Ajax and Aston Villa have players sent off as draw leaves tie on knife-edge
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 stalemate, one to forget in a hurry. Ajax had the best chances to earn victory, Emiliano Martínez repelling an effort by Kenneth Taylor and Brian Brobbey earlier firing wide.
Villa finished with 10 men, Ezri Konsa sent off after picking up two yellow cards. 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.
