AJAX WIN AMSTERDAM TOURNAMENT

The capital giants took the lead after 35 minutes when Sami Hyypia, normally a defensive pillar of strength for The Reds, made a rare mistake allowing Nikos Machlas (pictured) to slot home.

Robbie Fowler, who showed no sign that his knee was troubling him, quickly levelled the score-line in the 38th minute, cutting inside and firing into the net with his weaker right foot.

However, Ajax stepped up the tempo in the second-half and their superior fitness told when Machlas headed past Pegguy Arphexad in the 62nd minute.

The home side continued to push forward and scored a third goal five minutes from time through Georgian Shota Arveladse which meant that Ajax were champions of the tournament, to the delight of their ardent supporters.  

In the other group game Valencia recovered from their defeat at the hands of Liverpool by defeating Milan 2-1 with Kily Gonzalez scoring a last-gasp winner, but it was not enough to deprive Ajax and their followers of Amsterdam glory.