Europe: Akpom hits Ajax hat-trick, Chelsea edge Servette, De Gea makes Fiorentina debut
Nigerian striker Chuba Akpom was the star man across Europe on Thursday night as he scored a hat-trick to inspire Ajax to a 4-1 away victory over Jagiellonia Bialystok in their UEFA Europa League playoffs first leg clash.
Meanwhile, UEFA Conference League favourites Chelsea laboured to a 2-0 victory over Servette of Switzerland in the first leg of their playoffs tie at Stamford Bridge.
Akpom, who is in his second season at Ajax after playing most of his career in England where he was born, struck once in the first half and twice in the second half against the Polish side to lead Ajax to the comfortable win.
The 28-year-old forward had not scored in his four previous appearances in the Europa League this season before his explosion tonight.
Former England U-21 international Akpom joined Ajax for €12m in 2023 and has scored 15 goals and made three assists in 42 appearances.
In other Europa League playoffs clashes tonight, SC Braga of Portugal defeated Rapid Wien of Austria 2-1, Anderlecht secured a 1-0 win away to Dinamo Minsk, and Lugano played a 3-3 draw with Besktas in Switzerland.
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea scored twice in the second half through a Christopher Nkunku penalty and a fine Noni Madueke finish after a tepid first half to earn their first victory under Enzo Maresca.
In another Conference League clash involving a big club, former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea made his Fiorentina debut as they were held to a 3-3 draw at home by Puskas FC Academy, while Real Betis won 2-0 at Kryvbas.
