Ajax Breaks 21-Year-Old Jinx To Reach European Finals

Ajax suffered a heavy but mild defeat in France to reach the final of European championship for the first time since 1996, after Lyon thrashed them by 3-1 but failed to progress. The Dutch side were quick to score in the 27th minute of the first-half through Kasper Dolberg's finish, giving them a  5-1 lead ahead on aggregate. However Alexandre Lacazette's two goals before half-time ignited hope to the fans and Rachid Ghezzal's 81st-minute header further raised Lyon's hope, believing that another goal could come which could eventually take the game to extra time. In the 84th minutes Nick Viergever was dismissed and this ensured Ajax went to the defence, but Lyon were too prodigal with the several late chances which they created. Ajax have already qualified for the champions league, but they will play their final league match on Sunday and will then have 12 days to prepare for the final, which will be against Manchester United in Stockholm on 24 May. Ajax coach Peter Bosz described Ajax's return to a European final as "a victory for football". He added: "The guys were great with the tension, had chances and scored with one.