Amsterdam’s Ajax were easily overrun by Werder Bremen in the first leg of their UEFA Cup tie on Wednesday night, losing 3-0 to the German team. Fielding several young debutants, the injury-stricken Amsterdam football club were reduced to 10 men halfway though the first half.

Ajax fullback Olaf Lindenbergh was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. From then on Ajax were never in the game and Werder Bremen had chances to double their tally. It will take all but a miracle for Ajax to turn the tie round in the second leg next week.
Meanwhile Alkmaar’s AZ, which also played with a makeshift team due to injury, fared better in their UEFA first leg game against Fenerbahce of Instanbul. Nevertheless the Dutch team will be kicking themselves for giving away a 3-1 lead late in the second half. The thrilling encounter in Instanbul ended 3-3, putting AZ in a strong position to qualify for the next round in their home tie next week.