Atalanta fell 2-0 to Ajax at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam, conceding two late goals during the second round of the UEFA Conference League phase on October 22, 2026. The defeat marks the fifth loss in eleven matches across all competitions for Maurizio Sarri’s side this season, and their first setback in European play following an opening 3-1 victory over Pafos.
Late Strikes Undermine Atalanta in Amsterdam
Playing before 2,229 traveling supporters who made the trip from Bergamo, Atalanta struggled to match the pace and technical quality of the Dutch hosts, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The 2,229 fans occupied the away section of the stadium. Despite a stellar performance from goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, who kept his side in the match through numerous saves, the defense finally broke down in the closing minutes. Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare broke the deadlock in the 87th minute by winning an aerial duel and slotting past Carnesecchi after a long clearance from Jorrel Hato (noted as Baas in tactical reports). In the third minute of stoppage time, young substitute Rayane Ouazane sealed the 2-0 scoreline with a powerful left-footed strike under the crossbar after beating Raoul Bellanova and Isak Hien (referred to as Kristensen in local dispatches).
Ajax Creates Early Dangers Against Static Atalanta
The Italian side absorbed waves of pressure from the opening whistle. ANSA reported that Ajax created early dangers through Lucas Rosa, whose 6th-minute shot was deflected onto the post by Gaetano, and an unmarked header from Davy Klaassen in the 11th minute. Mika Godts (Mokio) also had a goal disallowed for offside early on. Atalanta failed to establish rhythm in possession, with Ederson neutralized in transition and Charles De Ketelaere struggling to influence the match before being substituted in the second half for Lazar Samardzic. The tactical setup proved too static against Michel’s high-pressing side, leaving Carnesecchi exposed to repeated attempts from Oscar Gloukh and Marcos Leonardo.
Atalanta Targets Upper Tier Finish in League Phase
Despite the European setback, the sporting outlook in the Conference League remains manageable given the remaining schedule. According to L’Eco di Bergamo, Sarri’s squad can still target a finish in the upper tier of the league phase to secure qualification. The club’s European schedule continues on November 5, 2026, when Atalanta hosts Kairat Almaty at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo. Subsequent continental fixtures include a trip to face Borac on November 26, an away match against Riga on December 10, and a final home fixture against Mjallby on December 17.
Match Details and Lineups
The match officials were referee António Nobre from Portugal, assistant referees Nelson Pereira and Francisco Pereira, fourth official David Rafael Oliveira Da Silva, video assistant referee Juan Martinez Munuera from Spain, and assistant VAR Ana Cláudia Silva Ribeiro. Ajax lined up with Ter Stegen, Rosa, Bouwman, Baas, Wijndal, Amrabat, Klaassen (replaced in the 62nd minute by Tsygankov), Mokio, Brandt (replaced in the 90th+2 minute by Janse), Marcos Leonardo (replaced in the 67th minute by Arokodare), and Gloukh (replaced in the 62nd minute by Ouazane). Following the match, the team returned immediately to work on Friday morning for a closed-door session at the Centro Bortolotti in Zingonia to begin preparations for their upcoming championship fixture against Frosinone.
