Ajax Amsterdam followed up their elimination of Real Madrid by producing a spell-binding display of inventive, passing football to win 2-1 away to Juventus on Tuesday and end the Serie A team's dreams of winning the Champions League.

Ajax's 19-year-old captain Matthijs de Ligt headed the winner from the corner in the 67th minute of the quarter-final second leg as the Dutch side came from behind to clinch a 3-2 aggregate win and reach the last four for the first time since 1996/97.

Cristiano Ronaldo, aiming for a fourth successive Champions League title after winning the last three with Real Madrid, put Juventus ahead in the 28th minute with a typically emphatic header, his sixth goal of the competition.

But Donny van de Beek levelled six minutes later before the visitors swept Juventus aside in the second half with wave after wave of attacks as they earned a semi-final against Manchester City or Tottenham Hotspur.

"Can we can go on to win the competition? Well, we are in the semi-finals now. And we have eliminated two of the favourites in the last two rounds. The next games will be very difficult, but so were these ones. So who knows?," said De Ligt.

Frenkie de Jong added: "We dominated after the break and were well worth our victory. In fact, we probably should have won by more."

Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana gave his team an early scare when his clearance was charged down by Emre Can but the rebound flew wide.

Ajax settled well after that but, despite not playing well, Juventus went ahead when Ronaldo got away from the defenders to score the 126th Champions League goal of his career.

There was a long delay for the VAR review, the referee eventually going to the pitchside monitor with the ball back on the centre circle ready for the re-start, before the goal was confirmed.

Ajax kept their cool and took six minutes to level, helped by a somewhat lucky break.

Hakim Ziyech's long-range shot hit a defender and fell perfectly for Van de Beek who, unmarked and onside, slotted the ball calmly past Wojciech Szczesny, and then had to wait for another long VAR check before the goal was confirmed.

Ajax took complete control in the second half and their geometric passing repeatedly opened up the Juventus defence, which sorely missed injured veteran Giorgio Chiellini.

Szczesny made one-handed save from Ziyech after Juventus were opened up again and then turned Van de Beek's curling shot over for a corner.

Juventus were rocking but, ironically, Ajax's winner came from an old-fashioned header as De Ligt outjumped two defenders to score.

Ajax had chances for further goals and Ronaldo's frustration boiled over in stoppage time when he was booked for a lunging tackle from behind near the centre circle.

Ajax Amsterdam followed up their elimination of Real Madrid by producing a spell-binding display of inventive, passing football to win 2-1 away to Juventus on Tuesday and end the Serie A team's dreams of winning the Champions League.

Ajax Amsterdam followed up their elimination of Real Madrid by producing a spell-binding display of inventive, passing football to win 2-1 away to Juventus on Tuesday and end the Serie A team's dreams of winning the Champions League. Ajax's 19-year-old captain Matthijs de Ligt headed the winner from the corner in the 67th minute of the quarter-final second leg as the Dutch side came from behind to clinch a 3-2 aggregate win and reach the last four for the first time since 1996/97. Cristiano Ronaldo, aiming for a fourth successive Champions League title after winning the last three with Real Madrid, put Juventus ahead in the 28th minute with a typically emphatic header, his sixth goal of the competition. But Donny van de Beek levelled six minutes later before the visitors swept Juventus aside in the second half with wave after wave of attacks as they earned a semi-final against Manchester City or Tottenham Hotspur. "Can we can go on to win the competition? Well, we are in the semi-finals now. And we have eliminated two of the favourites in the last two rounds. The next games will be very difficult, but so were these ones. So who knows?," said De Ligt. Frenkie de Jong added: "We dominated after the break and were well worth our victory. In fact, we probably should have won by more." Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana gave his team an early scare when his clearance was charged down by Emre Can but the rebound flew wide. Ajax settled well after that but, despite not playing well, Juventus went ahead when Ronaldo got away from the defenders to score the 126th Champions League goal of his career. There was a long delay for the VAR review, the referee eventually going to the pitchside monitor with the ball back on the centre circle ready for the re-start, before the goal was confirmed. Ajax kept their cool and took six minutes to level, helped by a somewhat lucky break. Hakim Ziyech's long-range shot hit a defender and fell perfectly for Van de Beek who, unmarked and onside, slotted the ball calmly past Wojciech Szczesny, and then had to wait for another long VAR check before the goal was confirmed. Ajax took complete control in the second half and their geometric passing repeatedly opened up the Juventus defence, which sorely missed injured veteran Giorgio Chiellini. Szczesny made one-handed save from Ziyech after Juventus were opened up again and then turned Van de Beek's curling shot over for a corner. Juventus were rocking but, ironically, Ajax's winner came from an old-fashioned header as De Ligt outjumped two defenders to score. Ajax had chances for further goals and Ronaldo's frustration boiled over in stoppage time when he was booked for a lunging tackle from behind near the centre circle.

