Champions League clash between Ajax FC and Besiktas came to a one-sided end on Tuesday as the injury-plagued Turkish team lost 2-0, giving the Dutch team way to maintain its lead in Group C. Sebastien Haller scored his fifth goal in Champions League.

Ajax, which has been a four-time European champion, has found the nets a total of seven times this season while only playing two matches so far. Ajax thrashed the Portuguese team Sporting Lisbon 5-1 about two weeks ago.

Steven Berghuis put Ajax ahead in the 17th minute, sweeping a left-footed shot low into the corner of the net after Dusan Tadic dribbled through the Beşiktaş defense.

Also Read: Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante tests positive for COVID, 4 to miss Juve UCL clash

Berghuis turned provider for Haller in the 43rd minute, crossing from the right for the Ivory Coast forward to deflect the ball into the net off his thigh.

Haller is the first player to score five times in his first two Champions League matches.

With Turkish team Besiktas’ primary lineup being riddled with a series of injuries, Ajax could have expanded their lead in the game. However, Besiktas goalkeeper Ersin Destanoglu denied Haller twice and substitute David Neres in the final minutes.

However, the Dutch team, which has scored 30 goals in seven Dutch league matches this season, seemed to go easy on in the second half and making way for Besiktas to shorten the lead. 

Kenan Karaman looked to have scored in the 62nd minute but his effort was ruled out by referee Benoît Bastien for a foul on Jurriën Timber.

Borussia Dortmund, which beat Beşiktaş 2-1 two weeks ago, was hosting Lisbon later Tuesday.

In another Champions League match on Tuesday, Shakthar Donetsk held Italian giants Inter Milan 0-0, while both teams maintain their position in the bottom half of Group D. Real Madrid and Sheriff also clashed on Tuesday.

(With AP inputs)