The Amsterdam giants returned to the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2022, but failed to convince anyone with their uninspiring 2-0 defeat to 2024/25 finalists Inter.
Despite what was broadly seen as a disappointing outing, Ajax manager John Heitinga said he saw his team play a good game. "I think we demonstrated, particularly in the first half, that we can compete at this level," he said during the post-game press conference.
"You're playing against a team that has proven in recent years that they can dominate in Europe. Up until that goal, you're playing at a decent level. In that respect, it's a compliment to the lads."
Ajax came close to the opening goal shortly before half-time, when Oliver Edvardsen launched Mika Godts deep into Inter's half, but the Belgian winger could not convert on a rare one-on-one with Yann Sommer.
"It's just another one of those bloody moments, because you see Oliver's (Edvardsen) great ball leave, and then you hope it flies in," said Heitinga.
Two set-piece goals
Marcus Thuram became Ajax's boogeyman with two goals, both of which came from corners from Hakan Calhanoglu. The fact that his team conceded two identical goals frustrated Heitinga.
"That's incredibly frustrating. You see those standard situations at the very top and in big matches. I experienced that last year too; they can decide matches. Now you've been struck twice yourself. Then it isn't easy to turn the match around again. Those are crucial moments."
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Thuram was marked by Davy Klaassen, who is 13 centimetres smaller than the 1.92m tall Thuram, during both goals. Heitinga did not admit whether or not this was a mistake, instead putting it on hindsight.
"There is a difference in height between them. It's easy to say that in hindsight. We have players in the zone. Davy usually is someone who can cover well, but you also have to deal with Inter's physical strength."
Heitinga said the decision not to put any players at the posts during corners was consciously made. "That is the organisation we have chosen.
I sense a theme emerging here about corners. Rightly so, because you concede two, but we have put together an organisation that we believe is the best."
In a pre-game interview with Ziggo Sport, Heitinga said he took into account that his team would probably lose to Inter. In hindsight, he said that Inter just made things impossible for Ajax.
"We were unable to find the free man or get through on the wings. That has to do with Inter's qualities."