After all the hubbub among the Aston Villa supporters who spent the day hugging Amsterdam’s canals and the pre-match fanfare in the way of pyrotechnics and flares, in the end the game itself proved a frustrating and largely forgettable stalemate. It was almost as if Villa were keeping their powder dry for their pursuit of a Champions League place. Villa, fourth in the Premier League, host fifth-placed Tottenham on Sunday with a golden opportunity to tighten their grip.
Ajax had the best chances to earn victory, Emiliano Martínez repelling an effort by Kenneth Taylor and Brian Bobbey earlier firing wide. Both teams finished with 10 men, with the otherwise excellent Ezri Konsa sent off on 83 minutes after picking up two yellow cards. Tristan Gooijer received his second caution three minutes later. Unai Emery grimaced as Konsa headed down the tunnel after tangling with the substitute Chuba Akpom and these sides will reunite at Villa Park next Thursday with this Europa Conference League last-16 tie delicately poised.
