Split offered Ajax a difficult opening night in the Conference League, where Míchel’s side lost 2-1 to Hajduk and extended a troubling winless sequence to three matches.
The Croatian hosts took advantage of Ajax uncertainty in the decisive moments, with Soticek scoring the winner after a hesitant back pass involving Jofre Torrents and Baas. The result leaves the Amsterdam club searching for answers at the beginning of its European league-phase campaign.
A difficult continental debut for Torrents
The match carried particular significance for Jofre Torrents, the former Barcelona academy left-back. Handed his first Ajax start, he was also making his first appearance in a European competition.
Before travelling to Dalmatia, the young defender had played only eight Eredivisie minutes for Ajax. His first major opportunity proved painful, however, as the uncertainty in his pass towards Baas helped create the move from which Soticek delivered Hajduk’s second goal.
Torrents was replaced in the 77th minute by Lucas Rosa, the Italian-Brazilian full-back who had been expected to occupy the left side of Ajax’s defence during the early part of the season.
Ter Stegen unable to prevent defeat
Marc ter Stegen, on loan from Barcelona until the end of the campaign, made several notable saves in Split but could not keep Hajduk from taking all three points. The German goalkeeper has now conceded 16 goals in his 10 appearances for Ajax.
Ajax’s defeat in Croatia adds to concerns around Míchel’s team in Amsterdam. The club sit fifth in the Eredivisie, already five points behind leaders Feyenoord, and the Conference League setback has sharpened the pressure after another unconvincing evening away from home.
