It wasn’t enough for Ajax to just dump Real Madrid out of the Champions League.
No, they then had to inflict the same fate on Juventus.
To describe the Eredivisie leaders as the surprise package of world football’s best club tournament would be something of an understatement.
Their march to the semi-finals marks a stunning turnaround for a club which not that long ago failed to make it out of the group stage.
To put their meteoric rise back to the big time in some perspective, the Dutchmen lost to Celtic in 2013, with goals from James Forrest and Beram Kayal enough for Neil Lennon’s side to achieve a 2-1 victory.
The two sides were to face each other the following season and although Ajax were not to lose either of those two ties, they remained group stage fodder. Until now, that is.
But what are the secrets of their success? Here we examine five key factors...
Coach
Erik Ten Hag's first managerial job was with Go Ahead Eagles in 2012, before moving to Bayern Munich II between 2013 and 2015. The Bayern first team were led by Pep Guardiola at this time and the Spaniard's influence on Ten Hag is evident. A return to his homeland saw the Dutchman exceed all expectations at Utrecht with back-to-back top-five Eredivisie finishes and Europa League qualification. He was appointed Ajax boss in December 2017.
Rising stars
Matthijs de Ligt quizzed on future as Barcelona and Juventus lead chase for Ajax star
Frenkie De Jong and Matthijs De Ligt are among the brightest prospects in European football and form part of the crop of young talents coming through at Ajax. Barcelona have already snapped up De Jong, the midfielder set to join the Spanish champions on a five-year contract for €75million in the summer. Captain De Ligt looks like he could be the next to leave, with the likes of Barca, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Arsenal reportedly keen to sign the 19-year-old.
Experience
Ten Hag has rejuvenated the careers of Dusan Tadic and Daley Blind, who were signed during the summer following a frustrating campaign for both men in the Premier League last season. Former Southampton forward Tadic became just the ninth player in history to get a perfect 10 out of 10 score in L'Equipe's infamously ruthless player ratings for his performance in Ajax's 4-1 victory in Madrid last month.
Style of play
Guardiola's influence is clear but Ten Hag has also been true to the Ajax way pioneered by Johan Cruyff. That philosophy has seen Ten Hag mould a vibrant and energetic team led by an exciting blend of talented youngsters and aided by a few experienced heads.
Tradition
Installing former players who understand the club in key off-field roles has aided the resurgence of Ajax. Marc Overmars is the director of football and has been credited with playing a major role in the assembly of Ajax's precocious side. Meanwhile, Edwin Van Der Sar is currently working as the club's chief executive.
