Ajax Keep Qualification Hopes Alive with Dramatic Comeback over Villarreal

Key Takeaways:

• Ajax secured a 2:1 away victory against Villarreal in the Champions League group stage
• The Dutch side have now recorded two consecutive wins
• Villarreal are still winless, with one draw and six losses from seven matches

European Campaigns Hinge on High Stakes Clash

Ajax achieved a crucial 2:1 win away to Villarreal in the Champions League group stage, registering their second consecutive group victory. This critical result keeps the Dutch club’s aspirations to progress in the competition alive, while Villarreal’s campaign concluded disappointingly, having failed to record a single victory – registering only one draw and suffering six defeats in their seven matches.

Both sides entered the contest rooted to the foot of their group, well aware that only a win would suffice to keep their European ambitions alive. Despite their European struggles, Villarreal could draw some optimism from their impressive domestic record, having won eight out of their last ten home games in the league. Marcelino’s team brought that belief onto the pitch and dominated proceedings throughout the first half.

Win vs. Villarreal in the Champions League! ❌❌❌ pic.twitter.com/fcGHYTsd4T

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) January 20, 2026

First Half: Villarreal Control but Jaroš Denies Breakthrough

Within just six minutes, the hosts threatened the Ajax goal as Sergi Cardona rose unmarked inside the box to head towards goal, only to be denied by an outstanding save from Vítězslav Jaroš. Moments later, from the ensuing corner, the Dutch club’s defence failed to clear effectively, presenting Nicolas Pépé with a chance at the far post, but once again the Czech keeper intervened decisively.

As the half progressed, Villarreal’s offensive pressure mounted consistently. Ajax relied heavily on their goalkeeper, who produced further remarkable stops to thwart efforts from Tani Oluwaseyi and Thomas Partey, preserving the goalless scoreline. In contrast, Fred Grim’s Ajax side offered little going forward in the opening period. The Dutch guests mustered only a handful of uninspired attacks, with attempts by Jorrel Hato and Owen Wijndal failing to truly trouble the home side’s goalkeeper, Arnau Tenas.

Second Half: Ajax Grab the Points

After the interval Villarreal wasted no time and opened the scoring through Tani Oluwaseyi in the 49th minute. Ajax responded in the 61st minute when Oscar Gloukh restored the parity, and then in stoppage time Oliver Edvardsen delivered all three points to the Amsterdam giants with a strike from inside the penalty box.