The journey that took Ajax back to the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds for the first time in 13 years began on a warm Amsterdam evening last July.
Facing Austrian side Sturm Graz in the first leg of a second qualifying round tie at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, Erik ten Hag's team prevailed 2-0 courtesy of goals from Hakim Ziyech and Lasse Schone.
In the second half, two players came off the bench to make significant appearances. Dusan Tadic, a summer signing from Southampton, made his debut, and Daley Blind played his first game since returning to Ajax after four years at Manchester United.