### 歐冠 debut win + end 5-game losing streak! Ajax come back from 2 goals down to beat Qarabag 4-2 after trailing 3 goals 2023-10-04 12:30:00 In the early hours of this morning, the second round of the UEFA Champions League group stage featured a dramatic showdown. Ajax, who had been suffering from a five-game losing streak in all competitions, staged an incredible comeback away at Qarabag. After falling behind 0-2 in the first half, the team scored four unanswered goals in the second half to secure a 4-2 victory, not only claiming their first Champions League win of the season but also putting an end to their dismal run of form. --- #### **Key Takeaways (in order of importance)** 1. **Ending the losing streak boosts morale** After five consecutive losses in the Eredivisie and Champions League, this comeback victory finally lifts the heavy pressure on the team. The second-half outburst, especially with multiple players contributing goals, signals a rebound in player confidence, which is far more valuable than the three points themselves for Ajax at this stage. 2. **Champions League hopes revived** Following a disastrous 0-4 loss to Brighton in the first round, this away win keeps Ajax’s chances of advancing from the group stage alive. The four goals also provide a significant advantage in goal difference, which could prove crucial in tight group standings. 3. **Second-half tactical adjustment proves decisive** Head coach Maurice Steijn’s substitutions and formation shift at halftime were key to the turnaround. The introduction of young attacker Carlos Forbs energized the frontline, while the switch to a high-press strategy directly led to Qarabag’s defensive errors. 4. **Youth players step up in crisis** Despite the absence of several core players due to injuries, 19-year-old midfielder Kenneth Taylor contributed one goal and one assist, and 20-year-old Brian Brobbey scored the equalizer. The rise of these academy products offers hope for Ajax’s future amid their current struggles. --- #### **Match Recap: From collapse to explosion** The first half was a nightmare for Ajax. In the 20th minute, Qarabag’s Juninho capitalized on a defensive error to slot home, followed by a close-range header from Zoubir in the 31st minute, putting the hosts 2-0 up. Ajax’s defense looked disorganized, and the midfield was completely overrun. At halftime, coach Steijn made a bold move, substituting underperforming striker Berghuis and shifting to a 4-2-3-1 formation. The change immediately paid off: just two minutes into the second half, Taylor volleyed home from a corner to pull one back. In the 55th minute, Bergwijn’s pressing forced a turnover, allowing Brobbey to calmly finish and level the score. In the 75th minute, substitute Forbs dazzled with a solo run down the right before setting up Taylor, whose shot was parried into the path of Bergwijn for the tap-in. In stoppage time, Forbs sealed the victory with a counter-attacking goal. --- #### **Background: Why this win matters so much** - **Worst start in 58 years**: Ajax had lost five straight games across all competitions before this match, their worst run since 1965. The team had dropped to 14th place in the Eredivisie, with fans demanding the coach’s dismissal. - **Champions League financial implications**: Group stage advancement is worth at least €20 million in prize money. For Ajax, who focus on developing youth players, this income is crucial for sustaining operations. - **Transfer market failures**: The offseason saw key players like Kudus and álvarez sold without adequate replacements, directly leading to the team’s shaky start. --- #### **Fan Reaction: “Finally, we see the soul of Ajax!”** After the match, Ajax fans expressed mixed emotions. One fan commented, “Watching the first half made me want to turn off the stream, but the second half was pure Ajax football—fast, direct, and relentless pressing. This is the DNA we’ve been missing!” Another noted pragmatically, “The defense is still full of holes, but at least the young players dare to fight. This win buys Steijn some time.” --- #### **Outlook: Challenges remain** While the victory provides a breather, Ajax’s underlying issues are far from resolved. The team lacks stability in defensive transitions, and overreliance on individual efforts from young players is unsustainable. Their next league match against rivals PSV will be the real test—if they can build on this momentum, the season may yet turn around. *(This article is simulated based on match data and does not represent actual media views.)*