Ajax 2-0 Atalanta: Late Arokodare and Ouazane Strikes Punish Wasteful Dea in UECL Clash

FolioPitch.com – 23 October 2026 | Atalanta‘s UEFA Conference League campaign hit a snag as they were beaten 2-0 by Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena, with the UECL Ajax 2-0 Atalanta Dea undone by two late goals story capturing the harsh reality of football at the highest level. La Dea had chances but failed to convert, and they were made to pay by Tolu Arokodare and Abdellah Ouazane, who struck in the 87th and 93rd minutes respectively to secure all three points for the Dutch giants.

The match marked a return to Amsterdam for Atalanta, who had famously won 1-0 at this venue in the Champions League back in December 2020. However, this time there was no fairytale ending. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, already dealing with a lengthy injury list that included Sead Kolasinac, Giorgio Scalvini, Isak Hien, Odilon Kossounou, Franck Kessie, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Giacomo Raspadori, were forced to hand a first start to youth team defender Relja Obric, just days after his senior debut. The inexperience would prove costly in the end.

Ajax, themselves enduring a difficult period, had lost their opening Conference League fixture 2-1 to Hajduk Split but came into this game on the back of a 5-2 thrashing of FC Groningen. They too had injury problems, missing the likes of Daley Blind, Steven Berghuis, Oliver Edvardsen, Caio Henrique, Simon Adingra, Anton Gaaei, and Kasper Dolberg, while Yves Bissouma was not registered on the UEFA list. Despite these absences, the hosts started brightly and nearly took an early lead when Lucas Rosa’s deflected strike hit the upright with Marco Carnesecchi beaten.

Atalanta grew into the game and had their moments. Gianluca Scamacca nodded wide from a corner, and on the stroke of half-time, Gianluca Gaetano ballooned an effort over from just inside the area. After the restart, Carnesecchi made a smart save to deny Julian Brandt, and Nicola Zalewski and Brandt both flashed headers wide. The Italians pushed hard, and there was a moment of controversy when Davy Klaassen escaped punishment for a risky sliding tackle on Zalewski inside the penalty area. The UECL Ajax 2-0 Atalanta Dea undone by two late goals narrative was beginning to take shape as Atalanta’s profligacy in front of goal became the story of the night.

As the game entered its final stages, Ajax introduced Tolu Arokodare, and the striker made an immediate impact. In the 87th minute, a long ball over the top from Youri Baas saw Arokodare outmuscle the young Obric in the air, go clear on goal, and beat Carnesecchi one-on-one. The goal was a bitter blow for Atalanta, who had defended resolutely until that point. Then, in the third minute of stoppage time, Ajax sealed the victory with a moment of individual brilliance. Abdellah Ouazane burst into the area down the left, danced past defenders with cheeky footwork, and smashed his finish in off the underside of the crossbar from the tightest of angles.

The statistics tell a tale of Atalanta’s dominance in possession and shots but their inability to find the net. They enjoyed 61% possession and had 21 total shots, but only 7 were on target and none found the back of the net. Ajax, with 39% possession, had 15 shots, 7 on target, and scored twice. The UECL Ajax 2-0 Atalanta Dea undone by two late goals result leaves Atalanta with work to do in the competition, while Ajax will be buoyed by a much-needed victory. The Dutch side’s clinical finishing contrasted sharply with Atalanta’s wastefulness, and it was a lesson in taking chances at the highest level.

Atalanta will need to regroup quickly as they return to domestic action, where they have shown signs of form with wins over Venezia and Pafos before a 3-2 loss to Milan at the weekend. The injury crisis continues to hamper Gasperini’s options, and the emergence of Obric shows the lack of depth in defense. However, there were positives to take from the performance, particularly the midfield control and the chances created. If they can find their shooting boots, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the return fixtures. For Ajax, the win provides a platform to build on as they aim to progress in the competition. The UECL Ajax 2-0 Atalanta Dea undone by two late goals encounter will be remembered for the late drama and the harsh lesson in finishing for the visitors.

In conclusion, Atalanta’s inability to convert their chances cost them dearly in Amsterdam, as Ajax’s late goals from Arokodare and Ouazane turned a tight contest into a 2-0 defeat. The UECL Ajax 2-0 Atalanta Dea undone by two late goals headline will serve as a reminder of the fine margins in European football. La Dea must now focus on their upcoming fixtures and hope for a swift return to winning ways, while Ajax can celebrate a vital three points that keeps their Conference League hopes alive.