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matches

Ajax 2 - 1 Aberdeen

HT Score: Ajax 2 - 1 Aberdeen

Friendly
Ajax scorers: Ibrahimovic (15, 37)
Aberdeen scorers: Mackie 42.

18/01/2003 | KO: 18:00

Ajax clean up in the Algarve

Aberdeen lost 2-1 to Ajax this evening, but after a shaky start they gave a good account of themselves. The Dutch giants dominated the first 35 minutes of the match and deserved their lead, but the Dons showed tremendous character to pull themselves back into the match before half time. In an even second half neither team could make the breakthrough. The trip has been a great experience for the squad and a worthwhile exercise as they now return to face the second half of the season.

Ajax took the lead in 15 minutes when the Dons were caught out by a long ball over the top by Wamberto. Zlatan Ibrahimovic collected the ball and fired past Preece from 15 yards. Preece then made a couple of fine saves to keep the Dons in the game.

Aberdeen carved out their first real chance in the 31st minute when Rutkiewicz had a volley saved by Didulica. Minutes later Preece was called on once more as he made a fine stop from a Maxwell effort. D'Jaffo was then forced to leave the field in the 36th minute with a head knock and with the Dons down to ten men Ajax doubled their advantage. A ball from the right once more found Zlatan Ibrahimovic and he scored from 6 yards.

Mike replaced D'Jaffo and the Dons took control of the closing stages. Anderson was unlucky when he hit the bar in the 39th minute and two minutes later Mike hit a screamer from 30 yards which scraped past the Ajax post. The Dons grabbed a deserved goal in the 42nd minute however when a Clark cross from the left eluded the Ajax defence and was converted by Mackie from six yards.

There was less action in the second period, but once again Preece was in fine form as he made a great save from Van der Meyde on the hour mark. Five minutes later McNaughton went on a probing run down the right, but unfortunately Sheerin was unable to collect his cut back. Ajax came closest to scoring when Sneijder shot wide following a dangerous break by Machlas
Ajax Teamsheet
Didulica; Trabelsi, Pasanen, Bergdolmo, De Jong; Galasek, Wamberto, Maxwell, Van der Meyde, Ibrahimovic, Munteanu
Venue: ,