Ajax Amsterdam earns valuable 1-1 draw against Benfica

In the 60th minute, Ajax's Hakim Ziyech looped a tantalising ball over the Benfica defence to Serbian striker Dusan Tadic who scored the equaliser.

Ajax Amsterdam earned a valuable 1-1 draw against Benfica here, improving their chances of reaching the Champions League second round and leaving the Portuguese team virtually eliminated.

The first goal of Wednesday night's match came in the 29th minute thanks to a fault by Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana, who let Benfica's Jonas take it on the chest and tap it in, reports Efe.

In the 60th minute, Ajax's Hakim Ziyech looped a tantalising ball over the Benfica defence to Serbian striker Dusan Tadic who scored the equaliser.

The last minutes were very tense and Onana made up for his earlier mistakes by blocking two shots from Benfica which looked like certain goals.

With two games remaining, Group E is led by Bayern with 10 points, followed by Ajax with 8, the Portuguese have 4 and AEK Athens are yet to score.

(With inputs from agencies.)