Key Takeaways:
- Inter defeated Ajax 2-0 away in the Champions League last night, with both goals scored by Marcus Thuram
- Thuram found the net in the 42nd and 47th minutes from near-identical corner situations delivered by Calhanoglu
- Yann Sommer made a crucial first-half save with the score still goalless
Match Analysis
Inter commenced the knockout stage of the Champions League with an authoritative display, overcoming Ajax 2-0 in Amsterdam. The Italian side, known as the Nerazzurri struck in both halves through Marcus Thuram, capitalising on set-piece deliveries from Hakan Calhanoglu on each occasion.
From the opening whistle, Inter set a high-intensity tempo, crafting several early opportunities in the Ajax penalty area. Federico Dimarco’s attempted cross forced the home goalkeeper into action, almost catching him off guard when it turned goalwards. Despite Inter’s energetic start, Ajax weathered the initial pressure but found themselves largely on the defensive.
Prima giornata, prima vittoria 🔝
BRAVI NERAZZURRI 👏#ForzaInter #UCL #AjaxInter pic.twitter.com/JSJU6Nobh7— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter) September 17, 2025
First Half: Missed Chances and Thuram’s Opener
As the first half wore on, Ajax began to balance the contest, increasing their pressing intensity and attempting dangerous crosses into the visitors’ box. On one occasion, Akanji was pressed into an error, though the Dutch side failed to create a clear-cut opening. Chrisitan Chivu’s charges eventually earned their first corner just beyond the half-hour mark, with Dimarco shooting wide of the target from the resulting delivery.
Inter nearly took the initiative in the 33rd minute, when a flowing move ended with Thuram narrowly missing the right post. In the immediate aftermath, Thuram eluded Baas and was brought down in the area, only for the referee to overturn the initial penalty award after VAR adjudged a foul by the French forward.
With five minutes remaining in the half, Yann Sommer demonstrated his value—despite recent criticism—by expertly denying Godts in a one-on-one situation. That save proved decisive, as moments later Inter seized the advantage. Thuram was left unmarked during a Calhanoglu corner and powered a header past the Ajax goalkeeper in the 42nd minute.
Second Half: Thuram Seals Victory
Inter wasted no time after the interval, doubling their lead within two minutes courtesy of an almost identical move. Calhanoglu’s corner again located Thuram, whose header left the Ajax defence powerless to intervene. The Frenchman continued to threaten: a ball from Barella was miscontrolled, and another inviting pass from the Italian was missed, with no team-mate on hand to finish.
An hour into the match, Esposito slid an incisive pass to Dumfries, but Ajax’s defence managed a crucial touch, diffusing the threat. Inter continued to dictate play, while Frattesi came close to extending the lead from another dangerous corner. Ajax managed several attacks late on, but Dimarco intercepted a dangerous cross and Dolberg headed just over in the closing minute of normal time.
| Fixture | Score | Goal Scorers |
|---|---|---|
| Ajax vs Inter | 0:2 | Thuram (42′, 47′) |
With this commanding away victory, Inter have firmly established their presence in the championship phase, while Ajax will reflect on missed opportunities and defensive lapses from set-pieces.