Champions League: Ajax eliminate Ronaldo's Juventus with scintillating display

Juventus welcome Ajax to Turin for the 2nd leg of their Champions League quarter-final. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 125th goal in the competition as Massimiliano Allegri's side claimed a 1-1 draw in the 1st leg at Amsterdam. Former Welsh Footballer and WION's resident football expert Matt Holland weighs in on whether the Portuguese talisman can take Juventus another step closer to ending their 23-year wait for a European success.

UCL Q/F Preview: Juventus v Ajax (WION Sports)

Cristiano Ronaldo produced yet another quality goal to add to his collection and help Juventus to a 1-1 draw at Ajax Amsterdam in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on Wednesday.

Juventus took the lead on the stroke of halftime as Portuguese forward Ronaldo began an attacking move inside his own half before sprinting downfield and diving to head in a clever chip from Joao Cancelo.

"Ronaldo proved again he is from a different level, the timing of his player is so different from the others," said an admiring Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Ajax equalised 30 seconds into the second half after Cancelo lost control of the ball to allow David Neres to run down the left wing, cut inside and curl the ball past Juve goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

The result leaves the Serie A side in a strong position to advance to the semi-finals in next week's return leg in Turin. However, they will be mindful of Ajax's 4-1 away win over Real Madrid in the last round that eliminated the holders 5-3 on aggregate.

Hakim Ziyech had several efforts at goal in a lively start for the youthful Dutch team, who have come through the pre-group phase qualifying round to reach the last eight.

Donny van de Beek scraped the outside of the upright with a 25th-minute effort from close range after opening up space for himself in the penalty area in Ajax's best chance of the first half.

But Juventus, with the 34-year-old Ronaldo central to their attacks, worked their way into the contest and came close themselves when the forward set up Federico Bernardeschi to turn and shoot in the 37th minute. But he was just off target.

Ronaldo, who scored a hat-trick in the previous round against Atletico Madrid, then scored a 125th Champions League goal with the last move of the first half.

"He is a predator in the box. He waited for a gap and then sprinted past two players," conceded Ajax's teenage captain Matthijs de Ligt.

Penalty claim

After equalising, Ajax then dominated possession but were guilty of over-elaborate passing and were also fortunate not to have given away a penalty when defender Nicolas Tagliafico was tugging on the jersey of Juventus captain Mario Mandzukic.

Spanish referee Carlos del Cerro Grande paused briefly in the 53rd minute to presumably hear from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) but resumed play before TV replays showed that Juventus had been denied a decent claim.

Tagliafico will miss the second leg next Tuesday after being booked late in the first half.

Juve hit the upright in the closing stages through substitute Douglas Costa although Ajax could have had the last say as Dusan Tadic missed a good chance in stoppage time.

"A 1-1 score is not what we had hoped for but we are still well in," said Ajax coach Erik ten Hag. "We had a lot of patient possession and we created one or two good chances."

More than 100 Juventus supporters were detained by Dutch police before the match while home fans were also arrested as a water cannon was used outside the ground.

