Group A round-up

Ajax through to knockout stage as Zagreb reignite hopes

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 2nd December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Group A round-up

Suarez: On the score sheet again

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Ajax confirmed their place in the knockout stages of the Europa League and moved to the top of Group A following their 2-1 win at Politehnica Timisoara.

Martin Jol's side had to come from behind in Romania after Dorin Goga gave the hosts, who had to win to keep their European hopes alive, an early two minute lead.

The Dutch side were not behind for long as Luis Suarez equalised six minutes later to score his 23rd goal in 22 games this season.

Ajax made sure of the points a minute into the second-half when Marko Pantelic got himself on the score sheet.

The result was put beyond doubt when Timisoara defender Jose Eder was shown a straight red card after 50 minutes with goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon following him 12 minutes later.

Meanwhile Anderlecht relinquished top spot thanks to their 1-0 defeat at home to Dinamo Zagreb.

As a result the Belgian outfit will now have to win their last group match in Amsterdam to be certain of a place in the last 32.

A Miroslav Slepicka strike on 57 minutes was enough to win the game for Zagreb and reignite their hopes of progressing through the group stages.