UCL: Inter Milan Down Ajax In Opener As Marcus Thuram Registers Brace

Last Updated:September 18, 2025, 07:48 IST

Thuram netted both his side's goals in a 2-0 win over the Dutch side as Hakan Calhanoglu set the Frenchman up for both strikes.

Inter Milan players celebrate with Inter Milan's Marcus Thuram, number 9, after he scored his side's first goal during a Champions League opening phase soccer match between Ajax and Inter Milan at the Johan Cruyff ArenA in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)

Inter Milan opened their UEFA Champions League 2025/26 campaign with a win over Ajax at Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam on Thursday.

Marcus Thuram netted both his side’s goals in a 2-0 win over the Dutch side as Hakan Calhanoglu set the Frenchman up for both strikes.

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The 28-year-old Thuram proved to be the key difference between the two sides, with Ajax’s defense struggling to counter his pace and commanding physical presence during set-pieces.

“He is so strong. He’s a fantastic player when you see how well he holds the ball up," said Inter’s Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij, praising Thuram’s skills.

“An intelligent player, technically good. He can even head the ball," added De Vrij, highlighting Thuram’s proficiency, with both of his goals coming from headed corners.

The match began cautiously at a wet Johan Cruyff Arena, with Inter’s Federico Dimarco’s second-minute strike forcing a save from the Ajax keeper, marking the only notable chance in the first half hour.

Ajax’s striker Steven Berghuis was absent due to a muscular injury, and Inter’s Lautaro Martinez started on the bench, leaving both teams somewhat lacking in offensive firepower.

Thuram remained a constant threat and appeared to have won a penalty when he was brought down by Youri Baas’s flailing arm inside the box.

However, the video officials overturned the decision, ruling that Thuram had fouled Baas first, much to the Ajax fans’ relief.

Five minutes before halftime, the game intensified when Belgian winger Mika Godts missed a golden opportunity for Ajax.

A precise through ball from Oliver Edvardsen sent Godts clear, but he could only manage a weak shot, easily parried by Inter keeper Yann Sommer.

“Such a shame. If I had made it 1-0, it could have been a completely different game," lamented Godts.

Ajax’s missed chance was quickly punished as Thuram soared above the defense at the near post to head home a corner, giving Inter a deserved 1-0 lead at halftime.

Inter extended their lead early in the second half, with Thuram again outjumping his marker to head the ball into the corner.

With a two-goal cushion, the Italian side controlled the game, maintaining possession and frustrating the ineffective home team, who only managed two shots on goal throughout the match.

Inter comfortably closed out the match, marking a successful return to Amsterdam for coach Cristian Chivu, who had played alongside Ajax’s current coach John Heitinga from 2001-2003.

“I’m pleased with the maturity we showed today. I’m happy for the team. I’m happy we can regain our confidence with this victory," said Chivu.

Inter’s next Champions League fixture is a home game against Slavia Prague, while Ajax will travel to the south of France to face Marseille.

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