Cristiano Ronaldo produced yet another quality goal to add to his collection and help Juventus to a 1-1 draw at Ajax Amsterdam in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on Wednesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo produced yet another quality goal to add to his collection and help Juventus to a 1-1 draw at Ajax Amsterdam in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on Wednesday. Juventus took the lead on the stroke of halftime as Portuguese forward Ronaldo began an attacking move inside his own half before sprinting downfield and diving to head in a clever chip from Joao Cancelo. "Ronaldo proved again he is from a different level, the timing of his player is so different from the others," said an admiring Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri. Ajax equalised 30 seconds into the second half after Cancelo lost control of the ball to allow David Neres to run down the left wing, cut inside and curl the ball past Juve goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. The result leaves the Serie A side in a strong position to advance to the semi-finals in next week's return leg in Turin. However, they will be mindful of Ajax's 4-1 away win over Real Madrid in the last round that eliminated the holders 5-3 on aggregate. Hakim Ziyech had several efforts at goal in a lively start for the youthful Dutch team, who have come through the pre-group phase qualifying round to reach the last eight. Donny van de Beek scraped the outside of the upright with a 25th-minute effort from close range after opening up space for himself in the penalty area in Ajax's best chance of the first half. But Juventus, with the 34-year-old Ronaldo central to their attacks, worked their way into the contest and came close themselves when the forward set up Federico Bernardeschi to turn and shoot in the 37th minute. But he was just off target. Ronaldo, who scored a hat-trick in the previous round against Atletico Madrid, then scored a 125th Champions League goal with the last move of the first half. "He is a predator in the box. He waited for a gap and then sprinted past two players," conceded Ajax's teenage captain Matthijs de Ligt. Penalty claim After equalising, Ajax then dominated possession but were guilty of over-elaborate passing and were also fortunate not to have given away a penalty when defender Nicolas Tagliafico was tugging on the jersey of Juventus captain Mario Mandzukic. Spanish referee Carlos del Cerro Grande paused briefly in the 53rd minute to presumably hear from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) but resumed play before TV replays showed that Juventus had been denied a decent claim. Tagliafico will miss the second leg next Tuesday after being booked late in the first half. Juve hit the upright in the closing stages through substitute Douglas Costa although Ajax could have had the last say as Dusan Tadic missed a good chance in stoppage time. "A 1-1 score is not what we had hoped for but we are still well in," said Ajax coach Erik ten Hag. "We had a lot of patient possession and we created one or two good chances." More than 100 Juventus supporters were detained by Dutch police before the match while home fans were also arrested as a water cannon was used outside the ground.

Champions League: Ronaldo scores as Juventus held to a draw at Ajax

Cristiano Ronaldo might miss first leg Champions League tie against Ajax

Who is better, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Champions League will decide

Barcelona star player Lionel Messi praised Cristiano Ronaldo's "magical" performance for Juventus against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-messis-double-strike-crushes-olympique-lyonnais-barcelona-reach-quarter-finals-203189">helping Barcelona join the Italians in the Champions League quarter-finals.</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/juventus-shares-soar-as-investors-cheer-cristiano-ronaldo-hat-trick-203091">Ronaldo had hit a hat trick as Juve to beat Atletico 3-2</a> on aggregate and book their place in the last eight.

"What Cristiano and Juventus did on Tuesday was impressive," Messi said reporters. "It was a big surprise. I thought Atletico would be a lot stronger, but Juve were all over them and Cristiano had a magical night," he added.

Meanwhile, Messi scored twice and adding two assists on Wednesday as Barcelona hammered Lyon 5-1 after drawing the first leg 0-0 in France last month.

Messi's Barca could potentially face Ronaldo's Juve in the last eight if the two sides are paired together in Friday's draw for the next round.&nbsp;

"We don't want to choose one [side] because they're all really tough," Messi said. "[Manchester] City, Juventus, Ajax, who have a great team of kids and don't fear anything, Liverpool, who've shown they pack a punch...

"We're relaxed and what we have to prepare for is the toughest test possible, which is what's coming now in the final stage of the season."

Messi opened the scoring against Lyon from the penalty spot before Philippe Coutinho doubled the home side's lead at Camp Nou before the break.&nbsp;

Barcelona star player Lionel Messi praised Cristiano Ronaldo's "magical" performance for Juventus against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, after helping Barcelona join the Italians in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Barcelona star player Lionel Messi praised Cristiano Ronaldo's "magical" performance for Juventus against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, after helping Barcelona join the Italians in the Champions League quarter-finals. Ronaldo had hit a hat trick as Juve to beat Atletico 3-2 on aggregate and book their place in the last eight. "What Cristiano and Juventus did on Tuesday was impressive," Messi said reporters. "It was a big surprise. I thought Atletico would be a lot stronger, but Juve were all over them and Cristiano had a magical night," he added. Meanwhile, Messi scored twice and adding two assists on Wednesday as Barcelona hammered Lyon 5-1 after drawing the first leg 0-0 in France last month. Messi's Barca could potentially face Ronaldo's Juve in the last eight if the two sides are paired together in Friday's draw for the next round. "We don't want to choose one [side] because they're all really tough," Messi said. "[Manchester] City, Juventus, Ajax, who have a great team of kids and don't fear anything, Liverpool, who've shown they pack a punch... "We're relaxed and what we have to prepare for is the toughest test possible, which is what's coming now in the final stage of the season." Messi opened the scoring against Lyon from the penalty spot before Philippe Coutinho doubled the home side's lead at Camp Nou before the break.

Lionel Messi hails Ronaldo's 'magical' night for Juventus after Barcelona win

Revolution is in the air at Real Madrid after their Champions League empire was razed to the ground with an astounding 4-1 loss at home to Ajax Amsterdam, with a huge clear out of players expected as well as a change of manager.

