Champions League holders Real Madrid were knocked out of the competition after Ajax pounded them 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu to make it to the quarterfinals 5-3 on aggregate. This is the first time since 2003 that Ajax has reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
Madrid, who have dominated the Champions League since 2016, suffered their earliest elimination since 2010, failing to reach the quarterfinals. The title holders also suffered a heavy blow at the hands of Barcelona when their run in the Copa del Rey and La Liga ended abruptly.
Hakim Ziyech, Ajax's Moroccan midfielder, took his side to an early lead in the seventh minute when his shot found the net. David Neres followed it up with another goal for Ajax in the 18th minute. Madrid put up a better show in the second half, but was soon outplayed by a sensational goal by Dusan Tadic in the 62nd minute.
Marco Asensio made sure Madrid didn't go down without any fightback and scored in the 70th minute. However, barely two minutes later, Lasse Schone shattered any hope of a comeback for the title holders when he hit the net in the 72nd minute thereby sealing Ajax's victory and entry into the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
Ajax, who haven't reached the last eight of the league since the past 16 years, have won the Champions League four times, their last trophy being won in 1995.
A dejected Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid said that he never felt this awful and everything had gone against the title holders, who have won the four of the last five editions of the Champions League.
Coach Santiago Solari said that he is not considering resigning as he “didn't come here to give up”. He is expected to stick through the season though Madrid have suffered four consecutive defeats at home under him.
