Lausanne go for glory in Amsterdam

Mazzoni (left) is congratulated after scoring the only goal in the first leg Keystone

The footballers of Lausanne are hoping to write one of the biggest chapters in their club history on Thursday when Pierre-André Schürmann's team take a 1-0 first leg lead into the second leg of their UEFA Cup tie with Dutch legends Ajax.

After securing victory at the Pontaise stadium two weeks ago with a goal from Argentinian striker Javier Mazzoni, Lausanne need only draw in Amsterdam to ensure their progression to the third round. A defeat by a single goal would also be enough if the Swiss side manage to score at least once themselves.

Lausanne’s league form has been far from convincing at late with the team losing four and drawing two of their last six matches, but Schürmann is concentrating on their performances in Europe, where Lausanne have won all five of their games so far this season.

Ajax have themselves been suffering from a bad spell domestically. Last weekend the Dutch side managed to win away for the first time in almost a year, thanks to a goal from their Brazilian winger Wamberto.

Wamberto will not pose a threat to Lausanne on Thursday though, having been suspended from the match following his red card in the first leg. Schürmann is placing little confidence on the Brazilian’s absence though, insisting that “Ajax have three or four players who can replace him.”

swissinfo with agencies