Coach Santiago Solari may have a contract until 2021 but no-one expects him to remain beyond the close season after overseeing Tuesday's catastrophic last-16 second leg defeat which ended the club's 1,012-day reign as kings of Europe.

It also effectively ended Madrid's season, after successive defeats to Barcelona which sent them out of the Copa del Rey and put them 12 points adrift of Barca in the title race, five more than when Solari succeeded Julen Lopetegui in October.

Jose Mourinho, who won a La Liga title with 100 points but left a legacy of division in his three years at Madrid, is already being touted as the man best suited to the lead the transformation of a squad that has won it all but turned stale.

The Portuguese is out of work after being sacked by Manchester United in December and despite meeting another dire end to his penultimate job with Chelsea, Marca appear to be beating the drum for his return, urging president Florentino Perez to bring him back to the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Only one positive conclusion can be extracted from the wreckage of a dark night: the best coach in the world, Jose Mourinho, has time to work," said the newspaper.

"Mourinho's advantage is he is free and is waiting for the call. Bring him, Florentino bring him now."

COMPLICATED PROCESS

Overhauling a squad with many underperforming players already over the age of 30 or approaching it and on inflated wages will be a more complicated process for Madrid.

Gareth Bale, who hit the post against Ajax and ended the game hobbling with an ankle injury, looks to be at the end of his tether in Spain, while Isco and Marcelo also look certain to go after dropping out of the side in recent months.

Real, meanwhile, need a new galvanising figure to restore their attacking power after failing to address the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo and the 50 goals he would routinely score per season.

Defender Nacho, however, said he did not feel this was the end of an era for his team, who until Tuesday had a stranglehold on Europe's biggest prize that is unprecedented in the modern era.

"I don't think we have completed our cycle, this squad is still very good," he said.

"Some will say that we need new players and others have left but this squad had the ability to fight for trophies. This season has been a rollercoaster for us.

"It was a very tough night but we have to stay strong. We have to keep our heads up, learn from our mistakes and not forget what we have achieved as what we have done will be remembered for a very long time."

Revolution is in the air at Real Madrid after their Champions League empire was razed to the ground with an astounding 4-1 loss at home to Ajax Amsterdam, with a huge clear out of players expected as well as a change of manager.

Revolution is in the air at Real Madrid after their Champions League empire was razed to the ground with an astounding 4-1 loss at home to Ajax Amsterdam, with a huge clear out of players expected as well as a change of manager. Coach Santiago Solari may have a contract until 2021 but no-one expects him to remain beyond the close season after overseeing Tuesday's catastrophic last-16 second leg defeat which ended the club's 1,012-day reign as kings of Europe. It also effectively ended Madrid's season, after successive defeats to Barcelona which sent them out of the Copa del Rey and put them 12 points adrift of Barca in the title race, five more than when Solari succeeded Julen Lopetegui in October. Jose Mourinho, who won a La Liga title with 100 points but left a legacy of division in his three years at Madrid, is already being touted as the man best suited to the lead the transformation of a squad that has won it all but turned stale. The Portuguese is out of work after being sacked by Manchester United in December and despite meeting another dire end to his penultimate job with Chelsea, Marca appear to be beating the drum for his return, urging president Florentino Perez to bring him back to the Santiago Bernabeu. "Only one positive conclusion can be extracted from the wreckage of a dark night: the best coach in the world, Jose Mourinho, has time to work," said the newspaper. "Mourinho's advantage is he is free and is waiting for the call. Bring him, Florentino bring him now." COMPLICATED PROCESS Overhauling a squad with many underperforming players already over the age of 30 or approaching it and on inflated wages will be a more complicated process for Madrid. Gareth Bale, who hit the post against Ajax and ended the game hobbling with an ankle injury, looks to be at the end of his tether in Spain, while Isco and Marcelo also look certain to go after dropping out of the side in recent months. Real, meanwhile, need a new galvanising figure to restore their attacking power after failing to address the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo and the 50 goals he would routinely score per season. Defender Nacho, however, said he did not feel this was the end of an era for his team, who until Tuesday had a stranglehold on Europe's biggest prize that is unprecedented in the modern era. "I don't think we have completed our cycle, this squad is still very good," he said. "Some will say that we need new players and others have left but this squad had the ability to fight for trophies. This season has been a rollercoaster for us. "It was a very tough night but we have to stay strong. We have to keep our heads up, learn from our mistakes and not forget what we have achieved as what we have done will be remembered for a very long time."

