In the vibrant world of European football, few fixtures stir such curiosity and rivalry as Ajax versus Celtic. These storied clubs carry rich histories, passionate fan bases, and a tradition of developing world-class talent. On 24 July 2025, the two giants met once again, this time in the semi-final of the Como Cup in Italy—a contest that captured the attention of football fans across the UK and the continent. The result, a formidable 5-1 win for Ajax, provided drama, talking points, and plenty for both sets of supporters to ponder.

The Fixture: Como Cup Showdown

The Como Cup is an emerging name in the pre-season calendar, bringing together renowned European clubs for intense preparation and silverware before domestic campaigns begin. For both Ajax and Celtic, this semi-final was an opportunity to test new formations, develop match fitness, and gather momentum under the summer sun. Crowds at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia in Como, as well as viewers across the UK, were primed for a spectacle—and they witnessed a game that did not disappoint.

First Half: Even Start, Dramatic Twists

The match began with both sides showing intent and organisation. Ajax, managed by Johnny Heitinga, set the early tempo with quick passing and clever movement. Celtic, under Brendan Rodgers, held their own. In the sixteenth minute, Ajax struck first. Steven Berghuis curled a left-footed shot past Celtic’s keeper from just outside the box, setting the Dutch side on their way.

Celtic responded with resolve. Only five minutes later, Reo Hatate orchestrated a swift counterattack. His delivery found Yang Hyun-Jun, whose composed finish brought the scores level. The equaliser injected energy into the contest, with both sides creating openings in a fiercely competitive first half.

Second Half: Ajax Seize Control

If the first period hinted at an even battle, the second belonged firmly to Ajax. Two minutes after the break, Davy Klaassen pounced on a rebound to restore Ajax’s advantage. This goal proved to be a turning point, as confidence surged through the Eredivisie side’s ranks.

Steven Berghuis capitalised on a defensive mistake from Celtic, adding his second of the night and extending Ajax’s lead. Celtic’s attempts to rally were consistently thwarted by disciplined defending and efficient counter-attacks. Aaron Bouwman produced arguably the goal of the evening, unleashing a spectacular 25-yard drive that rattled the crossbar before nestling into the net. Rayane Bounida’s long-range strike sealed the 5-1 triumph, capping off a clinical second-half performance.

What the Scoreline Reveals

Despite the emphatic score, Celtic demonstrated attacking promise. They managed 13 shots to Ajax’s 14, creating an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.66 compared to Ajax’s 1.32. The harsh reality, though, was individual moments of brilliance and greater efficiency from Ajax, particularly through Berghuis, who converted two goals from a modest xG of just 0.55.

Celtic worked tirelessly, especially in the first forty-five minutes, with positive passing sequences and a willingness to press. Defensively, however, crucial lapses were punished ruthlessly by Ajax. Rodgers’ side could take encouragement from their attacking phases but will reflect on the need for sharper focus at the back.

Expert Insight and Reactions

Brendan Rodgers, speaking after the match, admitted the workout was tough but highlighted positives from his players’ application—especially in the opening half. He acknowledged Ajax’s ability to capitalise on errors and dominate the latter stages, while noting areas for improvement ahead of the domestic season. Pundits pointed to Ajax’s clinical nature and Celtic’s encouraging (if ultimately fruitless) attacking play, suggesting that both teams took valuable lessons into their upcoming fixtures.

Steven Berghuis, the man of the match, drew praise not only for his goals but his leadership in midfield. Analysts pointed to Ajax’s ability to blend youth with experience, with academy graduates stepping up alongside star names. The performance of Aaron Bouwman in central defence was particularly noted, as he filled in confidently amid swirling transfer speculation around key regulars.

Historical Context: A Rivalry Renewed

Ajax and Celtic do not meet often, but when they do, the encounters are memorable. Their head-to-head record now includes seven competitive matches, with Ajax winning four, Celtic two, and one draw. Previous group-stage battles in the UEFA Champions League have seen both sides take home wins, but the latest meeting was their first in a pre-season context for several years.

Both teams have storied European histories—Ajax as four-time European champions, Celtic as the UK’s first side to win the European Cup in 1967. Battles between these clubs are always more than mere friendlies; they are a measure of progress, ambition, and continental pedigree.

The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for Both Clubs

Ajax’s victory sets up a final appearance against hosts Como 1907, presenting further opportunities to hone tactics and integrate fresh faces before the Eredivisie kicks off. The Dutch side will reflect on positives while remaining wary of defensive lapses that Celtic exposed in the first half.

For Celtic, the result was a setback but not a disaster. Pre-season is about preparation, experimentation, and learning from mistakes. Rodgers will look to sharpen his side’s defensive discipline and build on promising attacking phases as the Scottish domestic campaign draws closer. Fans expect both greater resilience and continued ambition as the Hoops seek to retain their titles and improve on last year’s European efforts.

Conclusion

The latest clash between Ajax and Celtic was a showcase of technical quality, ambition, and the enduring appeal of two of Europe’s most famous football institutions. For UK supporters, the match offered both entertainment and a reminder that, in football, margins can be fine and results deceiving. Ajax march on to the final, buoyed by a resounding win, while Celtic absorb valuable lessons. Both clubs leave Como with eyes firmly set on their larger ambitions for the months ahead. As summer turns to autumn, their paths may cross again—with even more at stake on football’s grandest stage.

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