Champions League: Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Ajax, 3 reasons why Ajax won the first leg

AFC Ajax came away with an all-important away goal against Tottenham in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final. Even though there is everything to play for in the second leg of the tie, they will definitely be fancying their chances of reaching the final after that result in the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

Ajax dominated proceedings from the first whistle and had total control of the game in the first 30 minutes. The Dutch side's early dominance was rewarded when Donny Van de Beek caught the Tottenham defence sleeping and passed the ball past Hugo Lloris to open the scoring.

Spurs found it hard to cope with Ajax's heavy pressure off the ball and couldn't stitch a couple of passes together in the first half.

A change in the system and the introduction of Moussa Sissoko in midfield helped Tottenham Hotspur get back into the game in the second half, but they couldn't create a clear-cut opportunity to score. Ajax had a couple of chances of their own but failed to capitalise.

The Dutch giants were exceptional on the night, and we pick 3 reasons why they won the game against Tottenham.

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#3 Showed brilliant defensive resilience

Matthijs de Ligt showed why he is considered one of the best defenders in Europe

The Dutch giants are known for their play with the ball, but defensive solidity remains one of the most underrated traits of this Ajax side. Matthijs de Ligt once again proved his mettle on the biggest stage against Tottenham and showed exactly why he is the captain of this Ajax side at the age of 19.

He dealt brilliantly with Fernando Llorente's physicality and kept the Spaniard at bay for the whole of 90 minutes. His partner in defence, Daley Blind, had a solid game as well. The 29-year-old won 5 aerial duels and made 4 interceptions during the game.

Goalkeeper Andre Onana's willingness to come and collect crosses and long balls definitely helped Ajax in keeping a high line. They defended as a unit and didn't let Tottenham create big opportunities to score.

#2 Unmatched energy and work rate

Ajax's Hakim Ziyech won 6 of his 6 attempted tackles against Spurs

Ajax's energy on the field was too much to handle for Tottenham. The players moved around the pitch to give passing options to their teammates and exploited the empty spaces on the field very well.

The wingers were always on their toes to make a run in behind the Spurs defence and also tracked back to help out the full-backs in defence. Hakim Ziyech, who plays as a winger, won 6 tackles during the game, exhibiting his willingness to win the ball back for his side.

The Dutch giants didn't let Tottenham play from the back, and were first to every long ball. Spurs couldn't even stitch a couple of passes due to Ajax's heavy pressure off the ball. Their exceptional energy and work-rate was a key factor for Ajax in winning the game.

#1 Ajax's midfield trio completely dominated in the first half

Frenkie de Jong had a brilliant game in midfield for Ajax against Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg

The midfield trio of Ajax Amsterdam completely dominated the middle of the park against Tottenham Hotspur. Frenkie de Jong showed why Barcelona splashed €75 million on him with a dominant midfield display.

The 21-year-old was pulling the strings from defensive midfield and drove through the Spurs press with slick movement. Donny Van de Beek, who scored the only goal of the match, was absolutely phenomenal against Spurs, managing 3 shots and 2 key passes during the 90 minutes.

Tottenham Hotspur's midfield was made to look non-existent by the energy and tenacity of Ajax's midfield trio in the first half. Only after the arrival of Moussa Sissoko did Spurs get a little bit of control with the ball in the middle of the park.