The fourth official has indicated there will be a minimum of three minutes added on at the end of this match.
89'
David Neres gets yellow.
Neres picks up the second booking of the night for Ajax for simulation, but it's a bit harsh on the attacker who wasn't looking for a penalty there. He didn't look at the referee or protest in the slightest, he just seemed to lose his balance at the end of a long run.
88'
F. de Jong enters the game and replaces D. van de Beek.
Here is the change now as De Jong come in for van de Beek.
87'
T. Kehrer gets yellow.
B. Stambouli gets yellow.
Kehrer has had a nightmare tonight up against Younes, to the point where you almost feel bad for him. He's beaten again and drags the winger down, which sees him into the book and that means he will be suspended, perhaps mercifully, for the second leg.
Stambouli picks up a yellow as well, for dissent.
86'
Play comes to a halt with Van de Beek struggling with a knock, or perhaps just a cramp. Frenkie de Jong looks to be the one coming on for Ajax, but they will have to wait to make the change as the referee restarts play, much to the dismay of the skipper Klaassen.
84'
STAT: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored 105 goals in 136 appearances for Ajax across all competitions, winning two KNVB Cups, but no league titles. He played under Ajax boss Peter Bosz while on loan at De Graafschap in 2003.
83'
Y. Konoplanka enters the game and replaces D. Caligiuri.
Third and final change here from Schalke as Yevhen Konoplyanka, who scored against Ajax in the Europa League two years ago while with Dnipro, replaces Caligiuri.
82'
STAT: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored 105 goals in 136 appearances for Ajax across all competitions, winning two KNVB Cups, but no league titles. He played under Ajax boss Peter Bosz while on loan at De Graafschap in 2003.
80'
STOPPED AT POINT-BLANK RANGE! Starting to sound like a broken record now, as Fahrmann comes to Schalke's rescue yet again here to deny Viergever's blistering header from a corner! What would this scoreline be without the exceptional goalkeeping of Fahrmann tonight?
Minute
Description
78'
Another great chance as those two, Younes and Traore, link up brilliantly yet again. The winger plays the striker into acres of space down the left, but his low cross is punched away bravely by Fahrmann!
77'
OFF THE BAR! That would have settled it! Van de Beek produces a stunning first touch to control following a headed clearance of a corner, and he hammers an effort at goal, but Fahrmann gets the slightest of touches to turn it off the underside of the bar and it somehow stays out!
76'
Saved well again by Fahrmann! The keeper has done a terrific job of getting his angles all right tonight, and he does so again here to deny Younes at the end of another dazzling run from the winger!
74'
David Neres enters the game and replaces J. Kluivert.
A loud applause for Kluivert as he gives way for the last 15 minutes, to be replaced by David Neres, who scored at the weekend.
72'
SMART SAVE! That's the closest Schalke have come tonight. They're starting to show a bit more intent and they make Onana work for the first time tonight as Caligiuri tests him with a strike in towards the near post, but the keeper does well to cover.
71'
K. Huntelaar enters the game and replaces A. Schöpf.
Here's the big moment for the striker! Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is applauded by both sets of fans as he comes on for the final 20 minutes to face his former club, replacing Schopf.
69'
Plenty to be decided over these final 20 minutes. Ajax can arguably put the tie to bed with a third goal, and they're still knocking on door, while Schalke can salvage what has been an abysmal display with an away goal - an undeserved one at that, but they all count the same.
67'
STUNNING FROM FAHRMANN! Incredible combination play between Traore, Younes and Klaassen! The former sends Younes through on goal, but his first-time effort is kept out by an absolutely delightful reactionary stop from Fahrmann! The keeper is at it again moments later as he gets down to his left to deny Traore from 20 yards.
65'
An away goal would go a long way for Schalke in setting up a more manageable return leg, but how much will they really be willing to open up and press for it? They are being carved apart with all hands on deck, you could just imagine what Ajax might do with a bit more space to operate in.
63'
STAT: Davy Klaassen is now Ajax's top goalscorer in all competitions this season, equaling Kasper Dolberg (18 goals).
61'
Schalke are showing no sign of life as Ajax continue to press at will, aiming to put this tie to bed. The hosts are having their way with the Bundesliga outfit in attack, and to make matters worse, striker and young prodigy Kasper Dolberg is warming up to come on.
59'
B. Stambouli enters the game and replaces M. Meyer.
Schalke make their first change of the night as Benjamin Stambouli comes on to provide some much needed defensive support, with Meyer the one replaced.
58'
TURNED BEHIND! Schalke are being pushed to the brink as Ajax have a real hunger for goals! Younes is picked out by Klaassen in the area, but sees his effort turned aside by Fahrmann. The ensuing corner is sent towards goal off a Schalke head, but Fahrmann is able to collect ahead of Traore.
SHOULD BE THREE! It could be five, in fact, if not for Fahrmann! Another incisive bit of attacking play from Ajax sees Traore picked out by Younes in the box, but the striker is thwarted from point-blank range!
