FC Twente win Dutch Champions League play-offs (SN)

FC Twente have won the Dutch play-offs for a spot in the third preliminary round of the Champions League, beating favorites Ajax 2-1 on aggregate.

Twente had already won the first leg last week. Then playing in the city of Emmen as their own Arke Stadium of Enschede is under reconstruction, Fred Rutte’s men beat their opponents 2-1.

Ajax remained confident ahead of the second leg at the Amsterdam Arena though, claiming that they would aim for a 1-0 victory and advance on away goals.

But Twente and particularly goalkeeper Sander Boschker prevented Ajax from doing so. The keeper, who recently received an invititation for the national team, confirmed his skills with several impressive saves.

Ajax will now begin their European season in the UEFA Cup, while Twente have a chance of joining champions PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.