AFC Ajax 3 (De Waal 13’, Rasmussen 25’, Hlynsson 49')

Leeds United 1 (Dean 90’ pen)

Ajax XI: Gorter (GK), Regeer (C), Magallan, Hillen, Salah-Eddine, Fitz-Jim, Rasmussen, Ekkelenkamp, De Waal, Jensen, Martha.

Subs: Setford (GK), Van Gelderen, Llansana, Warmerdam, Hlynsson, Douglas, Giovanni, Musampa, Yah. 

Leeds XI: Van Den Heuvel (GK), Drameh, Cooper (McCarron 45’), Forshaw (Allen 45’), Kenneh, Moore, Costa (Jenkins 45’), Phillips (Summerville 45’), Roberts (Dean 45’), Greenwood (C), Poveda. 

Subs not used: Christy (GK), Miller. 

Mark Jackson oversaw a Leeds United XI in Amsterdam, as they faced off against their dutch counterparts at Ajax’s De Toekomst Arena. The hosts won the game after a strong first half display, despite a spirited second half performance from the Whites. 

Leeds were the first to have an effort on target. Liam Cooper played the ball in behind Ajax’s defence for Ian Poveda to latch onto, and his powerful strike was well saved by Jay Gorter between the posts. 

However, it was the home side who went into the lead in the 13th minute. Max De Waal was played through into the box, then took a touch before firing in low to beat Dani Van Den Heuvel and put his side ahead. 

Ajax could have doubled their lead midway through the first half, if not for an excellent last ditch tackle. Youri Regeer broke into the box and looked to square it to Victor Jensen for an open goal, but Kris Moore was aware of the danger and flew in superbly to turn the ball out for a corner, taking a clattering in the process. 

From the resulting corner though and with Moore off the pitch receiving treatment, Ajax did double their lead. Rio Hillen was the player to head back across goal where he found Christian Rasmussen in space to turn into an open net.  

The home side were on top for the majority of the first half and had two goals to show for their pressure. The Whites did have moments of their own, but they saw the Ajax defence stand firm and clear.

HALF TIME: AFC Ajax XI 2-0 Leeds United XI

Jackson made changes at the start of the second half, as Cooper, Helder Costa, Adam Forshaw, Kalvin Phillips and Tyler Roberts all left the pitch. They were replaced by Liam McCarron, Jack Jenkins, Crysencio Summerville, Charlie Allen and Max Dean. 

The hosts began the second half how they ended the first, coming forward at pace. They scored their third of the game through Kristian Hlynsson who finished powerfully from the edge of the box. 

When Summerville robbed the ball off the Ajax defence, he played it square to Jenkins, who in turn found Poveda in the box. The winger showed quick feet to beat his man but then fired a close-range effort over the bar. 

Leeds did hit the back of the net just after the hour mark, as Nohan Kenneh found space in the box and fired into the top corner. Frustratingly for the defender and his side, the referee blew his whistle for a handball in the build-up. 

The chances did keep coming to the Whites as the second half came to a close. Summerville was denied by Gorter before also firing his next effort over, Dean saw his shot blocked as it was heading in, and Moore’s header went wide from a corner. 

Dean then showed great footwork on the edge of the Ajax box, nutmegged the defender before being pulled down to the floor. A penalty was awarded and the striker stepped up himself, converting powerfully into the bottom corner. 

90' Goal #LUFC! Dean converts from the spot to pull one back for Leeds! 3-1 pic.twitter.com/q6CoXpj5Zw

— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 4, 2021

That was to be the last action of the match, in the first friendly of the day between the two teams.  

FULL TIME: AFC Ajax XI 3-1 Leeds United XI

Venue: De Toekomst Arena

Attendance: Behind-closed-doors

Booked: Hillen (Ajax) Summerville (Leeds)