by the finest of margins.
Sadiki looked to have redeemed himself by finding the net at the other end after Promise David’s initial shot was parried.
However, the assistant referee’s flag was quickly raised, and VAR confirmed that David was fractionally offside in the build-up.
David’s offside woes continued later in the half when he once again strayed beyond the defensive line before setting up Anan Khalaily, whose goal on the stroke of halftime was ultimately disallowed.
Ajax punished USG’s missed chances just before the hour mark when Christian Rasmussen struck with a composed left-footed finish that found the net via the post. It was the 20-year-old’s first UEL goal, capping off a swift counter-attack.
The home side’s situation worsened when 16-year-old Jorthy Mokio stole the spotlight in the 71st minute with a sensational strike.
Steven Berghuis’ inswinging corner was partially cleared to the edge of the area, where Mokio unleashed a thunderous volley that flew past Anthony Moris for his first senior goal.
Mokio’s effort sealed USG’s first home defeat in Europe this season, leaving Sébastien Pocognoli’s side with an uphill battle in the second leg.
Ajax’s strong home form—just one loss in their last 15 competitive games—only adds to the size of the challenge facing the Belgians in Amsterdam next week.
