Champions League 2018-19, Real Madrid 1-4 Ajax: Talking Points and Observations

#2 Dusan Tadic has written himself in Ajax folklore

Tadic certainly brought his A game to KO the current holders out from the R016

In what has been perhaps one of the most under the radar, but astonishingly effective moves from the summer, Dusan Tadic has represented a neat piece of business by Ajax. The Serbian winger has gone from struggling to stay afloat in the Premier League to tearing it up at the Santiago Bernebau in the Champions League knockout stage in a span of fewer than 10 months. His performance against Real will be remembered by Ajax fans for years to come.

The 30-year-old Serb has scored 26 goals in all competitions this season, also whipping up 7 assists in the league, but tonight's display was unlike anything he's ever shown on a stage so grandiose. His exquisite skill, technique and vision were all a class above everyone else, and he could have had a hat-trick of assists had Ziyech not missed a 6-yard sitter late in the second half. It was an era-defining display by the once relegation battler. Ajax could have lost the game and crashed out of the Round of 16 if not for him.