Amsterdam football club Ajax has dropped into 11^th place in the new-look Europa League competition after losing 1-3  to leader Lazio at home on Thursday night.

Match report

Only the top eight automatically qualify for the knock-out round of the competition, and the next 16 face an elimination round to decide the other group of eight.

Ajax coach Francesco Farioli told UEFA.com after the game he was disappointed in the result. “But I am happy with the performance, which has been a positive one for the capacity of my players against a team that is doing so well in all competitions,” he said.

Ajax next meet Lithuanian side FK RFS in Riga on January 23 and a week later it is their last home game against Galatasaray.

AZ of Alkmaar gave away a comfortable 2-0 lead against Bulgarian side Ludogorets, who pulled one back in the 60^th and then equalised in the 63^rd minute.

Match report

AZ now have eight points from six games and are in 16^th place in the league. Their final two matches are against AS Roma at home on January 23 and Ferencváros away on January 30.

Twente had their fourth draw of the competition, failing to score at all against Greek side Olympiakos. Ricky van Wolfswinkel came closest to a goal with a penalty in the ninth minute.

Match report

Twente, now in 30th place, will play their last games against Malmö FF away and home against Besiktas.