Marcus Thuram rose to the occasion—literally and figuratively—as Inter Milan opened their 2025–26 Champions League campaign with a composed and clinical 2–0 victory over Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The French striker, whose aerial prowess and positional intelligence have become hallmarks of his game, netted a brace of headers from two expertly delivered Hakan Çalhanoglu corners, one in each half, to secure a vital three points for the Nerazzurri. The result was not only a statement of intent from Simone Inzaghi’s side but also a cathartic beginning to a new European journey, coming just months after the heartbreak of their 5–0 demolition at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s final. That defeat had left scars—tactical, emotional, and reputational—but this performance in Amsterdam suggested that Inter are determined to rewrite their continental narrative with renewed focus and maturity.
From the outset, Inter looked sharp and purposeful, their structure well-defined and their transitions crisp. The midfield trio of Çalhanoglu, Nicolò Barella, and Kristjan Asllani controlled the tempo with poise, while the wing-backs—Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries—provided width and verticality. Ajax, under new manager Johnny Heitinga, attempted to press high and disrupt Inter’s buildup, but the Italians were unfazed. Within the opening minutes, Thuram had already tested Vitezslav Jaros with a close-range effort, forcing the Ajax goalkeeper into a smart save. The chance came from a sweeping move down the right, with Dumfries overlapping and delivering a low cross that Thuram met with instinctive timing. It was an early warning of the threat Inter posed, particularly through their set-piece routines and wide play.
Ajax’s response was spirited but lacked precision. Their first meaningful attack saw Anton Gaaei unleash a speculative effort from distance, but the shot sailed high and wide, symptomatic of a side still searching for rhythm and cohesion. The Dutch outfit, once synonymous with fluid attacking football and youth-driven dynamism, looked tentative and disjointed, struggling to find pockets of space against Inter’s compact defensive shape. Mika Godts, one of Ajax’s brightest prospects, nearly changed the narrative in the 25th minute when he latched onto a long ball from Oliver Edvardsen and found himself one-on-one with Yann Sommer. The Swiss goalkeeper, however, stood tall and produced a vital save, preserving parity and denying Ajax a potentially game-changing moment.
That missed opportunity proved costly. Less than a minute later, Inter surged forward and won a corner, their third of the match. Çalhanoglu, whose dead-ball delivery remains among the finest in Europe, stepped up and curled a wicked ball toward the near post. Thuram, timing his run to perfection, darted in front of his marker and glanced the ball past Jaros with a deft header. The goal was a textbook example of set-piece execution—movement, delivery, and finish all in sync—and it gave Inter a deserved lead. Thuram’s celebration was subdued but purposeful, a nod to the importance of the moment and the weight of expectation he carries as one of Inter’s marquee forwards.
The remainder of the first half saw Inter consolidate their advantage with disciplined possession and intelligent pressing. Çalhanoglu and Barella rotated fluidly, drawing Ajax’s midfield out of shape and creating lanes for Dumfries and Dimarco to exploit. Thuram, meanwhile, continued to occupy both center-backs, his physicality and movement creating space for Lautaro Martínez, who buzzed around the final third with menace. Ajax attempted to respond, and there was a moment of controversy when Thuram was brought down inside the box by Youri Baas. Referee Michael Oliver initially pointed to the spot, but after a brief VAR consultation, he overturned the decision, ruling that the contact was minimal and incidental. The decision was met with frustration from the Inter bench, but it did little to disrupt their momentum.
The second half began with Inter immediately on the front foot. Just two minutes after the restart, they won another corner, and once again, Çalhanoglu delivered with surgical precision. This time, his ball was lofted toward the far post, where Thuram rose above two defenders and powered a header into the bottom corner. The goal was almost a mirror image of the first, but from a different angle—same provider, same scorer, same outcome. With that, Inter doubled their lead and effectively put the game out of reach. Thuram’s brace marked a historic achievement, making him only the second Inter player to score two headers in a Champions League match, joining Hernán Crespo, who accomplished the feat against Ajax in November 2002. The symmetry of the moment—same opponent, same method—was not lost on the traveling supporters, who erupted in celebration.
From that point on, Inter managed the game with professionalism and tactical discipline. Inzaghi’s decision to introduce Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Davide Frattesi added fresh legs and experience, allowing Inter to maintain control without overextending. Ajax, for their part, struggled to mount a meaningful response. Their midfield lacked bite, and their attacking transitions were stifled by Inter’s well-drilled defensive unit. Sommer remained largely untroubled, and the back three of Alessandro Bastoni, Stefan de Vrij, and Benjamin Pavard dealt comfortably with any aerial or direct threats. The final whistle brought relief and satisfaction—a clean sheet, three points, and a performance that blended efficiency with moments of quality.
Tactically, Inter’s approach was a masterclass in pragmatism. They pressed selectively, choosing moments to engage high and otherwise maintaining a mid-block that denied Ajax space between the lines. Their use of wing-backs was particularly effective, with Dumfries and Dimarco stretching the play and creating overloads that forced Ajax’s full-backs into uncomfortable positions. Çalhanoglu’s role as a deep-lying playmaker was pivotal, not only for his set-piece contributions but for his ability to dictate tempo and switch play. Thuram’s movement and aerial dominance gave Inter a focal point, and his chemistry with Martínez continues to develop, offering Inzaghi a potent strike partnership.
For Ajax, the defeat was a sobering reminder of the gulf in experience and tactical maturity. Their youthful squad showed flashes of promise, particularly through Godts and Edvardsen, but lacked the cohesion and composure required at this level. Heitinga will need to address structural issues, particularly in midfield, where Musampa and Taylor were often bypassed too easily. The defensive pairing of Baas and Hato struggled to contain Thuram, and the lack of protection from the midfield exposed them repeatedly. Jaros, despite conceding twice, was arguably Ajax’s best performer, making several key saves and preventing a heavier defeat.
As Inter look ahead to the rest of the League Phase, this result provides a solid foundation. Their group includes other formidable opponents, and consistency will be key. The memory of last season’s final still lingers, but performances like this suggest that the team has learned and evolved. Inzaghi’s tactical clarity, the squad’s depth, and the emergence of players like Thuram give cause for optimism. The road to redemption is long, but Inter have taken the first step with conviction.
In the broader context of European football, this match served as a reminder of the importance of set pieces, tactical discipline, and experience. Inter’s ability to execute under pressure, to manage momentum, and to capitalize on key moments was the difference. Ajax, while talented, must grow quickly if they are to compete at this level. The Johan Cruyff Arena, steeped in history and expectation, witnessed a lesson in Champions League football—one delivered with precision by a team determined to reclaim its place among the elite.
