English side Tottenham Hotspur’s chances of reaching the UEFA Champions League final were dealt a severe blow after losing at home to Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam.
The goal that separated the two sides was scored by Donny van de Beek in the 15th-minute.
Spurs could not impose their game plan on Erik ten Hag’s exciting young side, with talisman Harry Kane injured and defender Jan Vertonghen took off with a suspected concussion after an aerial collision involving team-mate Toby Alderweireld and Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Tottenham versatile attacker Son Heung-min was also absent due to suspension.
The second leg of the match will be played in Amsterdam next Wednesday.
Ajax has proved to be giant killers in the ongoing 2018/19 UEFA Champions League after eliminating Rela Madrid and Juventus.
The Dutch side will meet either Liverpool or Barcelona in the final if they manage to hold onto their slim advantage.
Speaking to BT Sport after the match, Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino said:
In the first half, we did not start in a good way. Ajax showed more energy, it was difficult for us to play. It was our lack of energy.
After we conceded the goal – 25 to 30 minutes in – we started to be in the game. Moussa Sissoko provided good energy.
Second half we pushed them and tried to create chances. It was an even game in the second half.
We are alive. It’s only 1-0 down. We need to believe we can go there and win the game.
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