Ajax sealed a crucial 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final to take one step towards securing a spot in their first final since 1996.

Donny van de Beek opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Hakim Ziyech threaded through a defence-splitting pass into his path. Van de Beek had time to take a touch and look up at Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris before sending a low shot into the far, bottom corner.

Tottenham, playing without star forwards Harry Kane (injury) and Son Heungmin (suspension), struggled to create many goalscoring opportunities in the first half. However, they attempted five shots in the first half-hour of the second half, which was one more than they had in the entire first half.

Ajax could have a two-goal lead going into the second leg if it weren't for the post denying David Neres' low shot in the 77th minute. However, Erik Ten Hag's side will be happy with securing the away win as their quest for European silverware took another step in the right direction.

The second leg will be played in Amsterdam at Ajax's Johan Cruyff Stadium on 8 May, with the winners meeting either Barcelona or Liverpool in the final on 1 June at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid.