Champions League: Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Ajax, 3 reasons why Ajax won the first leg

#2 Unmatched energy and work rate

Ajax's Hakim Ziyech won 6 of his 6 attempted tackles against Spurs

Ajax's energy on the field was too much to handle for Tottenham. The players moved around the pitch to give passing options to their teammates and exploited the empty spaces on the field very well.

The wingers were always on their toes to make a run in behind the Spurs defence and also tracked back to help out the full-backs in defence. Hakim Ziyech, who plays as a winger, won 6 tackles during the game, exhibiting his willingness to win the ball back for his side.

The Dutch giants didn't let Tottenham play from the back, and were first to every long ball. Spurs couldn't even stitch a couple of passes due to Ajax's heavy pressure off the ball. Their exceptional energy and work-rate was a key factor for Ajax in winning the game.