Few clubs have defined European football quite like Ajax. From the “Total Football” revolution of the 1970s to the fearless sides of the modern era, the Amsterdam outfit have long been a thorn in the side of English opposition.
Their rich history includes some unforgettable nights where the Dutch masters humbled, outplayed, and outthought English powerhouses — performances that would have delighted any fan who had a free football bet riding on them.
As they recently faced Chelsea in the Champions League’s new league format, albeit falling to a disastrous 5-1 loss in a rain-soaked night at Stamford Bridge, here’s a look back at Ajax’s greatest results against English clubs across the decades.
Liverpool – 1966/67
One of Ajax’s biggest wins on the continental stage was against Bill Shankly’s Liverpool in the 1966/67 European Cup. In dense Amsterdam fog, the Dutch champions produced a masterclass of attacking football, dismantling the Reds 5–1 in the first leg.
Cees de Wolf opened the scoring before Johan Cruyff doubled the lead, and Klaas Nuninga’s brace made it 4–0 by half-time. Henk Groot added a fifth in the 76th minute, with Chris Lawler’s late goal for Liverpool doing little to ease the embarrassment.
A 2–2 draw at Anfield in the return leg sealed a remarkable 7–3 aggregate victory, announcing Ajax as a rising European powerhouse.
Arsenal – 1971/72
Five years later, Ajax once again proved too strong for English opposition — this time Arsenal in the 1971/72 European Cup quarter-finals.
Ray Kennedy gave the Gunners an early lead in Amsterdam, but Gerrie Mühren struck twice to turn the tie around and hand Ajax a 2–1 advantage heading to London. The Dutch side’s composure and precision shone through again at Highbury, where George Graham’s own goal put the tie beyond doubt.
Ajax progressed 3–1 on aggregate and went on to lift the European Cup for the second time in succession, underlining their status as Europe’s most complete side.
Manchester United – 2011/12
Fast forward four decades, and Ajax’s youthful exuberance was on show again in the Europa League. Having lost 2–0 to Manchester United in Amsterdam, they travelled to Old Trafford needing a miracle.
Chicharito’s early strike seemed to kill the tie, but Ajax refused to fold. Aras Özbiliz levelled the match before Toby Alderweireld’s header made it 2–1 on the night. Though United advanced 3–2 on aggregate, Ajax’s away victory was a reminder of their enduring spirit and ability to rise to big occasions — even in defeat.
Manchester City – 2012/13
In the 2012/13 Champions League, Ajax faced Manchester City for the first and only time in history — and showed the Premier League champions no respect.
At the Amsterdam ArenA, City took the lead through Samir Nasri, but Ajax roared back in style. Siem de Jong, Niklas Moisander, and Christian Eriksen all scored in a scintillating 3–1 win that stunned Roberto Mancini’s men.
The return leg in Manchester saw Ajax start brilliantly again, with De Jong netting twice inside 20 minutes. Though Yaya Touré and Sergio Agüero dragged City level for a 2–2 draw, Ajax left England unbeaten.