De Boer: Croatian tie is crucial

Frank de Boer believes Ajax’s double-header against Dinamo Zagreb could decide who makes it out of the Champions League Group stage.

The Amsterdam side were held to a scoreless draw by Lyon on matchday one before being beaten 3-0 by Real Madrid, and they cannot afford to drop points against the Croatians if they want to keep their European hopes alive.

Their quest begins in Croatia on Tuesday, before hosting Dinamo in Amsterdam on November 2.

“The two matches coming up against Dinamo Zagreb could be decisive for us to at least secure third position,” De Boer told Uefa.com.

“But, in the end, we want more, and that’s to secure second place or even first. So these two matches are crucial for us – we actually have to take six points from them.”

“I think we have a very talented group. If everyone is in top shape and pulling in the same direction, then we have nobody to fear, and we can make it difficult for any opponent. I am sure of that.”