Tolu Arokodare scores twice as Ajax overwhelm FC Midtjylland 6-1

Ajax claimed a commanding 6-1 victory over FC Midtjylland in Denmark, with Tolu Arokodare scoring twice and providing an assist to inspire a significant boost to Michel’s side.

The Danish team had briefly threatened to take control during the first half, but Kjell Watjen’s dismissal shortly before the interval changed the match. Ajax made the extra-man advantage count after the break, taking complete control and turning the contest into a comfortable win.

Michel had been forced to make changes in midfield before kick-off, with Sofyan Amrabat and Julian Brandt unavailable in Denmark. Youri Baas was moved into a defensive midfield role, while Oscar Gloukh was selected further forward.

There was also a change in defence, where Dies Janse and Thilo Kehrer were chosen instead of Aaron Bouwman.

Ajax made the ideal start. After just nine minutes, Gloukh delivered a corner into the area and the highly rated Arokodare rose to head the visitors in front.

The Amsterdam club continued to apply pressure and created further opportunities through Davy Klaassen and Arokodare, although they were unable to add a second goal during their early spell of dominance.

Midtjylland’s first significant opening produced an equaliser. Friday Etim appeared to foul Kehrer in the build-up, but the referee allowed play to continue and the goal stood, bringing the hosts level at 1-1.

Ajax were given a major advantage just before half-time when Watjen received a second yellow card. Midtjylland were reduced to 10 men, leaving Michel’s team with the initiative for the second half.

Ajax quickly exploited the numerical advantage. Gloukh and Ouazane were involved as Arokodare restored the visitors’ lead, with the powerful Nigerian proving almost impossible for the Danish defence to contain.

The pressure continued and Ajax soon extended their advantage. Wijndal advanced from defence, as he so often does, before striking a powerful shot beyond Nordin Bakker, the Dutch goalkeeper of Midtjylland, to make it 3-1.

Klaassen added a fourth in the 66th minute, further underlining Ajax’s control. Gloukh then completed another flowing move to make it 5-1.

The final goal went to Marcos Leonardo, who came off the bench to complete the scoring. The forward had clearly needed the moment, and his relief was evident as Ajax finished a memorable evening for their supporters.