Union breeze past Ajax 3-1 on glorious European night

Union Berlin cruised past Ajax Amsterdam 3-1 on Thursday to book a spot in the Europa League round of 16 with the club's biggest European victory to date.

The Berliners, in the Bundesliga only since 2019, advanced 3-1 on aggregate after a goalless playoff first leg in Amsterdam, amid wild celebrations from their fans at the Alte Foersterei stadium.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

Unbeaten in 2023, Union are joint top of the Bundesliga alongside leaders Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund and they struck twice in an efficient first half.

A Robin Knoche penalty in the 20th minute put them in front before defender Josip Juranovic's shot from outside the box slipped through the fingers of Ajax keeper Geronimo Rulli.

The former European champions pulled a goal back in the 47th with Mohammed Kudus turning in a Steven Bergwijn cross but Union, who have conceded just three goals in the Europa League this season, restored their two-goal lead with Danilho Doekhi's darting header three minutes later.

It was another disappointing night in the Europa League for Ajax, who reached the knockout phase a record 10th time but have now been eliminated at the first hurdle six times.

They were also left with 10 when Edson Alvarez was sent off following a second booking in stoppage time.

High-flying Union will have little time to celebrate their win with a trip to Bayern on Sunday in their battle for top spot in the Bundesliga.