Inter defeat Ajax 2-0 in Champions League opener as Thuram shines
Inter Milan began their 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign in confident fashion with a 2-0 victory over Ajax in Amsterdam. Last season’s beaten finalists showed their pedigree once again, with Marcus Thuram scoring both goals to seal the win in the Dutch capital.
Ajax, returning to the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2022/23, struggled to create meaningful chances and were undone by two clinical set-piece finishes.
Ajax’s selection gamble backfires
Ajax manager John Heitinga raised eyebrows by leaving several of his big summer signings; Oscar Gloukh, Raul Moro, and Kasper Dolberg, on the bench. Instead, the Dutchman opted to start Youri Regeer, Oliver Edvardsen, and Wout Weghorst, hoping for discipline and physicality against Inter’s experienced side.
For Inter, star striker Lautaro Martínez was unavailable due to fitness concerns, with 20-year-old Pio Esposito starting up front alongside Thuram.
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The opening half offered little in terms of chances until the 34th minute, when Inter thought they had earned a penalty. Referee Michael Oliver initially awarded the spot kick after Ajax defender Youri Baas appeared to pull Thuram’s shirt. However, following a VAR review, the decision was overturned, with Thuram judged to have committed the foul instead.
Moments later, Ajax nearly grabbed the lead. Oliver Edvardsen released Mika Godts with a long ball, but the winger’s shot under pressure was tame and comfortably saved by Yann Sommer.
Inter punished the miss almost immediately. From the resulting attack, Hakan Çalhanoğlu swung in a corner and Thuram rose highest to head past goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli in the 36th minute.
Thuram doubles the lead
Ajax’s hopes of mounting a comeback were dashed just two minutes after the restart. Another Çalhanoğlu corner caused problems, and once again Thuram was on hand to power home a header, doubling Inter’s advantage and silencing the Johan Cruyff Arena.
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From then on, Inter were in full control. Ajax struggled to generate any momentum in attack, recording their first shot on target only in the 69th minute. Substitute Kasper Dolberg, making his first Ajax appearance since 2019, had a golden opportunity late in the game. After outmuscling Manuel Akanji, the Danish forward found himself with an open header, but he sent the effort over the crossbar, summing up Ajax’s frustrating night.
Inter, content to sit deep and manage their lead, closed out the match with ease, securing three valuable points as they aim for a fourth Champions League final in five years.
What’s Next?
- Inter will host Slavia Prague at the San Siro in their second group-stage fixture, looking to build momentum in their quest to return to the final.
- Ajax travel to face Olympique Marseille, knowing they must improve quickly if they want to stay alive in a competitive group.
Key Match Stats: Ajax vs Inter
- Final score: Ajax 0-2 Inter
- Goals: Marcus Thuram (36’, 47’)
- Shots on target: Ajax 2 – 5 Inter
- Possession: Ajax 48% – 52% Inter
- Corners: Ajax 4 – 7 Inter
Chris John