Event of the Day: Ajax versus Tottenham Hotspur

Our event of the day is the Champions League semi-final second leg between Ajax and Tottenham Hotspur at the Johann Cruyff ArenA in Amsterdam. Ajax hold a 1-0 aggregate lead after the first leg in London. With Spurs on a three-game losing streak, and a place in the final of the Champions League against Liverpool on the line, it’s all to play for and everything is set-up for an unforgettable match. Though as Spurs travel to Amsterdam, they have everything to do. Between them and a place in their first European final since the 1983-84 UEFA Cup, and their first Champions League final, is the best team in the Netherlands with a one-goal advantage. Ajax enter this match having secured their first title of the season on Sunday, beating Willem II 4-0 in the final of the KNVB Cup. The 1-0 aggregate lead, thanks to a goal from Donny van de Beek, could be crucial in denying Spurs their target of reaching the Champions League Final. However, one thing that will work for Spurs is the fact that the Champions League is not the only competition Ajax has to focus on. While Spurs will be eager to finish the Premier League season strongly against Everton on Sunday, the best they can finish is third.

Meanwhile, Ajax have two games left in the Eredivisie and are tied on points with PSV Eindhoven. While Ajax lead on goal difference, they can't afford to let up in these final weeks. Spurs really need a comeback win tonight to make up for the recent collapse of their season. After starting the Premier League season with 20 wins, 6 losses and no draws, they have only won three of their last eleven league matches, including a five game winless streak between February 23rd and March 31st. One of the biggest missteps of the season was giving up box-to-box midfielder Mousa Dembélé during the January transfer window. Dembélé is considered an excellent players at his position and Spurs failed to replace him after he left for CSL side Guangzhou R&F. However, they are still a strong team that can overcome the odds. Son Heung-min in particular has blossomed as a key player scoring vital goals throughout the season. Spurs are on a three-game losing streak and need to win tonight to reverse this end of season slump. There is still hope, Spurs just need to find it. This is a match you won’t want to miss.

Honourable mentions around the globe go to the NBA, where the Golden State Warriors host the Houston Rocket for game five of their western conference semifinals series. The Rockets held on to take game four, tying the series at 2-2 and stymying the Warriors’ momentum as the series heads back to Oakland. With the NBA’s super-team struggling to stop James Harden and the Rockets, this is the next instalment in a series that you can’t miss. Also in the NBA, the Milwaukee Bucks host the Boston Celtics at the Fiserv Forum with a chance to clinch the series and progress onto the conference finals. In the NHL, the San Jose Sharks host the Colorado Avalanche at the SAP Centre for game seven of their playoff series. England host Pakistan at the Oval for the first of five ODIs between the sides. The Delhi Capitals and the Sunrisers Hyderabad face off in the eliminator match of the IPL playoffs at the Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.

Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!

Fixture

Photos by Tottenham Hotspurs; AFC Ajax

***The first ODI between England and Pakistan was abandoned due to rain.***

 

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