Amsterdam football club Ajax won their first major confrontation in the Europa League on Thursday evening, beating Czech side Jablonec 1-0.

The away match was hard won, with the only goal coming in the 57th minute from a penalty taken by Arek Milik.

Alkmaar side AZ made a good start in their match against FC Astra in Romania, scoring two goals early in the game.

However, they found themselves trailing 2-3 before half time. No goals were scored in the second half, leaving AZ in need of one goal to progress to the group phase of the tournament.

The home matches will be played next Thursday.