Madrid set for huge changes after seismic defeat to Ajax, with Mourinho waiting in wings

Real Madrid's Marco Asensio scored a late winner in a 2-1 victory at Ajax Amsterdam, who were left to rue a goal disallowed by the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/var-gets-ready-for-champions-league-debut-197008">Video Assistant Referee (VAR)</a> in their Champions League last-16, first leg on Wednesday.

Asensio netted in the 87th minute from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/champions-league-psg-take-charge-with-2-0-win-at-united-pogba-sent-off-197032">Dani Carvajal’s excellent cross </a>to give Real the advantage heading into the return leg on March 5.

Karim Benzema swept holders Real into the lead in the second half, before Hakim Ziyech scored a deserved equaliser for an energetic Ajax, who created more than enough chances to win comfortably on the night.

They were also denied a first-half opener when Nicolas Tagliafico headed home only for the goal to be chalked off after a VAR check in a Champions League first as Dusan Tadic was judged offside.

Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, whose blushes were spared by the VAR decision after his error led to the disallowed goal, felt the officials got it right.

"The correct decision? I think so," he told reporters. "When it happened I thought it could be offside. When the guy headed it I wanted to go and catch it.

"Because of his (Tadic's) intention I made a quick movement. Luckily for VAR because nobody would have seen it."

Sergio Ramos, making his 600th appearance for Real, backed the intervention of VAR and warned Ajax they will face a daunting task in the second leg.

"I have said many times that I am a great defender of the VAR because it will make football fairer little by little," Ramos said.

"We knew how to suffer, read the game and create spaces against them to take advantage of our speed. We achieved a great result and now it's up to them to suffer in our stadium."

The home side thought they had profited from a horror error by Courtois, who allowed a Donny van de Beek header to spill from his grasp and Tagliafico nodded the rebound into an empty net.

Yet referee Damir Skomina called for a VAR check and after a number of replays, ruled that Tadic had been standing in an offside position when the goal was scored.

Benzema put Real in front when he netted on the hour-mark, but Ajax got the goal their play deserved with 15 minutes remaining as Ziyech side-footed home after a sweeping move.

Yet Asensio had the final word, scoring at the back post from Carvajal’s cross.

"As a team we did well, it was too bad that our goal is rejected. Perhaps something like that is easy to do in favour of the big club," Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong said.

"But we have continued well and have received our opportunities afterwards. Too bad it did not yield a better result."

 
&nbsp;

Real Madrid's Marco Asensio scored a late winner in a 2-1 victory at Ajax Amsterdam, who were left to rue a goal disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in their Champions League last-16, first leg on Wednesday.

Real Madrid's Marco Asensio scored a late winner in a 2-1 victory at Ajax Amsterdam, who were left to rue a goal disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in their Champions League last-16, first leg on Wednesday. Asensio netted in the 87th minute from Dani Carvajal’s excellent cross to give Real the advantage heading into the return leg on March 5. Karim Benzema swept holders Real into the lead in the second half, before Hakim Ziyech scored a deserved equaliser for an energetic Ajax, who created more than enough chances to win comfortably on the night. They were also denied a first-half opener when Nicolas Tagliafico headed home only for the goal to be chalked off after a VAR check in a Champions League first as Dusan Tadic was judged offside. Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, whose blushes were spared by the VAR decision after his error led to the disallowed goal, felt the officials got it right. "The correct decision? I think so," he told reporters. "When it happened I thought it could be offside. When the guy headed it I wanted to go and catch it. "Because of his (Tadic's) intention I made a quick movement. Luckily for VAR because nobody would have seen it." Sergio Ramos, making his 600th appearance for Real, backed the intervention of VAR and warned Ajax they will face a daunting task in the second leg. "I have said many times that I am a great defender of the VAR because it will make football fairer little by little," Ramos said. "We knew how to suffer, read the game and create spaces against them to take advantage of our speed. We achieved a great result and now it's up to them to suffer in our stadium." The home side thought they had profited from a horror error by Courtois, who allowed a Donny van de Beek header to spill from his grasp and Tagliafico nodded the rebound into an empty net. Yet referee Damir Skomina called for a VAR check and after a number of replays, ruled that Tadic had been standing in an offside position when the goal was scored. Benzema put Real in front when he netted on the hour-mark, but Ajax got the goal their play deserved with 15 minutes remaining as Ziyech side-footed home after a sweeping move. Yet Asensio had the final word, scoring at the back post from Carvajal’s cross. "As a team we did well, it was too bad that our goal is rejected. Perhaps something like that is easy to do in favour of the big club," Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong said. "But we have continued well and have received our opportunities afterwards. Too bad it did not yield a better result."

