Ajax Amsterdam delivered a strong performance to thrash Borussia Dortmund 4-0 on Tuesday, maintaining a perfect record in the UEFA Champions League and edging closer to securing a spot in the next round. Marco Reus scored an own goal following a free kick taken by Dusan Tadic, before Daley Blind, Brazilian winger Antony, and striker Sebastian Haller added three more goals. Ajax tops Group C with nine points, ahead of their German rivals, who suffered their first defeat.
The Dutch club needed just 11 minutes to take the lead in front of a full stadium at Johan Cruyff Arena in what was expected to be a balanced match, but it turned out otherwise. Tadic's free kick appeared to be heading for the goal, but Reus, Dortmund's captain, touched the ball and inadvertently helped it into the net, resulting in an own goal.
Blind doubled the score with a shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 25th minute, and Ajax could have increased their lead in the first half were it not for Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who made several tough saves. Antony, who made his international debut for Brazil last week, scored with his left foot in the 57th minute to continue Ajax's dominance.
Ajax also benefited from Dortmund's poor defensive performance, particularly when Haller headed Blind's cross into the net uncontested in the 72nd minute, scoring the fourth goal. The two teams will meet again in Dortmund on November 3rd.
