Champions League | Ajax 0-2 Inter: Thuram double conquers Amsterdam

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 17: Marcus Thuram of Internazionale scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between AFC Ajax and FC Internazionale Milano at Johan Cruijff Arena on September 17, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Marcus Thuram made sure Lautaro Martinez was not missed with a pair of headers to give Inter a big 2-0 Champions League victory away to Ajax.

The Nerazzurri were seeking redemption after last season’s 5-0 Final defeat to PSG, coming off back to back Serie A defeats to Udinese and Juventus. To make matters worse, captain Lautaro Martinez was nursing a back injury, so 20-year-old Francesco Pio Esposito got his Champions League debut in the starting XI. Ajax missed Steven Berghuis and Branco van den Boomen.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog

Federico Dimarco’s cross-shot stung the goalkeeper’s gloves in the opening minutes, while Anton Gaaei blasted over from the edge of the area.

Marcus Thuram drilled inches wide across the face of goal on a Pio Esposito lay-off, but moments later the Frenchman was dragged down in the box by Youri Baas for a penalty. However, it was revoked following a VAR review, as Thuram had a handful of the Baas jersey first.

Yann Sommer was criticised in recent weeks and there were calls for him to be dropped, but he was decisive when rushing off his line to make himself big and deny Mika Godts one-on-one, sent clear by Oliver Edvardsen.

Moments later, Inter took the lead, as Thuram rose to meet the Hakan Calhanoglu corner at the near post.

Marcus Thuram’s header puts Inter ahead before the break against Ajax 💥

📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/BOb6VzG5jK

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 17, 2025

The Nerazzurri started the second half with an almost identical situation, this time Thuram’s header on a Calhanoglu corner went into the far bottom corner from seven yards instead.

Marcus Thuram with another header assisted by Calhanoglu to double Inter’s lead ⚽️⚽️

📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/oy5ArxYuTh

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 17, 2025

Thuram rather generously dummied to let a Nicolò Barella pull-back through, but it was a mistake because there were no Inter teammates ready to tap in behind him.

Denzel Dumfries scuffed the finish under pressure when sent through by Esposito, while Davide Frattesi nodded a Dimarco corner over.

Kacper Dolberg had the chance to get a consolation goal late on, but his header was over the bar.

Ajax 0-2 Inter

Thuram 42, 47 (I)

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