Ajax vs Shelbourne preview

Europe flag 2026/2027 Europa Conference League, Europe
Johan Cruijff Arena Thu, 6 Aug - 6:00 PM
Europa Conference League
AjaxAJA
3 1
ShelbourneSHE
Full Time Thu, 6 Aug 6:00 PM
3rd Qualifying Round Leg 1 of 2
Mika Godts - 6' (P)
Owen Wijndal - 22'
Goal
|
Goal
Daniel Kelly - 84'

CONTEXT

Ajax secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Shelbourne in the first leg of their tie. The home side took control early and led 2-0 at halftime before adding a third goal after the break. Ajax dominated possession with 71 percent of the ball and created far more opportunities throughout the contest. Their expected goals total reached 6.14 compared to just 0.2 for the visitors, highlighting a clear difference in quality and chance creation. Shelbourne managed a late consolation goal but could not mount a sustained challenge. The result leaves Ajax well positioned ahead of the return fixture. No red cards were shown to either side during the match.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Final score: Ajax 3-1 Shelbourne. Ajax showed a minimal deviation from the pre-match structural baseline.
  • Efficiency shift: Efficiency remained in line with pre-match expectations for both teams.
  • xG alignment: Final outcome stayed consistent with the underlying expected goals data.
  • Market alignment: Result aligned fully with the pre-match market projection.
  • xG expectations: Ajax posted an expected goals figure of 6.14 against 0.2 for Shelbourne.
  • Event impact: Three first-half goals shaped the match direction from an early stage.
  • Red card distortion: No red cards occurred so the game proceeded without numerical imbalance.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
A. Karaoğlan
A. Karaoğlan
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.4
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
C. Sesigüzel
C. Sesigüzel
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
A. Özkara
A. Özkara
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
M. Türkmen
M. Türkmen
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Ajax M. Sánchez Muñoz
M. Sánchez Muñoz
VS
Shelbourne J. Russell
J. Russell
3
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1.5
3 i
Last 6 Opponents
Vojvodina Rank: W
Vojvodina Rank: W
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
1.5 i
Last 6 Opponents
Nõmme Kalju Rank: L
Nõmme Kalju Rank: W
0
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
0 - 0 - 0
0

Win Probabilities

Live Win Probability (90 Min)
Home Ajax
97.32%
Draw
1.91%
Away Shelbourne
0.77%

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power score: composite of opponent-weighted form (last 6 & 20 games) and league position over last 3 seasons.
38.82
27.41
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Ajax
Shelbourne
Power Score
38.82
27.41
League Position
-
-
Global Rank
-
-

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Ajax — Opponent-weighted form score
Shelbourne — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Ajax Shelbourne

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Ajax

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Shelbourne

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —
Possession Efficiency data not available for this match.

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Ajax
vs
Shelbourne
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Ajax Shelbourne
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
28%
0%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
1.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.70 vs +0.00
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Ajax Shelbourne
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
0%
28%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 1.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
+0.00 vs -0.70
Ajax
Shelbourne
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Ajax
vs
Shelbourne
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Ajax Shelbourne
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Ajax 0.00
Shelbourne 0.00
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Ajax Shelbourne
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Ajax 0.00
Shelbourne 0.00
Ajax
Shelbourne
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • AJA had peak pressure around 28'.
  • AJA started the game with stronger pressure.
AJA Pressure SHE Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: AJA reached the top pressure at 28' (100.00).

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-1-4-1
Match Formation 5-4-1
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Aug 06, 2026, 06:00 PM
Competition
2026/2027 Europa Conference League, Europe · 3rd Qualifying Round · Leg 1 of 2
Stadium
Johan Cruijff Arena
Capacity
55885
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Atilla Karaoğlan
Ceyhun Sesigüzel
Abdullah Bora Özkara
Mehmet Türkmen

Statistics

Possession
AJA
69%
SHE
31%

Top Statistics

3 Goals 1
9 Big Chances Created 0
15 Shots 0
145 Dangerous attacks 8
71 Possession 29
14 Corners 0
2 Free kicks 11
1 Yellow Cards 1

