Royale Union Saint-Gilloise 0-2 Ajax: Visitors secure comfortable first-leg lead in Europa play-offs

Ajax returned to Amsterdam with a solid two-goal advantage in their UEFA Europa League (UEL) knockout round play-off match, having secured a 2-0 victory against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. This win extended their unbeaten record in European away matches in Belgium to six games (W3, D3).

The team was on the verge of an ideal start to their seventh consecutive appearance in the knockout stages of a UEFA competition. Oliver Valaker Edvardsen appeared to have scored from a threatening corner, but goalline technology confirmed that Noah Sadiki executed a crucial clearance just in time.

After making a significant defensive play, Sadiki believed he had contributed offensively as well, scoring after Promise David's initial shot was saved. However, the assistant referee's flag indicated an offside, granting Ajax a vital reprieve, which was later confirmed by VAR.

The 23-year-old did not seem to learn from this incident, as he again found himself offside before assisting Anan Khalaily, whose powerful shot was disallowed just before half-time.

The Belgian side lamented those missed opportunities when Ajax’s Christian Rasmussen broke the deadlock shortly before the hour mark, striking a left-footed shot off the post to score his first UEL goal following a swift counter-attack.

USG's aspirations of advancing to the last 16 were further diminished when 16-year-old Jorthy Mokio delivered a remarkable strike to double Ajax’s lead in the 71st minute. Steven Berghuis’ inswinging corner was only partially cleared to the edge of the box, where Mokio was poised to unleash a difficult volley past the helpless Anthony Moris.

The initial senior goal from the Belgian player secured Union Saint-Gilloise's first European home loss of the season, presenting a significant challenge for Sébastien Pocognoli's team as they prepare for the return leg in Amsterdam next week. This is underscored by Ajax's impressive record, having suffered only one defeat in their last 15 competitive matches at home.

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