Ajax Amsterdam secured their place in the 2026/27 Conference League after defeating Sion 5-3 in the second leg of the play-offs at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Indonesian national team goalkeeper Maarten Paes also shared Ajax's success, despite not playing in the match. Ajax already had a 4-2 lead from the first leg at Sion's home ground.
Ajax coach Michel Sanchez chose Marc-Andre ter Stegen as goalkeeper. Paes watched the match from the bench.
Ajax immediately took the lead after less than a minute. Youri Baas capitalized on a loose ball in the penalty box after a corner kick to put the hosts 1-0 up.
Sion then fought back and turned the game around. Winsley Boteli scored the equalizer in the 18th minute before getting on the scoresheet again in the 36th minute.
Boteli's second goal came after a Ter Stegen error. Sion then turned the score around to take a 2-1 lead.
Ajax did not remain silent. Davy Klaassen equalized in the 39th minute. The hosts then regained the lead just before halftime when Tolu Arokodare scored to make it 3-2.
Ajax further extended their lead at the start of the second half. Arokodare scored his second goal six minutes after the break to give Ajax a 4-2 lead.
Oliver Edvardsen then extended Ajax's lead to 5-2 in the 54th minute.
Sion is still able to provide resistance.
Boteli completed his hat trick to reduce the deficit to 3-5. However, there were no further goals until the final whistle.
Ajax won 5-3, securing qualification for the 2026/2027 UEFA Conference League finals with a 9-5 aggregate victory.
According to UEFA, here are the complete results of the second leg of the 2026/27 Conference League play-offs:
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