Champions League: Real Madrid edge out Ajax as Asensio scores late winner

The video assistant referee (VAR) made its UEFA Champions League debut on February 12 when the knock-out stages of the competition started.&nbsp;

For the first time, it was used in&nbsp;Wednesday's last 16&nbsp;game&nbsp;between&nbsp;Ajax and Real Madrid. In the match, substitute Marco Asensio scored a late winner as defending champion <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-real-madrid-edge-out-ajax-as-asensio-scores-late-winner-197252">Real beat Ajax 2-1 in Amsterdam</a>.&nbsp;

While Ajax were left to rue when&nbsp;defender Nicolas Tagliafico appeared to have headed the Dutch side ahead on 38 minutes, but referee Damir Skomina disallowed the goal after Dusan Tadic was shown to be offside on replays.&nbsp;

In the post-match press conference, Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag said that he did not see any problem with the disallowed goal.&nbsp;

"I saw the replays of the situation and I couldn't see the offside maybe from the other position (it was offside). Also, I didn't see the block on the goalkeeper."&nbsp;

Tadic was deemed to be interfering with Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after the Belgian spilled a header at a corner and Tagliafico nodded in the rebound.&nbsp;

"I don't think we had a lack of experience. It is more lack of effectiveness. I said it in my analysis that we have to improve," said ten Hag.&nbsp;

"Normally, you don't create so many chances against a top team like Madrid, but we did. But you have to be more ruthless, and that we can learn from Madrid. They created less chances and scored more goals," he added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
VAR has been widely used during last year's FIFA World Cup and now called upon in most of Europe's leading leagues.&nbsp;

It is making its Champions League debut after it was introduced for this season's knockout stages.&nbsp;

VAR was initially set to be rolled out in the Champions League from the start of next season, but the decision to bring forward its use follows lobbying from top European clubs.&nbsp;

The video assistant referee (VAR) made its UEFA Champions League debut on February 12 when the knock-out stages of the competition started. For the first time, it was used in Wednesday's last 16 game between Ajax and Real Madrid.

The video assistant referee (VAR) made its UEFA Champions League debut on February 12 when the knock-out stages of the competition started. For the first time, it was used in Wednesday's last 16 game between Ajax and Real Madrid. In the match, substitute Marco Asensio scored a late winner as defending champion Real beat Ajax 2-1 in Amsterdam. While Ajax were left to rue when defender Nicolas Tagliafico appeared to have headed the Dutch side ahead on 38 minutes, but referee Damir Skomina disallowed the goal after Dusan Tadic was shown to be offside on replays. In the post-match press conference, Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag said that he did not see any problem with the disallowed goal. "I saw the replays of the situation and I couldn't see the offside maybe from the other position (it was offside). Also, I didn't see the block on the goalkeeper." Tadic was deemed to be interfering with Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after the Belgian spilled a header at a corner and Tagliafico nodded in the rebound. "I don't think we had a lack of experience. It is more lack of effectiveness. I said it in my analysis that we have to improve," said ten Hag. "Normally, you don't create so many chances against a top team like Madrid, but we did. But you have to be more ruthless, and that we can learn from Madrid. They created less chances and scored more goals," he added. VAR has been widely used during last year's FIFA World Cup and now called upon in most of Europe's leading leagues. It is making its Champions League debut after it was introduced for this season's knockout stages. VAR was initially set to be rolled out in the Champions League from the start of next season, but the decision to bring forward its use follows lobbying from top European clubs.

I didn't see a problem with the disallowed goal: Ajax boss Erik ten Hag

UCL Preview: Tottenham vs Dortmund, Ajax vs Real Madrid

Fullback Noussair Mazraoui earned a youthful Ajax side a 1-1 draw at misfiring Bayern Munich in their Champions League Group E clash at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.

The visitors had the better chances in their bid to become the first Dutch club ever to win at Bayern having fallen behind early on to a Mats Hummels header.

Bayern struggled to build on their advantage and their recent slump continued as they battled to keep a vibrant Ajax at bay. Bot teams moved to four points from their two games.

They began well with Hummels given space in the box to head home an excellent Arjen Robben cross.

But Ajax, captained by 19-year-old Matthijs de Ligt, showed no signs of wilting and were level midway through the first half with an expertly-worked equaliser.

