José Mourinho’s Benfica collected their first points of the UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2–0 victory in Amsterdam, consigning Ajax to their status as the final team in the competition yet to earn a point.

Still searching for Ajax’s first Champions League win of the season, caretaker manager Fred Grim made sweeping changes after last weekend’s historic home defeat to Excelsior. Veteran goalkeeper Remko Pasveer, 42, was dropped in favour of Liverpool loanee Vitezslav Jaros, while Japanese centre-back Ko Itakura was pushed into a holding midfield role. Promising Belgian attacker Rayane Bounida was also handed his first professional start.

Benfica, the only other side without a point before kickoff, came into the match depleted after Belgian winger Dodi Lukebakio suffered a broken ankle in their 2–2 draw with Casa Pia. Fredrik Aursnes shifted to the right wing, allowing Amar Dedic to slot in at right-back.

The visitors landed an early blow. After escaping punishment for an offside in the build-up to a corner, Benfica struck in the sixth minute when left-back Samuel Dahl reacted quickest to a rebound and hammered a rising shot into the top corner.

Ajax offered little in response during a lifeless opening spell. Their first effort didn’t arrive until the 25th minute, when Bounida showcased his flair with a slick dribble only to see his shot blocked. Moments later, Davy Klaassen forced Anatoliy Trubin into a sharp save as the hosts briefly flickered into life.

But an uninspired half laid bare Ajax’s creative issues. They attempted 14 crosses before the interval—already above their average of 13.5 per match—but generated little from them as they returned to the dressing room trailing and at risk of becoming the Champions League’s final pointless team.

The second half started with more urgency. Bounida stung Trubin’s gloves with a fierce strike, and Klaassen then squandered the match’s best chance, dragging wide in a one-on-one when composure was required. Ajax continued to push, yet Benfica looked the more threatening on the counter. Dedic forced Jaros into action at his near post as the Portuguese side reminded Ajax of their vulnerability.

Substitute Oscar Gloukh produced Ajax’s final notable attempt with a powerful drive, but Benfica’s disciplined defensive structure held firm. Mourinho’s men sealed the result in the 90th minute when Leandro Barreiro finished off a swift counterattack to double the lead.

The victory ends Benfica’s four-match losing run in the Champions League and sets them up for a meeting with Serie A champions Napoli. Ajax, four-time winners of the European Cup/Champions League, have now lost seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions and remain bottom of their group without a single point. They host Qarabag on December 10.