Galatasaray exacted revenge for last year’s UEFA Europa League defeat with a commanding 3-0 victory over Ajax in Amsterdam, condemning the Dutch side to a fourth straight loss in the UEFA Champions League League Phase.

Ajax entered the contest desperate for a response after a torrid start to their campaign — having suffered heavy defeats to Inter (2-0), Olympique Marseille (4-0), and Chelsea (5-1). Under intense pressure, head coach John Heitinga once again reshuffled his side, handing Youri Regeer a surprise start on the right wing.

The Turkish giants immediately seized control, with Victor Osimhen twice testing 41-year-old goalkeeper Remko Pasveer in the opening stages — a sharp volley and a powerful header both well saved. Ajax, meanwhile, offered little threat going forward and waited until the 33rd minute to muster a first effort on goal, when Jorthy Mokio’s tame strike was comfortably gathered by Ugurcan Çakır. Oscar Gloukh came closer moments later, but his shot drifted wide of the far post.

After a nervy display in Ajax’s recent 1-1 draw with Heerenveen, Pasveer endured another uncomfortable moment early in the second half, spilling a routine effort from Roland Sallai into the path of Osimhen. Fortunately for the home side, the Nigerian striker was flagged offside.

Osimhen wouldn’t be denied for long. Just minutes later, the Galatasaray forward rose between Josip Šutalo and Pasveer to nod home Leroy Sané’s precise cross, giving the visitors a deserved lead.

Things quickly unraveled for Ajax, as Youri Baas handled another dangerous delivery in the box. Osimhen confidently converted the resulting penalty, doubling Galatasaray’s advantage and tightening their grip on the game.

The hosts were handed a lifeline when Çakır misjudged a deep ball from Gloukh, but Mika Godts failed to capitalise, firing over with the goal gaping. Ajax’s wastefulness was punished once more when Champions League debutant Gerald Alders conceded a second penalty. Osimhen completed his hat-trick from the spot, sending Pasveer the wrong way and sealing a memorable night for the Nigerian and his team.

Galatasaray nearly added a fourth late on when substitute Mauro Icardi struck the post with a curling effort across goal, but the visitors were more than satisfied with a dominant away performance.

For Ajax, the defeat deepens their crisis — four losses from four games leave them bottom of the League Phase table with zero points and a goal difference of –12. Galatasaray, on the other hand, climb to ninth with their third European win of the campaign.

Next up, Ajax face fellow strugglers Benfica in Amsterdam, while Galatasaray return home to host Union Saint-Gilloise on November 25.