Brighton 2-0 Ajax: A giant-killing in the history books, but not the form book

Brighton's 2-0 victory over Ajax was a remarkable upset that will be remembered in the annals of history, despite not aligning with the expectations set by Ajax's recent performance. The sight of numerous regular attendees queuing to purchase a half-and-half scarf perfectly encapsulated the significance of this encounter for Brighton & Hove Albion. It was an occasion that warranted the acquisition of mementos.

According to Ajax's form book, a 2-0 triumph for Brighton would have been considered routine. However, when viewed through the lens of history, it was an impressive feat of giant-killing. The outcome that may seem ordinary in the context of the 2023-24 season would have been deemed absurd during the 1994-95 campaign. This was a time when Ajax claimed victory in the Champions League, while Brighton suffered elimination from the FA Cup at the hands of non-league Kingstonian.

Similarly, the result would have appeared fanciful in 2009-10, a season in which Luis Suarez reigned as Ajax's leading goal scorer, while Nicky Forster held that title for Brighton. Even in 2018-19, when Ajax came agonizingly close to reaching the Champions League final and Brighton fought to secure 17th place in the Premier League under the guidance of Chris Hughton, such an outcome would have been considered ambitious.

In summary, Brighton's 2-0 triumph over Ajax was a momentous occasion that defied expectations and will be etched into the history books of football.

Ex-Ajax defender Joel Veltman, currently playing for Brighton, expressed his surprise at the size of Ajax after leaving the club. Upon arriving in England, he encountered people who were amazed by his association with Ajax, acknowledging its status as a prominent club. However, the current scenario is quite different. In October 2023, Brighton achieved a remarkable victory over Ajax, defeating them 2-0. This accomplishment is a testament to Brighton's exceptional performance, as they have achieved their highest-ever finishes in the previous two seasons, securing ninth place in 2021-22 and sixth place in the most recent campaign. Conversely, Ajax is experiencing a period of decline. The team's sporting director, Sven Mislintat, and coach, Maurice Steijn, have already been dismissed this season. The underlying statistics indicate that Ajax, currently second-bottom in the Eredivisie, are actually performing worse than their current position suggests, as they should be at the very bottom. This season has been particularly challenging for Ajax, as they have gone nine games without a victory, marking their longest winless streak since professional football was introduced in the Netherlands in 1954.

In the midst of the commotion, this match served as a testament to the current state of power dynamics in European football. Ajax, once a dominant force in the continent's football scene, now only occasionally competes at the highest level, with the Europa League being their usual playing field. Meanwhile, Brighton, a relatively small club in European terms, is reaping the benefits of the Premier League's lucrative television revenue.

What's most surprising is that Brighton didn't rely on traditional British football tactics of physicality and long balls to defeat Ajax. Instead, they outplayed the supposed masters of total football. Brighton controlled possession and even had a Dutch centre-back, Jan Paul van Hecke, who could intercept the ball, make a pass, and charge forward into attack. Pascal Gross even executed a Cruyff turn, perhaps as a reminder to Ajax of their footballing roots.

However, Roberto De Zerbi's team was not at their best, often sluggish and unable to progress the ball through midfield. While Kaoru Mitoma and Joao Pedro showed individual flashes of brilliance, they struggled to link up with their teammates. The opening goal came from a mistake by Ajax goalkeeper Diant Ramaj, rather than a well-executed team play.

The second objective was significantly more polished, as Simon Adingra skillfully maneuvered inside and delivered a precise pass behind the defense for loanee Ansu Fati's astute completion. Traditionally, it would have been expected for Ajax, Barcelona's like-minded partners, to be entrusted with the task of nurturing Barca's promising young talents. However, the situation has now reversed.

Brighton exemplifies the epitome of a well-managed football club, leaving no indication that they will not remain in the Premier League for an extended period. Nevertheless, uncertainties persist. In the era of the Premier League, Norwich City triumphed over Bayern Munich, and Ipswich Town emerged victorious against Inter Milan. Bolton Wanderers held Bayern to a draw, Portsmouth did the same with AC Milan, and Swansea replicated the feat against Napoli. None of these clubs currently compete in the top flight, with all except Swansea having suffered relegation to the third division since.

Surely, Brighton will not encounter a similar fate in the foreseeable future. However, as a precautionary measure, those half-and-half scarves will forever serve as a reminder to supporters of the memorable night when Brighton conquered a genuine European powerhouse.