20 August 2019 at 19:00
Match Summary
Apoel Nicosia and Ajax drew 0:0. The match was played in UEFA Champions League 2019. 9 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Apoel Nicosia had 28% possession while Ajax held 72%. Apoel Nicosia had 11 shots (3 on target) compared to 19 (6 on target) for Ajax. Apoel Nicosia made 3 substitutions, Ajax made 2.
Match Events
Key match events between Apoel Nicosia and Ajax — 0 goals and 10 cards recorded during the match.
Match Statistics
Apoel Nicosia had 28% possession against Ajax's 72%. Apoel Nicosia registered 11 shots (3 on target) while Ajax managed 19 (6 on target). Corner kicks: 8–8. Fouls committed: 9–16.
Lineups
Apoel Nicosia lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under T. Doll, while Ajax deployed a 4-2-3-1 under E. ten Hag.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Apoel Nicosia is 7.03, compared to — for Ajax. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Apoel Nicosia's highest-rated starter is V. Belec (7.03), while Ajax's best-rated player is —.
Defensive Solidity
Apoel Nicosia deploy 4 defenders rated — on average, against Ajax's 4-man backline averaging —. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Apoel Nicosia field 4 midfielders averaging —, versus Ajax's 5 rated —. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Apoel Nicosia start 2 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 for Ajax averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 86% for Apoel Nicosia and —% for Ajax. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Apoel Nicosia's starters have collected 1 yellow cards this season, compared to 0 for Ajax. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Apoel Nicosia's starting XI is 35.0 (youngest: V. Belec (35), oldest: V. Belec (35)), while Ajax average — (youngest: —, oldest: —). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Apoel Nicosia's starters average 21 league appearances each, versus 0 for Ajax. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: T. Doll
Substitutes
Coach: E. ten Hag
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Apoel Nicosia have recorded 2 wins, 0 draws and 4 defeats. Ajax show 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Apoel Nicosia
Ajax
API data: 23 Apr 2026