Ajax failed to make it through to the Champions League qualifiers for the third consecutive year on Wednesday when they were eliminated on the away goals rule 3-3 on aggregate after a 2-2 home draw against Ligue 1 side Nice.

The Dutch side, who lost to Manchester United in the Europa League final last season, were a goal down after just three minutes, when Arnaud Souquet slotted home from close range.

Goals from Donny van de Beek and Davinson Sanchez on either side of half-time gave the home side hope, but Vincent Marcel sealed the Eredivisie side's fate with just 11 minute remaining after a sensational back-heeled assist from midfielder Jean Seri.