56'
STAT: Ajax have won 18 of their last 19 matches in Amsterdam across all competitions, outscoring their opponents 50-9 (D1).
54'
CRUCIAL FROM FAHRMANN! Schalke are in dangerous territory of letting this tie completely slip from their grasp! Younes plays Traore through, but the striker sees his effort turned over the bar by Fahrmann! Ajax are running riot!
52'
D. Klaassen has scored a goal for Ajax! Assist by J. Kluivert.
AJAX DOUBLE THEIR LEAD! Another superb finish from Klaassen who rifles home from 10 yards on the end of a lovely spot from Kluivert! And just look at the skipper's face - that is pure, unbridled joy from the man who lives for Ajax football!
Kluivert marks his first Europa League start with an assist.
51'
Neatly done from Ajax! Craft, composed and calculated once again in attack as they carve Schalke apart, with Van de Beek played through on the end of a smart run off the ball. He gets in too close to the byline, however, and Fahrmann is able to collect his cross.
49'
D. Klaassen gets yellow.
Klaassen picks up the first yellow card of the match, but he is not one of the players in danger of suspension, so provided he doesn't get another, he will still be available for the second leg.
48'
Better start this, from Schalke. They've enjoyed the bulk of possession since the restart, and managed to get a cross in through Caligiuri, but Ajax deal with it capably before getting back to where they left off in the first half.
46'
M. de Ligt enters the game and replaces D. Sinkgraven.
Ajax make one change at the interval as Sinkgraven is unable to continue. Matthias de Ligt comes on in his place. De Ligt will play centre-half, pushing Viergever to left-back.
Back underway in Amsterdam!
45' +1
HALF-TIME: AJAX 1-0 SCHALKE.
45'
Schalke get their first shot of the match here as Howedes tries for the spectacular, sending an overhead kick at goal, but the skipper's effort is as straightforward as it gets for a keeper. Onana tracks it easily and makes a comfortable stop.
43'
Great display of strength from Burgstaller who refuses to be denied as he carries the ball up the pitch, providing some respite for his defence, before winning a free-kick in a dangerous position on the left. The ensuing delivery is poor, however, and Sanchez clears with ease.
41'
Concentrated pressure yet again from Ajax, as they camp out in the final third. Schalke are getting nowhere close to the ball, completely unable to disrupt the hosts' rhythm in possession. This has been an attacking clinic from the Amsterdam outfit.
39'
Inches away! Younes has been absolutely sensational in this first half. He's by Kehrer again with some stunning play on the ball, causing the full-back to slip and fall to the turf. His final cross is aimed in for Traore at the near post, but the striker just can't get his foot to it!
37'
Schalke simply have no answer for Ajax on the flanks. They've been unable to combat the width of the hosts going forward, and when Schalke send support out wide for their full-backs, they leave themselves exposed inside for the likes of Klaassen and Ziyech to attack.
35'
Schalke are slowly getting settled, but it's taken them long enough. Still there's not a whimper of attacking threat from the visitors, but they've at least managed to enjoy a bit of time out of defence here as we enter the final 10 minutes of the first half.
33'
STAT: Schalke have never won away against Dutch opposition (D1 L4), but they have won all three at home.
31'
OFF THE BAR! Klaassen flicks on another Ziyech corner, this one won by Younes, but Sanchez can't meet it in the centre. Pressure stays on and a cross comes in from the right, this time finding the head of Sanchez, who sees his header turned onto the bar by Fahrmann!
29'
Dangerous set-piece! Ajax have looked a threat from these dead ball situations, and they come close again from Ziyech's corner! It's flicked on at the near post, but just out of reach of Sanchez before Schalke scramble clear, albeit unconvincingly.
27'
Schalke still can't get a foothold in the match. This is complete and utter domination from Ajax, who seem to have three times the amount of energy as their German opposition. Ajax look a well-oiled machine as they continue to attack with plenty of gusto.
25'
As if this atmosphere wasn't already hostile enough, it's absolute bedlam now! You can't so much as hear yourself think with all the noise and dancing from these faithful Ajax supporters - and they're only spurred on here as their side wastes no time getting back into attack.
23'
Penalty goal scored by D. Klaassen for Ajax!
SUPER FROM THE SKIPPER! Euphoria around Amsterdam as Klaassen superbly finishes from the spot, sending Ajax into the lead! Dream start and, no question about it, a deserved goal for the hosts!
22'
PENALTY TO AJAX! Splendid skill on the ball from Younes, something he's become famous for since arriving at the club. He splits a pair of defenders and breaks into the area before being dragged down from behind by Schopf, and the referee doesn't hesitate in pointing to the spot!
21'
Ziyech floats a dangerous ball in from a free-kick, which threatens to fall for Traore at the far post if not for an accomplished clearance by Howedes. Ajax continue to apply the pressure here, with Schalke struggling to find a way out of their own end.
19'
STAT: Ajax have won all five of their home matches in this season’s Europa League, keeping four clean sheets. They are unbeaten in their last 11 games in Amsterdam in the competition (W8 D3).
