THE HAGUE, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Last season's semifinalists Ajax failed to qualify for the second round of the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League after losing 1-0 at home to Valencia on Tuesday.
Without the injured Quincy Promes and David Neres, Ajax struggled for attacking fluency, and Valencia took the lead when Rodrigo slotted home from Ferran Torres' pass.
In the second half Ajax huffed and puffed, but Valencia defended stoutly. Hakim Ziyech missed the best chance of the game when he failed to convert Donny van de Beek's pass from close range. In injury-time, Valencia defender Gabriel Paulista saw red for a headbutt on Dusan Tadic.
Elsewhere, Chelsea beat Lille 2-1 at Stamford Bridge thanks to goals by Tammy Abraham and Cesar Azpilicueta, with Loic Remy scoring a late consolation for the French side. Valencia therefore topped Group H with 11 points, level with Chelsea who also continue in this season's Champions League.
After their memorable campaign last season, Ajax finished third in Group H with 10 points, and now drop out of the Champions League into the 2019-20 Europa League.
