Ajax player Christian Rasmussen walks away from celebrating Real Sociedad players after the 1-0 during the UEFA Europa League match between Real Sociedad and Ajax Amsterdam at Reala Arena on November 28, 2024 in San Sebastian, Spain.- Credit: Tobias Kleuver / ANP - License: All Rights Reserved

Ajax lose for the first time in this season’s Europa League phase against Real Sociedad

Ajax lost for the first time in the UEFA Europa League main phase on Thursday in their away fixture against Real Sociedad. Takefuso Kubo made the difference for the Spanish side with a goal and an assist as the home side won 2-0.

The Amsterdammers are still in the top eight despite the loss, which would guarantee a spot in the last 16 and ensure that they skip the playoff round.

Francesco Farioli made two changes to the team that beat PEC Zwolle 2-0 on Sunday in the Eredivisie. Kian Fitz-Jim and Chuba Akpom were brought into the side to replace Kenneth Taylor, who is suspended, and Davy Klaassen, who is not eligible to play in European competitions.

Ajax should have taken the lead in the 10th minute. A poor pass from Luka Sucic was intercepted by Fitz-Jim before he was pushed off the ball. But this led to a golden chance for Brian Brobbey, who only had to get the shot on target. But as has often been the case for Brobbey this season, the striker missed the target with the attempt, hitting the post.

But Sociedad also missed a huge opportunity to break the deadlock minutes before halftime when Spain international Mikel Oyarzabal spun in the box before missing the target from inside the six-yard box with a toe-poked effort.

Ajax hit the post for the second time in the match on the hour mark. Fitz-Jim’s shot from outside the 16-yard box struck the woodwork.

Sociedad took the lead in the 66th minute. Kubo was played in down the wing before he put in an inch-perfect cross for Ander Barrenetxea, who could not miss making it 1-0.

The young Japanese winger decided the match in the 85th minute following up his assist with a goal. He cut inside before his low curled effort was deflected into the far corner past Remko Pasveer.

Ajax will be hoping to bounce back from this defeat when they travel to NEC Nijmegen in the Eredivisie on Sunday. The Amsterdammers are currently in the third spot with a seven-point deficit on league leaders PSV.