Mazraoui played a one-two with Dusan Tadic and sprinted into the box to score his first goal for the club.

Hummels was given another free header, this time from a corner, but planted his effort over the bar, while a rasping 35-yard shot from the lively Hakim Ziyech stung the palms of Manuel Neuer in the home goal.

Tadic should have put Ajax ahead just after halftime when he was left unmarked inside the box, but could only provide a weak volley from David Neres's cross with just Neuer to beat.

Nicolas Tagliafico also shot meekly at the goalkeeper and Donny van de Beek fired wide from 10-yards from Tadic's flick with the goal gaping.

Lasse Schone then saw his late free kick palmed onto the crossbar by a diving Neuer.

Bayern have now gone three gakes without a win in all competitions.

Fullback Noussair Mazraoui earned a youthful Ajax side a 1-1 draw at misfiring Bayern Munich in their Champions League Group E clash at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.

Fullback Noussair Mazraoui earned a youthful Ajax side a 1-1 draw at misfiring Bayern Munich in their Champions League Group E clash at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday. The visitors had the better chances in their bid to become the first Dutch club ever to win at Bayern having fallen behind early on to a Mats Hummels header. Bayern struggled to build on their advantage and their recent slump continued as they battled to keep a vibrant Ajax at bay. Bot teams moved to four points from their two games. They began well with Hummels given space in the box to head home an excellent Arjen Robben cross. But Ajax, captained by 19-year-old Matthijs de Ligt, showed no signs of wilting and were level midway through the first half with an expertly-worked equaliser. Mazraoui played a one-two with Dusan Tadic and sprinted into the box to score his first goal for the club. Hummels was given another free header, this time from a corner, but planted his effort over the bar, while a rasping 35-yard shot from the lively Hakim Ziyech stung the palms of Manuel Neuer in the home goal. Tadic should have put Ajax ahead just after halftime when he was left unmarked inside the box, but could only provide a weak volley from David Neres's cross with just Neuer to beat. Nicolas Tagliafico also shot meekly at the goalkeeper and Donny van de Beek fired wide from 10-yards from Tadic's flick with the goal gaping. Lasse Schone then saw his late free kick palmed onto the crossbar by a diving Neuer. Bayern have now gone three gakes without a win in all competitions.

Ajax show Dutch courage to earn deserved point in Munich

Schalke 04 hit back from two goals down to draw 2-2 and overcome fellow Germans Borussia Moenchenglach on away goals in their Europa League last 16 tie while Manchester United edged Rostov 1-0 to progress on Thursday.

Juan Mata&#39;s second-half goal gave the English Premier League&#39;s only survivors in the competition a 2-1 aggregate win over the Russians.

Olympique Lyon clung on to eliminate AS Roma 5-4 on aggregate despite a 2-1 defeat, while former European trophy winners Ajax Amsterdam and Anderlecht also went through along with Racing Genk.

Russia&#39;s interest in this season&#39;s European competitions ended as Krasnodar threw away a promising position at home to Celta and lost 2-0 for a 4-1 aggregate defeat.

Besiktas hammered Olympiakos Piraeus 4-1 (5-2 on aggregate) despite having Vincent Aboubakar, scorer of their first goal, sent off six minutes before halftime.

Schalke, trailing at halftime to a deflected shot from Andreas Christensen and a 30-metre rocket from Mahmoud Dahoud, were helped by a bumpy pitch as they hit back against Gladbach.

Leon Goretzka&#39;s low shot appeared to be going straight to Gladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer but hit a divot and looped over the Swiss and into the net in the 54th minute. &quot;It&#39;s tough, I can&#39;t say anything other than that,&quot; said Sommer.

Dahoub then turned villain as his handball led to a Schalke penalty converted by Nabil Bentaleb in the 68th to give the Royal Blues an away goals win after a 3-3 aggregate draw.

Mata Strikes

Manchester United, who held Rostov 1-1 on a difficult pitch in the first leg, needed a 70th minute goal from Juan Mata, who turned the ball home from Zlatan Ibrahimovic&#39;s back-heel, and two good saves from Sergio Romero.

However, midfielder Paul Pogba was forced off with an injury in the second half, putting a dampener on the win.

Lyon took a 4-2 lead to the Stadio Olimpico and quickly added to it when Mactour Diakhaby was allowed a free header from six metres in the 16th minute against Roma.

Kevin Strootman levelled within a minute, turning in Daniele De Rossi&#39;s free kick at the back post, and it was one-way traffic after that as the home side poured forward.