17'
Great passage of play from the hosts down the right flank, with Veltman winning a corner. The subsequent delivery results in nothing and Schalke boot the ball up the pitch, but it's sent straight back into the arms of the opposition, who can get forward once again.
15'
Ajax have an early worry as Sinkgraven pulls up lame after a tackle, but he's back on here and looks content to at least give it a go. The tempo has come out of the match a bit, but it's understandable given the stoppage.
13'
FIRST REAL CHANCE! Van de Beek unleashes an effort from 20 yards after Caligiuri fails to properly clear Klaassen's cross. The midfielder's effort stings the palms of Fahrmann, who fails to properly parry, but manages to collect the rebound ahead of Traore.
11'
Ajax have been in complete control of this match in the first 10 minutes, with Schalke hardly managing more than a few passes across the halfway line. Finally the visitors get forward down the left, but they're forced to settle for a throw before Ajax quickly scoop back possession.
9'
STAT: This is Ajax’s first appearance in any European quarter-final since they were beaten by AC Milan in the 2002/03 Champions League.
7'
Another thing worth noting, before the game kicks into high gear and it gets lost in the shuffle, both sides have suspensions imminent if certain players pick up a booking tonight. Andre Onana, Davinson Sanchez and Nick Viergever are the ones in danger for Ajax, while Matija Nastasic, Thilo Kehrer and Leon Goretzka are the ones who have to be careful for Schalke.
5'
Ajax have started this game very well, showing plenty of intent as they dominate possession and look to attack in numbers. The first chance falls to an unlikely candidate in Viergever, but he's unable to wrap his foot around the ball and direct his effort on target.
3'
A bit of news for you from warmups, where it appears Sead Kolasinac picked up an injury and was deemed unable to participate in the match, so Schalke were forced to making a late alteration to their starting XI, with Dennis Aogo taking his place.
1'
AND THEY'RE OFF! Fireworks, in the metaphorical sense, go off around the ArenA as Ajax get the match underway in their classic red and white kits, attacking left to right. Schalke are in all blue.
Hello and welcome to the renowned Amsterdam ArenA for live coverage of this Europa League quarter-final tie as Ajax host Schalke in the first leg!
There’s plenty of excitement swirling around right now in Amsterdam, as Ajax find themselves in the midst of a neck-and-neck title race, coupled with their first participation in a European quarter-final since 2003.
Ajax trail Eredivisie leaders Feyenoord by one point heading into the final four games, but focus should not be an issue for the club and their fans, who will be desperate to return to a European final after a lengthy drought.
There’s no question as to where Schalke’s focus lies at the moment. Stuck in mid-table obscurity in the Bundesliga, their season rests on the shoulders of their performance in the Europa League – barring a drastic late-season turnaround in the league.
One of the major storylines circulating this tie is the return of Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to Amsterdam, facing his former club for the first time since his departure to Real Madrid in 2009. He’s only started one match in 2017, but it did come in the Europa League.
CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS:
AJAX (4-3-3): Onana; Veltman, Sanchez, Viergever, Sinkgraven; Ziyech, Van de Beek, Klaassen; Kluivert, Younes, Traore.
SUBS: Tete, Neres, De Jong, Dolberg, Boer, Nouri, De Ligt.
Peter Bosz makes three changes from their last Europa League match against Copenhagen. Skipper Davy Klaassen returns having served his one-match ban, and simply fills in for Lasse Schone, who misses out through suspension, meaning Donny van de Beek keeps his place in midfield. Kasper Dolberg is back to health after missing a fortnight with an injury, but he starts on the bench as Justin Kluivert, son of famous Patrick, is awarded his first European start. Daley Sinkgraven replaces Matthijs de Ligt in defence, as Nick Viergever moves to centre-half.
Markus Weinzierl makes two changes from the second leg against Monchengladbach, but there is no room in the starting XI for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who will have to hope for an appearance off the bench against his former side. Both changes come in midfield as Alessandro Schopf and Max Meyer replace Johannes Geis and Eric Choupo-Moting.
Outstanding pregame ceremony at the Amsterdam ArenA as the fans almost seem to have gathered in advance to choreograph the festivities. The atmosphere is absolutely deafening! European nights are always special, but there's something about these Ajax supporters that make them even more riveting.
Complete and utter domination from Ajax, who enjoyed over 60 per cent possession and peppered the Schalke goal with shots, while the visitors had just one of their own. Davy Klaassen's penalty has given the hosts a deserved lead at the break, and they almost made it two, but Davinson Sanchez's header was parried onto the bar. Schalke need to make some major adjustments.
That's all for our live coverage, thanks for following along. Goodbye!
A brace from skipper Davy Klaassen gives Ajax a big leg up heading into the return leg in Germany next week, on the back of a dominant performance in Amsterdam. The scoreline was a flattering one for Schalke, with keeper Ralf Fahrmann putting in an inspired performance to limit what could have been a lot more damage inflicted by the Dutch outfit.
Commentary
More…