Ajax emerged victorious over Bodo/Glimt in extra time to advance to the round of 16 in the UEFA Europa Conference League, while Betis and Frankfurt were eliminated from the competition.

Ajax Amsterdam celebrated a hard-fought victory over FK Bodø/Glimt in the UEFA Conference League play-off match, securing their place in the last 16. Despite the challenging conditions in the Arctic Circle, Ajax managed to withstand the storm from Bodo and emerge victorious. However, it was a disappointing night for Real Betis and Eintracht Frankfurt, who crashed out of the competition.

The Dutch giants relied on Kenneth Taylor’s fortunate finish in extra time to secure a 2-1 win over Bodo, sealing a 4-3 aggregate victory. Bodo will be left to rue their missed chances from the previous leg, where they dominated Ajax and hit the crossbar three times. Ajax, currently struggling in the Eredivisie, have had a difficult season and are sitting fifth in the league. Despite the arrival of Jordan Henderson in January, the England international has yet to taste victory with the club.

Ajax faced adversity during the match when Josip Sutalo was sent off early in the second half for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. They also escaped a potential red card and penalty when Borna Sosa handled the ball on the line but was saved by a questionable foul on goalkeeper Diant Ramaj. Bodo piled on the pressure and came close to scoring with Patrick Berg and Jens Petter Hauge hitting the crossbar. However, Bodo’s hopes were dashed when Albert Gronbaek received two quick bookings, reducing them to 10 men. Berg finally found the equalizer, but Bodo’s hopes of a winner were denied by an offside flag. In the end, it was Taylor’s cross-cum-shot in the 114th minute that proved decisive, finding its way into the top corner.

In another match, Real Betis crashed out of the competition after a 1-1 draw against Dinamo Zagreb. Cedric Bakambu’s clever backheel finish gave Betis hope of overturning their 1-0 defeat in the first leg. However, Takuro Kaneko equalized for Dinamo Zagreb, and despite a VAR review for a potential penalty, the Croatian champions held on for the win. Betis’ elimination means they will have no representation in the Conference League, adding to Spain’s disappointment in European competitions this season.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s hopes of replicating their UEFA Europa League success from two years ago were shattered as Union Saint-Gilloise stunned them with a 2-1 victory. Union had come back from a 2-0 deficit in the first leg and continued their impressive performance in Germany, securing the win with goals from Cameron Puertas and Dennis Eckert. Junior Dina Ebimbe’s late consolation goal was not enough for Frankfurt, who are now winless in their last five games.

Other teams that secured their place in the last 16 include Olympiakos, who defeated Ferencvaros 2-0 on aggregate, and Molde, who thrashed Legia Warsaw 3-0 to progress. Sturm Graz also had a convincing victory, winning 1-0 against Slovan Bratislava to complete a 5-1 aggregate win. Servette edged past Ludogorets Razgrad with a 1-0 victory, while Aston Villa is among the teams eagerly awaiting the draw for the next round.

The draw for the last 16 will take place on Friday at 12:00 UK time, and fans will be eagerly anticipating the matchups that lie ahead in the UEFA Europa Conference League.