The fairytale ultimately ended in heartbreak.
Ajax were on the verge of making history with their first Champions League final for 23 years, but instead were left devastated by an extraordinary Tottenham comeback that sealed the north Londoners' first-ever appearance in the showpiece.
The prodigious leadership of Matthijs de Ligt and a worthy support staff of young hopefuls, middle of the road professional and wise old heads put the Dutchmen in a commanding position, but thanks to Lucas Moura's heroics it was not quite enough.
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The tears flowed at full-time as the hosts contemplated defeat and a missed opportunity they may never again get a chance to repeat.