Ajax defender Daley Blind has revealed how he and his former teammates are still haunted by the defeat to Tottenham in 2019.
The Dutch giants enjoyed a barnstorming run to the semi-finals of the Champions League three years ago, pulling off stunning wins against Real Madrid and Juventus in the round of 16 and quarter finals.
That year’s team was considered one of the best in recent Ajax memory, with young stars such as Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt starring alongside more seasoned pros like Blind.
They also played a fast, energetic and entertaining brand of football as well, something which only further appealed to fans around the world.
Such was their run to the semi-finals that most felt an unlikely success was possible, particularly when they were drawn to face Tottenham in the semi-finals.
A 1-0 win away from home bolstered that belief and was further strengthened when they went 2-0 up at home in the second leg.
However, what followed was one of the most stunning Champions League comebacks in the history of the competition as Lucas Moura scored a second half hattrick, with the winning goal for Tottenham coming in the 96th minute.
It’s a moment that is unlikely to ever be forgotten, and Blind admits he and his former teammates are still upset about it three years later.
“You know, when we see each other with the guys from that year, the Champions League campaign of that season always comes up,” Voetbal Primeur report him saying.
“Because everyone was so happy in that season, there was such a nice vibe in that team.
“Whenever you see each other, in the Netherlands squad or anywhere else, this season passes in review.
“And always the beginning is full of good cheer and beautiful memories, and yet we end in malaise again because it’s about Tottenham at home.”
