A few hours ahead of their Champions League semi-final clash with Tottenham Hotspur, Ajax goalkeeper André Onana shared his thoughts on a match that could be historic for the Dutch club.
Ajax Amsterdam have not reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 22 years, making Tuesday’s first leg against Tottenham a landmark occasion. Onana, the Cameroonian international, spoke about the team’s confidence and approach ahead of the high-stakes encounter.
“After beating Real Madrid and Juventus, you’re not afraid of any team anymore,” Onana told AFP. “You have to respect your opponent; they’re a very good team. They have some very good players, especially on the counter-attack, where they can cause us problems. It’s up to us to manage those situations.” The former Barcelona player emphasized the club’s philosophy, adding: “For us, it’s normal. It’s important to stay true to our style—controlling the game, having possession, and managing transitions. The fans enjoy watching us play, and we enjoy playing like this too.”
Ajax enter the semi-finals on the back of a remarkable run. Their notable Champions League victories over Real Madrid (1-2 and 4-1) and Juventus (1-1 and 2-1), both away from home, have showcased their ability to upset Europe’s elite. Domestically, they continue to impress, with wins over Excelsior (6-2), Groningen (2-1), and Vitesse (4-2), as well as a 2-1 triumph in Italy against Juventus.
The Dutch league leaders are unbeaten away from home in this season’s Champions League, and Onana believes the squad has the quality to hold Tottenham to a draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Ajax’s blend of confidence, attacking philosophy, and resilience on the road positions them as a serious threat, as they aim to continue their historic European run.
