vs Juventus

Lore & Background

Ajax made their European debut in the 1957–58 European Cup, defeating Wismut Karl-Marx-Stadt before losing to Vasas SC in the quarter-finals. The 1970s marked a golden era with three consecutive European Cups in 1971, 1972, and 1973, defeating Panathinaikos, Inter Milan, and Juventus respectively. They also won the Intercontinental Cup in 1972 and the UEFA Super Cup in 1973. In the 1990s, Ajax won the UEFA Cup in 1992 and their fourth Champions League title in 1995, defeating AC Milan 1–0 in the final. They reached the final again in 1996 but lost to Juventus on penalties.

In Their Own Story

The rain fell softly on the Parc des Princes in Paris, 1973. The air was thick with tension as the white of Ajax met the black-and-white stripes of Juventus. In the center circle, Cruyff glanced at his opponents, knowing their rigid structure could not withstand his fluid movement. When the whistle blew, it wasn't just a match; it was an ideology in motion. Every pass from the Dutch side seemed to mock the Italian defense, until the final whistle confirmed that freedom had conquered order once again.

Reader's Guide

Ajax have faced Italian clubs in three European Cup/Champions League finals: AC Milan in 1969 (lost 4–1), Inter Milan in 1972 (won 2–0), and Juventus in 1973 (won 1–0). They also met Juventus in the 1996 final (lost on penalties). The club has appeared in three additional finals as runners-up: the 1969 European Cup, the 1988 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, and the 2017 UEFA Europa League.

Did You Know?

• Ajax have won the European Cup/Champions League four times, including three consecutive titles from 1971 to 1973.
• Ajax are one of only three clubs to have won the European Cup three times in a row.
• Søren Lerby was the top scorer of the 1979–80 European Cup with ten goals.
• Ajax won the International Football Cup in 1962, defeating Feyenoord 4–2 in the final.
• Ajax have won the UEFA Super Cup three times and the Intercontinental Cup twice.