Hamburg 0:1 Ajax
November 28, 2008
The Dutch soccer fans broke windows in a hotel and held up traffic in the northern Germany city on Thursday, Nov. 27. They also caused damage to a local bar before attacking police. Some 40 people were taken into custody as a result.
Police more than doubled the number of officers normally on duty for a Hamburg game, sending 800 to the scene.
The hooligans had cause to celebrate soon after, when Ajax's substitute Leonardo picked up a weak backpass from Hamburg captain David Jarolim, breaking a scoreless tie 13 minutes from time.
The 1-0 loss at home for Hamburg meant sacrificing an early place in the UEFA knockout phase. It was the Germans' first home defeat of the season.
"We knew we needed three points to progress but it didn't work out," said Hamburg coach Martin Jol.
For Ajax, however, the close win all but assured the Dutch bluc of a place in the knockout stages.
"The victory was very important," said Amsterdam coach Marco van Basten. "We haven't had a lot of success in Europe lately."
Ajax now has six points after three games in Group F. Hamburg only has three points after two games but can still advance.