Lyon&#39;s Lucas Tousart turned Stephan El Shaarawy&#39;s cross into his own net to put Roma 2-1 ahead on the hour and the hosts thought they had done enough to progress with an Edin Dzeko effort but the Bosnia forward was ruled offside.

First-half goals from Bertrand Traore and Kasper Dolberg gave Ajax a 2-0 win over FC Copenhagen which took the four-times European champions through 3-2 on aggregate.

Frank Acheampong&#39;s second half goal was enough for former European Cup Winners&#39; Cup and UEFA Cup holders Anderlecht to beat APOEL 1-0 and go through2-0 on aggregate.

Racing Genk coasted through 6-3 on aggregate against fellow Belgians Gent after a 1-1 draw.

Besiktas, who drew 1-1 at Olympiakos last week, got off to a flying start as Aboubakar and Ryan Babel scored inside the first 22 minutes.

The Greek side pulled one back with Tarik Elyounoussi&#39;s acrobatic volley in the 31st and were given more hope when Aboubakar was dismissed for violent conduct eight minutes later.

But Olympiakos left themselves too open and further late goals from Babel and Cenk Tosun saw the Turks ease through.

The draw for the quarter-finals will be held on Friday.

(Reuters)

&nbsp;

Manchester United went through after beating Rostov 1-0

Schalke 04 hit back from two goals down to draw 2-2 and overcome fellow Germans Borussia Moenchenglach on away goals in their Europa League last 16 tie while Manchester United edged Rostov 1-0 to progress on Thursday. Juan Mata's second-half goal gave the English Premier League's only survivors in the competition a 2-1 aggregate win over the Russians. Olympique Lyon clung on to eliminate AS Roma 5-4 on aggregate despite a 2-1 defeat, while former European trophy winners Ajax Amsterdam and Anderlecht also went through along with Racing Genk. Russia's interest in this season's European competitions ended as Krasnodar threw away a promising position at home to Celta and lost 2-0 for a 4-1 aggregate defeat. Besiktas hammered Olympiakos Piraeus 4-1 (5-2 on aggregate) despite having Vincent Aboubakar, scorer of their first goal, sent off six minutes before halftime. Schalke, trailing at halftime to a deflected shot from Andreas Christensen and a 30-metre rocket from Mahmoud Dahoud, were helped by a bumpy pitch as they hit back against Gladbach. Leon Goretzka's low shot appeared to be going straight to Gladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer but hit a divot and looped over the Swiss and into the net in the 54th minute. "It's tough, I can't say anything other than that," said Sommer. Dahoub then turned villain as his handball led to a Schalke penalty converted by Nabil Bentaleb in the 68th to give the Royal Blues an away goals win after a 3-3 aggregate draw. Mata Strikes Manchester United, who held Rostov 1-1 on a difficult pitch in the first leg, needed a 70th minute goal from Juan Mata, who turned the ball home from Zlatan Ibrahimovic's back-heel, and two good saves from Sergio Romero. However, midfielder Paul Pogba was forced off with an injury in the second half, putting a dampener on the win. Lyon took a 4-2 lead to the Stadio Olimpico and quickly added to it when Mactour Diakhaby was allowed a free header from six metres in the 16th minute against Roma. Kevin Strootman levelled within a minute, turning in Daniele De Rossi's free kick at the back post, and it was one-way traffic after that as the home side poured forward. Lyon's Lucas Tousart turned Stephan El Shaarawy's cross into his own net to put Roma 2-1 ahead on the hour and the hosts thought they had done enough to progress with an Edin Dzeko effort but the Bosnia forward was ruled offside. First-half goals from Bertrand Traore and Kasper Dolberg gave Ajax a 2-0 win over FC Copenhagen which took the four-times European champions through 3-2 on aggregate. Frank Acheampong's second half goal was enough for former European Cup Winners' Cup and UEFA Cup holders Anderlecht to beat APOEL 1-0 and go through2-0 on aggregate. Racing Genk coasted through 6-3 on aggregate against fellow Belgians Gent after a 1-1 draw. Besiktas, who drew 1-1 at Olympiakos last week, got off to a flying start as Aboubakar and Ryan Babel scored inside the first 22 minutes. The Greek side pulled one back with Tarik Elyounoussi's acrobatic volley in the 31st and were given more hope when Aboubakar was dismissed for violent conduct eight minutes later. But Olympiakos left themselves too open and further late goals from Babel and Cenk Tosun saw the Turks ease through. The draw for the quarter-finals will be held on Friday. (Reuters)

Football: Schalke, Lyon and Ajax also advance to Europa League last eight

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