Ajax 2-3 Tottenham: 5 Hits and Flops

#4 Hit: Matthijs de Ligt

de Ligt broke the deadlock early on with a pinpoint header, defended well but it ultimately wasn't enough

Having set the tone with a bullet header after five minutes, Matthijs de Ligt ultimately deserved better. He showed great awareness and anticipation - just like against Juventus in the quarter-finals - breaking the deadlock after leaving Kieran Trippier in his wake, leaping above Dele Alli like he wasn't even there. Hugo Lloris had no chance.

With a game-high 11 aerial duels won for the hosts, it was another busy defensive display from the 19-year-old. Six clearances, three interceptions, two blocks and one tackle completed alongside no fouls committed, his defensive effort unfortunately didn't have any baring on the final result. Despite this, he was one of few Ajax players that emerge from this last-gasp defeat with much credit really, as poor game-management gifted Spurs a way back into the tie.

A shame we won't get the chance to see him compete in next month's showpiece final, where he would have had the opportunity to make history - being the youngest Champions League-winning captain after Marseille's Didier Deschamps back in 1993, aged 24.

This is a painful experience but one he'll remember for the rest of his life and naturally fuel his fire for future seasons as he strives to continue developing, whether that be in Amsterdam or elsewhere with Europe's elite circling.