Match Overview

63 Ball Safe 78
2 Penalties 0
0 Goal Kicks 17
22 Goal Attempts 3
5 Substitutions 5
11 Throwins 14
2 Assists 0
19 Dribble Attempts 9
6 Successful Dribbles 3
32 Successful Dribbles Percentage 33

Attacking

157 Attacks 51
6 Big Chances Missed 0

Possession

15 Long Passes 61
720 Passes 298
669 Successful Passes 224
93 Successful Passes Percentage 75
25 Key Passes 2
8 Successful Long Passes 22
53 Successful Long Passes Percentage 36

Defensive

2 Saves 8
9 Tackles 20
14 Interceptions 9

Build-up

28 Total Crosses 2
10 Accurate Crosses 0

Discipline

3 Offsides 1
11 Fouls 4

Lineup

Referee : Atilla Karaoğlan

Starting XI ▼

26
Maarten Paes
Maarten Paes Goalkeeper
3
Anton Gaaei
Anton Gaaei Defender
5
Owen Wijndal
Owen Wijndal Defender
17
Daley Blind
Daley Blind Defender
30
Aaron Bouwman
Aaron Bouwman Defender
6
Youri Regeer
Youri Regeer Midfielder
10
Oscar Gloukh
Oscar Gloukh Midfielder
24
Jorthy Mokio
Jorthy Mokio
Midfielder58'
11
Mika Godts
Mika Godts Midfielder
7
Maher Carrizo
Maher Carrizo
Attacker77'
18
Davy Klaassen
Davy Klaassen (C) Midfielder
38
Marcos Leonardo
Marcos Leonardo
Attacker58'
23
Steven Berghuis
Steven Berghuis Midfielder
20
Oliver Edvardsen
Oliver Edvardsen
Attacker64'
9
Kasper Dolberg
Kasper Dolberg Attacker
8
Julian Brandt
Julian Brandt
Midfielder65'
Referee : Atilla Karaoğlan

Starting XI ▼

19
Eddie Beach
Eddie Beach Goalkeeper
4
Kameron Ledwidge
Kameron Ledwidge Defender
15
Sam Bone
Sam Bone Defender
55
James Roche
James Roche
Defender90+3'
18
James Norris
James Norris Defender
2
Sean Gannon
Sean Gannon
Defender90+3'
25
Milan Mbeng
Milan Mbeng Defender
29
Paddy Barrett
Paddy Barrett (C) Defender
21
Jack Henry-Francis
Jack Henry-Francis Midfielder
14
Ali Coote
Ali Coote
Midfielder80'
22
Sean Moore
Sean Moore Midfielder
20
Rodrigo Freitas
Rodrigo Freitas
Attacker73'
23
Kerr McInroy
Kerr McInroy Midfielder
16
Odhran Casey
Odhran Casey
Defender80'
27
Evan Caffrey
Evan Caffrey Midfielder
17
Daniel Kelly
Daniel Kelly Attacker

Events

2ND-HALF
90+3'
Event
Sean Gannon → James Norris
9th Substitution
90+3'
Event
James Roche → Sam Bone
10th Substitution
Event
Jorthy Mokio
Foul / 2nd Yellowcard
85'
84'
Event
Daniel Kelly
Right foot shot / 3rd Goal
80'
Event
Odhran Casey → Kerr McInroy 
7th Substitution
80'
Event
Ali Coote → Jack Henry-Francis
8th Substitution
Event
Maher Carrizo → Mika Godts
6th Substitution
77'
73'
Event
Rodrigo Freitas → Sean Moore
5th Substitution
Event
Julian Brandt → Kasper Dolberg
4th Substitution
65'
Event
Oliver Edvardsen → Steven Berghuis
3rd Substitution
64'
Event
Marcos Leonardo → Davy Klaassen 
1st Substitution
58'
Event
Jorthy Mokio → Oscar Gloukh
2nd Substitution
58'
Event
Mika Godts
Goalkeeper save
57'
Event
Kasper Dolberg
Right foot shot / 2nd Goal
50'
47'
Event
Evan Caffrey
Foul / 1st Yellowcard
1ST-HALF
Event
Owen Wijndal
Right foot shot / 1st Goal
22'
Event
Mika Godts
Right foot shot / 1st Penalty
6'
Event
Mika Godts
Penalty awarded
4'

