Analysis The numbers behind the result
Ajax's clinical finishing punishes Telstar's defensive frailties
Ajax's 4-0 victory was fully deserved, outperforming Telstar's expected goals (xG) of 1.13 with a superior 2.13 xG of their own. Despite only having 58% possession, Ajax were more efficient in attack, converting four of their nine shots on target — a stark contrast to Telstar's four shots on target from 11 total attempts. Steven Berghuis was pivotal, contributing a goal (56') and two assists (for Klaassen's opener at 37' and Arokodare's strike at 60'), while Marcos Leonardo added a late fourth (78').
Telstar's defensive vulnerabilities were exposed, particularly in the second half, as Ajax scored three goals in a 22-minute spell. The hosts' higher shot volume (11 to Ajax's 12) masked their lack of cutting edge, with only 36% of their shots testing the goalkeeper. Ajax's ability to create higher-quality chances — six of their 12 shots came from inside the box — proved decisive. The key stat: Ajax scored four goals from an xG of just 2.13, highlighting their clinical edge.