Real Madrid beat Ajax 2–0
Despite wasting plenty of scoring chances, Real Madrid overcame Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday, beating the Dutch runners-up 2–0.
Jose Mourinho's team dominated possession throughout the game. While Ajax only had one finish on target, Real sent 15 shots at the Dutch goal with another 18 going wide in what was always a one-sided encounter.
Gonzalo Higuain showed his hunger with 18 minutes gone. The Argentine's quick feet let him skip past three Ajax players, and with space to measure his shot, he hit a curled finish from 30 yards that had
keeper Maarten Stekelenburg beaten when it crashed against the bar, keeping the game scoreless.
After half an hour, Real took the lead as Xabi Alonso's corner was headed down by Ajax's Vurnon Anita. The ball bounced off the defender's foot for an unfortunate own goal.
Two minutes later, Ronaldo played Marcelo Vieira da Silva Junior through on the left wing, and after Higuain failed to convert the Brazilian's square ball across the box it fell to Angel Fabian di Maria.
The striker steadied himself before firing over the bar with a disappointing effort that left Mourinho was fuming on the Real bench.
More chances after the break
After the break, Ronaldo thumped a shot straight at Stekelenburg after finding himself alone with the keeper before new signing Mesut Ozil made his presence felt by setting up Real's second.
Played through by a delightful, lofted pass by di Maria in the 73rd minute, Oezil hammered another shot straight at Stekelenburg but managed to square the rebound to Higuain, who was awaiting an opportunity
in front of goal. With two Ajax defenders on the line, the striker steered his side-footed volley high into the net to double Real's lead.
Higuain came close again three minutes after the goal, but after Ronaldo picked out his run the Argentine's shot went just wide of the post.
Ajax got their first real chance with 77 minutes played as Urby Emanuelson broke down the right wing. The Dutchman turned just outside the area, sending a curled, left-footed effort towards Iker Casillas'
far corner that bounced off the top of the bar. The Real keeper then parried Miralem Sulejmani's effort from the rebound.
Ronaldo combined again with Higuain in the last minute of ordinary time, but after making a great run towards the far post and being served a perfect cross by his teammate, the Portugual international
somehow failed to connect with the ball.
Mourinho pleased despite wasted chances
On a better day, Real could have scored another three goals, but Mourinho was nonetheless be happy that his side got off to a winning start in the competition.
"The score is great, three points are very important in the Champions League. This is not the knock-out, but the group phase. I am happy with the result," the manager said after the victory.
In under two weeks, Real travel to face AJ Auxerre, while Ajax host AC Milan at the Amsterdam Arena.
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