Match Commentary

90
Update Update
Sean Gannon replaces James Norris.
90
Update Update
James Roche is on, and Sam Bone is off.
90
Attempt Attempt
Anton Gaaei takes a right-footed shot, but it misses the target.
90
Attempt Attempt
Marcos Leonardo takes a left-footed shot but misses.
88
Attempt Attempt
Anton Gaaei takes a right-footed shot but misses.
88
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
86
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card issued to Jorthy Mokio.
84
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Daniel Kelly takes a shot with his right foot and scores.
84
Attempt Attempt
Ali Coote takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
84
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Daniel Kelly scores, making it 3-1.
80
Update Update
Odhran Casey is on, and Kerr McInroy is off.
80
Update Update
Ali Coote replaces Jack Henry-Francis.
80
Attempt Attempt
Julian Brandt takes a header shot but misses.
78
Attempt Attempt
Anton Gaaei takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
78
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
77
Substitution Substitution
Substitution: Maher Carrizo comes on for Mika Godts.
76
Attempt Attempt
Mika Godts takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
75
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
74
Attempt Attempt
Mika Godts takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
73
Attempt Attempt
Marcos Leonardo takes a left-footed shot, but it misses the target.
73
Update Update
Rodrigo Freitas comes on for Sean Moore.
73
Attempt Attempt
Marcos Leonardo takes a left-footed shot but misses.
72
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
72
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
71
Attempt Attempt
Mika Godts takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
70
Attempt Attempt
Evan Caffrey's right-footed shot is saved.
70
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
67
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
65
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
64
Update Update
Julian Brandt comes on for Kasper Dolberg.
63
Update Update
Oliver Edvardsen replaces Steven Berghuis.
63
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
58
Update Update
Julian Brandt comes on for Kasper Dolberg.
58
Update Update
Oliver Edvardsen replaces Steven Berghuis.
58
Attempt Attempt
Steven Berghuis takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
57
Attempt Attempt
Steven Berghuis takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
57
Update Update
On Jorthy Mokio, off Oscar Gloukh.
55
Update Update
On Jorthy Mokio, off Oscar Gloukh.
54
Update Update
Marcos Leonardo comes on for Davy Klaassen.
53
Attempt Attempt
Penalty saved by Mika Godts.
53
Attempt Attempt
Steven Berghuis takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
52
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
50
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Kasper Dolberg takes a right-footed shot and scores.
50
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Corner awarded.
49
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Kasper Dolberg scores to make it 3-0, assisted by Steven Berghuis.
49
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
48
Attempt Attempt
Mika Godts takes a right-footed shot but misses.
47
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Evan Caffrey receives a yellow card.
45
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
45
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
40
Attempt Attempt
Owen Wijndal takes a left-footed shot but misses.
38
Attempt Attempt
Steven Berghuis takes a left-footed shot but misses.
38
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
32
Attempt Attempt
Kasper Dolberg's header is saved.
31
Attempt Attempt
Oscar Gloukh takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
30
Attempt Attempt
Anton Gaaei takes a right-footed shot, but it misses the target.
28
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
27
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
22
Attempt Attempt
Shot! Owen Wijndal takes a right-footed shot that finds the back of the net.
22
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Owen Wijndal scores, making it 2-0.
20
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
13
Attempt Attempt
Steven Berghuis takes a left-footed shot but misses.
13
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
10
Attempt Attempt
Steven Berghuis takes a left-footed shot but misses.
10
Attempt Attempt
Youri Regeer takes a right-footed shot, but it's blocked.
6
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Mika Godts takes a shot with his right foot and scores.
6
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Mika Godts scores from the penalty spot to make it 1-0.
4
Update Update
VAR decision pending.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Atilla Karaoglan.

CONCLUSION

Ajax delivered a dominant performance that reflected their superior quality and preparation on the night. The 3-1 scoreline accurately captured the flow of play and the wide gap in chance creation between the sides. With a strong first-leg advantage secured, the home team can approach the return fixture with confidence and flexibility. Shelbourne will need to regroup quickly and find ways to limit exposure in dangerous areas if they hope to stay competitive over the two legs. The absence of disciplinary issues allowed both teams to focus purely on tactical execution. Overall the contest reinforced Ajax status as the stronger side heading into the next stage of the competition.