Ajax revel in role as underdogs

The return of Ajax to the latter stages of the Champions League is a welcome breath of fresh air for the competition, according to coach Erik ten Hag.

The four-time winners of the trophy will take on the Juventus of Cristiano Ronaldo in the first leg of the quarterfinals in Amsterdam on Wednesday, their first appearance in the last eight since 2003.

They made a welcome return to the forefront of the European game when they reached the Europa League final two years ago, losing to Manchester United.

However, it has become harder for Dutch clubs to compete with the very biggest sides on the continent in recent seasons.

Despite that, Ajax have turned the clock back on a run that started in the second qualifying round last July.