Ajax defeats FC Sion 4-2 in Conference League play-off

Ajax Amsterdam secured a significant advantage in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-offs with a 4-2 away victory against FC Sion in Switzerland. After falling behind in the 34th minute to a goal by Franck Surdez, Ajax responded strongly in the second half.

Julian Brandt equalized in the 53rd minute, followed by a header from Marcos Leonardo to give the Dutch side a 2-1 lead. Although Sion leveled the score at 2-2 via an Ilyas Chouaref penalty, substitute Tolu Arokodare made an immediate impact, scoring a header just one minute after entering the pitch. Arokodare also provided the assist for Davy Klaassen, who scored late to seal the win.

Ajax manager Míchel Sánchez praised the team's second-half mentality and the energy brought by Arokodare. The return leg is scheduled for August 27 at the Johan Cruyff Arena, where Ajax needs to avoid a loss by three or more goals to advance to the league phase.