Juventus 1-2 Ajax: 3 reasons why Juventus were knocked out | UEFA Champions League 2018-19

#1 Everything said and done, Ajax were ruthless

Juventus v Ajax - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final: Second Leg

One can play the blame game all they want. One can blame Ronaldo, Dybala, Matuidi, Bonucci or anyone else, who was wearing black and white jersey yesterday. But apart from the serious issues of Ronaldo missing two to three good scoring opportunities, and the midfielders giving the ball away in dangerous areas, can we blame Juventus? You look at them and you can find reasons to blame each of the players who stepped foot into the pitch, with the exception of Szczesny and Pjanic. Why? Because they were taken apart.

The Bianconeri are to blame for not fielding Cancelo, they can be excused for not having Chiellini and Mandzukic, but what difference would have it made? Did the defence not try to contain Ajax? Of course, they did. Ajax were merciless against the defence. They pressed and counter-pressed, they won 17 aerial battles to Juve's 7, they won 22 tackles, they totally bossed Juventus.

Juventus could do nothing. They had 13 shots on goal but that stat is not a reflection of what happened on the pitch. Not many of the chances were troublesome. Ajax, on the other hand, could have scored with each of the four shots on target if it wasn't for Szczesny. This Ajax team are ruthless, they are out for blood on the pitch, and they would get their goals, come what may.