Ajax out of the Europa League, AZ proceeds after difficult draw

Amsterdam football club Ajax is out of the Europa League after losing the second leg of its tie against Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg 3-1.

Ajax lost the first leg at home 3-0 last week.

However, AZ of Alkmaar move on to the round of 16 after drawing 1-1 at home against Czech side Slovan Liberec. AZ won the first away leg 1-0.

The Alkmaar club now meet Russian side Anzji Machatsjkala. Anzji beat the Dutch club twice last year in the play-offs for the Europa League group stage.

Bad year

This is the second year in a row Dutch clubs have performed poorly in European competition, Nos television said in an analysis. At the start of the season six clubs were involved in European football but AZ is the only survivor.

Last season Dutch clubs were in 20th place in the European rankings, behind Norway and Scotland, Nos said. This year, the Netherlands is so far ranking 18th but Bulgaria, Israel and Austria have a better record.

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