Míchel's Ajax slips in Split under heat that halted the game

Míchel's Ajax, favorite to win the Conference League, made their debut in Croatia against Hajduk Split without being able to show their level, while the extreme heat of the stadium forced the match to be stopped due to fireworks.

A debut clouded by the atmosphere

The hosts took advantage of the overwhelming heat from their crowd to add the first three points, winning 2-1. In the first half the Dutch side barely troubled the opponent's goal; their possession was sterile and the opponent increasingly imposed itself.

The 37th‑minute goal came after a vertical play: Soticek moved through the centre, shifted to the right to Sanyang, whose low cross beat Ter Stegen and scored. Ajax recovered the ball for minutes, but their lack of speed was criticised since Míchel's arrival.

The equaliser came after the break when Kehrer sent a ball into the penalty area and Klaassen, newly on the field, controlled and crossed for Sego to level at the 53rd minute. However, in the 55th minute Soticek, assisted by Sego, beat Ter Stegen again and sealed the victory.

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The match was halted when the crowd, with flares and pyrotechnic devices, created a smoke cloud impossible to play through. The interruption lasted several minutes, while the fans overstepped.

Míchel made several substitutions, including former Girona player Tsygankov, but none managed to reverse the result. Criticism of his side intensified due to the lack of speed and the absence of control in midfield.

Ajax search for Tolu's strike alternative before Split encounter

The EFE report, written by journalist Fernando Gabarró, highlights that Ajax did not find their rhythm and that the hot atmosphere in Split was decisive. They have a goal in their blood, according to the match narrative, but the Dutch side was left without the three expected points.