Inter Milan embarked on their Champions League campaign with a resounding 2-0 victory over Dutch powerhouse Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The match unfolded under damp conditions, but the soggy pitch didn’t dampen Inter’s spirits as they dominated proceedings, largely thanks to a brace from French striker Marcus Thuram. This comprehensive win served as an emphatic statement of intent from the Italian side, signalling their ambition to make a deep run in the prestigious European competition.
The first half began cautiously, with both teams sizing each other up. Inter’s Federico Dimarco tested Ajax goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli early on, but the Argentine was equal to the task. The absence of Ajax’s key striker, Steven Berghuis, due to injury, and Inter’s decision to start with Lautaro Martinez on the bench, seemed to stifle the attacking flow of both sides. However, Thuram’s physical presence and pace constantly troubled the Ajax defense, and he even managed to win a penalty, which was subsequently overturned by VAR due to a prior foul he committed. The deadlock was finally broken just before halftime, not by a moment of individual brilliance, but through a well-executed set-piece. Thuram showcased his aerial prowess, rising highest at the near post to nod home a corner, giving Inter a deserved 1-0 lead going into the break.
The second half started much like the first ended, with Thuram once again finding the back of the net. Another corner, another powerful header, and Inter’s lead was doubled almost immediately. This second goal seemed to deflate Ajax, while simultaneously boosting Inter’s confidence. The Italian side began to control possession with greater authority, frustrating Ajax’s attempts to get back into the game. The Dutch side struggled to create any meaningful chances, registering a paltry two shots on target throughout the entire match, a testament to Inter’s defensive solidity. Inter, on the other hand, looked comfortable and composed, managing the game expertly to see out the victory.
Marcus Thuram undoubtedly emerged as the man of the match. His two headed goals provided the decisive edge, but his overall contribution went beyond just the goals. His strength, hold-up play, and intelligent movement caused constant problems for the Ajax defense. Inter’s Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij was effusive in his praise of Thuram, highlighting his physical attributes, technical skills, and even his heading ability, albeit jokingly. Thuram’s performance served as a strong reminder of his growing importance to the Inter side.
For Ajax, the defeat marked a disappointing start to their Champions League campaign. The absence of Berghuis clearly impacted their attacking potency, and they were unable to find a way past a well-organized Inter defense. Young Belgian winger Mika Godts had a golden opportunity to open the scoring in the first half, but he squandered the chance, a miss he later lamented, acknowledging the potential turning point it could have been. Ajax will need to quickly regroup and find their attacking rhythm if they hope to progress from a challenging group.
From Inter’s perspective, the victory was a significant boost, particularly after a slightly inconsistent start to their domestic season. The win not only secured three valuable points but also provided a confidence boost ahead of their upcoming fixtures. Coach Cristian Chivu, returning to his former club Ajax, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s maturity and the confidence gained from the victory. He will hope that this performance will serve as a springboard for a successful Champions League campaign.
The Champions League journey continues for both teams. Inter will next host Slavia Prague at the San Siro, while Ajax face a tricky away fixture against Marseille in the south of France. Both teams will be looking to build on their opening match experiences, Inter seeking to consolidate their strong start and Ajax hoping to bounce back from their disappointing defeat. The early stages of the Champions League always provide exciting narratives and unexpected twists, and these two teams will be eager to write their own stories of success in this year’s competition.
