Home Football UEFA Europa Conference LeagueAjax survive Shelbourne fightback to advance 5-3 on aggregate

Ajax survive Shelbourne fightback to advance 5-3 on aggregate

Aug 14, 2026 01:08 PM GMT+00:00

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Ajax survive Shelbourne fightback to advance 5-3 on aggregate

Ajax booked their place in the next round of UEFA Conference League qualifying after drawing 2-2 with Shelbourne in the second leg at Tolka Park on August 13, completing a 5-3 aggregate victory over the Irish side.

The Amsterdam club had established a commanding advantage with a 3-1 victory in the first leg at the Johan Cruijff Arena, but Shelbourne produced a spirited display in Dublin and twice fought back to earn a memorable draw.

Julian Brandt and Anton Gaaei scored for Ajax in the second leg, while Rodrigo Freitas and Sean Moore found the net for the hosts. Despite Shelbourne's pressure, Ajax held on to progress to the next stage of the Conference League qualifiers.

Ajax take control in Amsterdam

Ajax made the perfect start to the tie in the opening leg on August 6. Mika Godts opened the scoring from the penalty spot after only six minutes, giving Ajax an early advantage. Owen Wijndal then doubled the lead in the 22nd minute after finishing a quality pass from Steven Berghuis.

Ajax continued to dominate proceedings and created several opportunities before the interval, but Shelbourne managed to reach half-time only two goals behind.

Kasper Dolberg made it 3-0 five minutes after the restart, again benefiting from Berghuis' creativity. Godts later had the chance to score his second penalty of the evening, but the Belgian missed from the spot.

Shelbourne eventually gave themselves a lifeline when Kelly pulled a goal back in the 84th minute, leaving Ajax with a 3-1 advantage heading into the return fixture.

Brandt puts Ajax ahead in Dublin

Shelbourne needed a fast start at Tolka Park if they were to produce a major European comeback, but it was Ajax who struck first.

Julian Brandt opened the scoring in the 20th minute, giving Ajax a 4-1 aggregate advantage and putting Michel's side firmly in control of the tie.

However, Shelbourne responded almost immediately. Rodrigo Freitas equalised in the 24th minute, reigniting belief inside Tolka Park and reducing Ajax's lead on the night. The home side continued to compete aggressively, but Ajax restored their advantage before half-time.

Gaaei restores Ajax's two-goal cushion

Anton Gaaei scored in the 39th minute to put Ajax 2-1 ahead on the night. The goal was particularly important because it restored Ajax's two-goal advantage in the second leg and extended their aggregate lead to 5-2.

Shelbourne refused to surrender, though, and continued to push forward in search of another goal. Their persistence finally paid off late in the match.

Sean Moore gives Shelbourne a memorable finish

With five minutes of normal time remaining, Sean Moore scored for Shelbourne to make it 2-2. The equaliser produced a huge reaction from the home supporters and gave Shelbourne a chance to finish the tie with a famous victory on the night.

Ajax, however, managed the closing stages effectively enough to prevent a dramatic comeback. The final whistle confirmed a 2-2 draw, with Ajax advancing 5-3 on aggregate.

For Shelbourne, the result ended their European campaign, but the performance represented an impressive effort against one of Europe's most historically successful clubs.

Ajax advance despite Shelbourne resistance

Ajax ultimately did what was required across the two legs.

Their 3-1 victory in Amsterdam proved decisive, allowing them to withstand Shelbourne's strong response in Dublin.

The Dutch side finished the tie with a 5-3 aggregate victory, while Shelbourne can take plenty of positives from their performance, particularly their ability to compete with Ajax at Tolka Park.

The two matches also provided several memorable moments for Ajax. Brandt, who had recently joined the club, scored in Dublin after making his debut in the first leg, while Gaaei also made an important contribution to Ajax's progression.