Ajax Amsterdam faced Eintracht Frankfurt on March 6, 2025, in their UEFA Europa League first leg match, where the German club emerged as 2-1 victors at Johan Cruijff Arena, marking the first-ever meeting between these two teams. The home side initially took the lead, thanks to Brian Brobbey, who found the back of the net just 10 minutes after kickoff. The goal came from a well-coordinated attack, showcasing Ajax's intent to dominate the match from the get-go.
Despite Ajax's strong start, Eintracht Frankfurt quickly responded, leveling the score with Hugo Larsson's goal at the 27-minute mark. This equalizer shifted the momentum back to the visitors, setting the stage for what became an intense and highly contested encounter.
Eintracht Frankfurt continued to apply pressure, eventually taking control of the match with Ellyes Skhiri scoring the decisive goal at 70 minutes. The visitors showcased resilience, managing to withstand Ajax's fervent attempts to reclaim the lead, which featured 12 shots compared to Frankfurt's 17.
Referee Simone Sozza blew the final whistle, sealing Ajax's fate as they succumbed to the 2-1 defeat. This loss added to Ajax's woes, as they remain challenged to find consistent form within the competition.
Leading up to the clash, Ajax confirmed significant player returns. Coach Francesco Farioli announced the availability of goalkeeper Remko Pasveer, who had missed the previous two league matches. Pasveer played admirably against Union Saint-Gilloise last month, helping Ajax secure their spot against Frankfurt after winning 3-2 on aggregate during the playoffs. Jordan Henderson and Josip Sutalo also returned to the selection, providing Farioli with valuable experience and depth. Nevertheless, Ajax faced challenges from injuries and suspensions, with captain Davy Klaassen sidelined due to his red card last month.
Eintracht Frankfurt, managed by Dino Toppmöller, had previously secured their place by finishing fifth in the Bundesliga season, making this their first foray against Ajax. The Frankfurt side featured new additions from their winter window, including Michy Batshuayi and Arthur Theate, both seen as pivotal additions to their strategy as they sought to advance past this Dutch side.
The lively atmosphere at Johan Cruijff Arena during the match was palpable, with each side's supporters adding to the drama, culminating from decades of historical rivalry between their respective leagues. Ajax entered with confidence, having staged exemplary performances on their home ground, but this match illustrated the unpredictability of knockout football.
Ajax's struggles against German clubs have been evident, having only won one of their last 21 home encounters against Bundesliga teams, which dates back to their 1-4 loss to Borussia Dortmund back during the 2012-13 season.
Throughout the match, Ajax recorded three shots on target but faced five from Frankfurt, which helped them maintain their slim advantage. The home team had more possession at 507 total passes, demonstrating their desire to control the game, yet their inability to convert chances proved costly.
Both squads received two yellow cards during the match—Ajax's Jordan Henderson and Brian Traoré were cautioned alongside Frankfurt's N. Collins and E. Skhiri. Substitutions also played a role, with several key players being brought on, including Can Uzun, who replaced Mario Götze for Frankfurt just before the end of regulation time.
Next up, Frankfurt will take their edge back to Germany, confident after their stunning victory. Meanwhile, Ajax will be aiming to regroup and focus on their upcoming matches, needing to turn their form around as they navigate through the latter stages of the competition.
With upcoming fixtures across both domestic and European fronts on the horizon, Ajax must find resilience against Eintracht Frankfurt's well-rounded squad as they prepare for the second leg. The result poses hopeful questions for Ajax fans about their ability to overcome setbacks and launch another European challenge.