Ajax knocked out of Europa; Everton, Milan advance

Last season’s Europa League finalist, Ajax, were knocked out of the continental second-tier competition after losing 4-2 on aggregate to Norwegian side, Rosenborg.

The Dutch giants were beaten by Manchester United in last season’s final.

They had lost to OGC Nice in their Champions League qualifier earlier this summer, before falling 1-0 at home in the first leg of the Europa League playoff tie with Rosenborg last week.

In the second leg on Thursday night, Ajax scored two goals within two minutes on the hour mark to get ahead of their hosts who had opened the scoring on 25 minutes.

But Nigerian striker, Samuel Adegbenro, who came on from the bench, netted twice in the last 10 minutes to make it 3-2, and send the Norwegians through.

Read also: Dembele set to join Barcelona for €150m

Elsewhere, English Premier League side, Everton, leading 2-0 from the first leg, picked up a 1-1 draw at Hajduk Split, to advance to the group stages of the competition.

AC Milan beat Shkendija of Macedonia 1-0 to complete a 7-0 aggregate win and qualify for the group stage.

Ligue 1 side, Marseille went through 4-1 on aggregate after a 3-0 home win over Slovenians Domzale.

Spain’s Athletic Bilbao are also in the groups, after beating Panathinaikos 1-0 and 4-2 overall.

The Europa League group stage draw will be made in Monaco on Friday.

 

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