Gloukh Hat-Trick Fires Ajax to 4-1 Conference League Romp

Ajax Bounce Back in Style

Ajax overturned an early deficit to smash Vojvodina 4-1 in their Europa Conference League 2nd qualifying round first leg, with Oscar Gloukh’s scintillating hat-trick turning the Johan Cruijff ArenA into a cauldron of joy. The Serbian minnows dared to dream when Đorđe Crnomarković headed them ahead after 40 minutes, but Davy Klaassen’s instant reply and Gloukh’s second-half masterclass left Michel’s side cruising towards the next round.

Vojvodina’s Brave Stumble

For 44 minutes, Miroslav Tanjga’s well-drilled side threatened a seismic upset. Crnomarković’s thumping header from Njegoš Petrović’s cross sent the traveling fans into raptures, their Serbian chants briefly drowning out the home support. Yet Ajax’s response was blistering – within four minutes, Klaassen volleyed home Youri Regeer’s pinpoint cross to restore equilibrium.

The second half became the Oscar Gloukh show. First, the Israeli wizard danced past two challenges before slotting home Mika Godts’ cutback (53′). Five minutes later, he doubled his tally with a rocket into the top corner from Steven Berghuis’ layoff. When substitute Ole Edvardsen teed him up for a simple third in the 71st minute, Gloukh wheeled away cupping his ears – the Johan Cruijff ArenA roared its approval.

Ajax’s Dominance in Numbers

The statistics painted a brutal picture of Dutch supremacy: 71% possession, 24 shots to Vojvodina’s 3, and eight corners to two. Only Dragan Rosić’s six saves prevented a cricket score, though substitute Marcos Leonardo did clip the post late on. For Vojvodina, the 90 minutes became a battle of survival – Siniša Mitrović and Milan Kolarević both saw yellow as the visitors made 17 fouls trying to stem the tide.

What This Means

For Ajax, this was the perfect restart after last season’s domestic horrors – a statement win that suggests Michel’s rebuild is gathering pace. Gloukh’s breakout performance (three goals from five shots) offers particular encouragement. Vojvodina must now summon a miracle in next week’s return leg, where they’ll need to score at least three times against a side that hasn’t lost a European home qualifier since 2006. Based on this evidence, the Serbian outfit’s Conference League journey may end in Novi Sad.