Ajax came from behind to beat FC Sion 4–2 in the UEFA Conference League, with Julian Brandt, Marcos Leonardo, Tolu Arokodare and Davy Klaassen on target.
⚽ FC Sion 2–4 Ajax: Ajax Turn the Game Around in Switzerland
Ajax produced a superb second-half comeback to defeat FC Sion 4–2 in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League play-off tie.
The Dutch side found themselves behind in the first half but responded with four goals after the break to take a significant advantage into the return fixture.
Julian Brandt, Marcos Leonardo, Tolu Arokodare and Davy Klaassen were the goalscorers for Ajax, while Fabian Soulier and Elias Scharw scored for the Swiss hosts.
According to the available match statistics, Ajax dominated possession with 62%, while also registering 23 shots compared with 12 for Sion.
🏟️ Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏆 Competition | UEFA Conference League |
| 🔵 FC Sion | 2 |
| 🔴 Ajax | 4 |
| ⭐ Player of the Match | Julian Brandt |
| 📍 Venue | Switzerland |
| 🎯 Result | Ajax win |
🔥 Sion Strike First
Ajax started the game with plenty of possession, but Sion remained dangerous whenever they moved forward.
The hosts eventually found the breakthrough in the 34th minute, when Fabian Soulier finished to put Sion ahead.
⚽ 34' — FC Sion 1–0 Ajax
The goal gave the home side confidence and forced Ajax to increase their attacking pressure.
Despite creating opportunities, the visitors were unable to find an equaliser before the interval.
Half-Time
FC Sion 1–0 Ajax
🚀 Julian Brandt Sparks the Comeback
Ajax returned from half-time with significantly greater intensity.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 53rd minute, when Julian Brandt produced a superb finish from outside the penalty area.
⚽ 53' — FC Sion 1–1 Ajax
Brandt's strike completely changed the momentum of the match.
Ajax suddenly looked far more dangerous, with their possession beginning to translate into clear attacking opportunities.
🇧🇷 Marcos Leonardo Completes the Turnaround
Only seven minutes later, Ajax went ahead.
Marcos Leonardo found the back of the net in the 60th minute, completing Ajax's rapid turnaround.
⚽ 60' — FC Sion 1–2 Ajax
The Dutch side had gone from trailing to leading within just seven minutes.
Sion now needed a response.
⚡ Schar Levels the Score
The hosts refused to surrender.
Sion were awarded a penalty, and Elias Schar stepped up to convert from the spot.
⚽ 72' — FC Sion 2–2 Ajax
The equaliser created another dramatic twist.
With less than 20 minutes remaining, the match was once again completely open.
But Ajax had more to give.
🎯 Arokodare Restores Ajax's Lead
Just two minutes later, Ajax struck again.
Substitute Tolu Arokodare made an immediate impact by scoring to restore the visitors' advantage.
⚽ 74' — FC Sion 2–3 Ajax
The goal was a huge setback for Sion, coming almost immediately after they had fought their way back to 2–2.
Arokodare's introduction proved to be one of the key moments of the game.
⭐ Klaassen Seals the Victory
Ajax continued to push forward in the closing stages.
Their pressure produced a fourth goal in the 87th minute, with Davy Klaassen finding the net.
⚽ 87' — FC Sion 2–4 Ajax
The goal effectively settled the contest and completed an extraordinary comeback.
Ajax had scored four goals in the second half after entering the interval one goal behind.
🧠 Tactical Analysis
🔴 Ajax
Ajax demonstrated excellent attacking resilience.
Their 62% possession and 23 shots showed their control of the game, but their biggest strength was the way they increased their attacking intensity after half-time.
The introduction of Arokodare was particularly effective, with the substitute scoring almost immediately.
Key strengths:
- 62% possession
- 23 total shots
- Four second-half goals
- Strong reaction after conceding
- Effective substitutions
- Excellent attacking movement
⭐ Tactical Rating: 9/10
🔵 FC Sion
Sion can take positives from their first-half performance.
They defended their lead well for long periods and even managed to equalise at 2–2.
However, conceding twice within a short period after the equaliser proved decisive.
Their defensive organisation deteriorated during the final stages, allowing Ajax to take complete control.
⭐ Tactical Rating: 6.5/10
⭐ Player of the Match: Julian Brandt
Julian Brandt played a crucial role in Ajax's comeback.
His equaliser early in the second half changed the momentum and gave Ajax the confidence to push for more.
His technical quality and ability to shoot from distance made him one of the standout performers.
⚡ Arokodare Makes Immediate Impact
Another major talking point was Tolu Arokodare.
The forward came off the bench and scored just two minutes after Sion had equalised.
That goal restored Ajax's lead and demonstrated the importance of having quality options available from the bench.
📊 Match Statistics
| Statistic | FC Sion | Ajax |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 38% | 62% |
| Shots | 12 | 23 |
| Shots on target | 4 | 8 |
| Corners | 5 | 7 |
| Passes | 378 | 634 |
| Passing accuracy | 83% | 90% |
🕒 Goals Timeline
| Minute | Event |
|---|---|
| 34' | ⚽ Fabian Soulier — Sion 1–0 Ajax |
| 53' | ⚽ Julian Brandt — Sion 1–1 Ajax |
| 60' | ⚽ Marcos Leonardo — Sion 1–2 Ajax |
| 72' | ⚽ Elias Schar — Sion 2–2 Ajax |
| 74' | ⚽ Tolu Arokodare — Sion 2–3 Ajax |
| 87' | ⚽ Davy Klaassen — Sion 2–4 Ajax |
🏆 Ajax Take Control of the Tie
The 4–2 victory gives Ajax a valuable advantage heading into the second leg.
The Dutch giants can now approach the return match with confidence, knowing that they have already scored four times away from home.
For Sion, the task is considerably more difficult. They must overturn a two-goal deficit if they are to keep their European campaign alive.
🏁 Final Thoughts
FC Sion 2–4 Ajax was a match defined by an extraordinary second-half turnaround.
Sion led at the break, but Ajax completely changed the game after half-time.
Julian Brandt started the comeback, Marcos Leonardo completed the initial turnaround, Tolu Arokodare restored Ajax's advantage after Sion's penalty equaliser, and Davy Klaassen sealed the victory.
The final score tells the story:
🔴 FC Sion 2–4 Ajax ⚪
Four second-half goals, an impressive comeback and a major advantage for Ajax ahead of the second leg.