Ajax Qualify for the Conference League Play-offs, Maarten Paes Replaces Marc ter Stegen

Maarten Paes was trusted as the starting goalkeeper as Ajax secured their spot in the 2026/27 Conference League play-off round. The Indonesia national team shot-stopper guarded Ajax's net during the 2-2 draw against Shelbourne FC in the third qualifying round second leg, held at Tolka Park, Dublin on Friday.

This draw was sufficient for Ajax to advance. The Dutch side had previously claimed a 3-1 first leg victory, giving them a 5-3 aggregate advantage over the Irish club.

Ajax manager Míchel Sanchez opted to field Paes from kick-off, replacing Marc ter Stegen who has not yet regained full fitness. This opportunity became a stage for Paes to prove his quality amid squad competition ahead of the European campaign.

Ajax took the lead in the 20th minute through Julian Brandt. Running off a short corner routine, Brandt sent a crossed delivery into the opposition goal area.

Shelbourne responded immediately. Evan Caffrey unleashed a long-range strike from outside the penalty box that deflected off an Ajax defender. The changed ball path wrongfooted Paes, leveling the score at 1-1.

Paes reacted positively after conceding. The 28-year-old goalkeeper pulled off a save to deny Rodrigo Freitas' headed attempt that would have put Shelbourne in front.

Ajax regained control shortly before half-time. Anton Gaaei fired a powerful strike that Shelbourne goalkeeper Eddie Beach could not stop.

Ajax came under heavier pressure in the second half. Shelbourne had a goal scored by Milan Mbeng disallowed for offside following a VAR review.

Shelbourne's sustained pressure finally produced an equaliser in the final minutes of the match. Substitute Sean Moore dribbled past Caio Henrique before firing a hard shot into the far corner of Paes' goal.

The 2-2 scoreline remained until full time. Despite failing to hold on for a second leg win, Ajax still progressed to the Conference League play-off round with their 5-3 aggregate lead.

For the play-off round, Ajax will face Swiss side FC Sion. The first leg is scheduled for Friday 21 August, with Ajax hosting the return second leg one week later on 28 August.

Elsewhere, fellow Dutch representatives FC Twente also confirmed their play-off progression, eliminating Slovakian club DAC 1904 with a dominant 9-3 aggregate score. The second leg finished 3-3, after Twente had recorded a 6-0 first leg win.

Conference League Qualifying Second Leg Results - 14 August 2026

DAC 1904 3-3 FC Twente (agg 3-9)
Dinamo Minsk 0-0 Braga (agg 0-1)
FC Midtjylland 3-2 Bohemian FC (agg 5-2)
Nordsjaelland 5-0 Valur (agg 7-0)
Hammarby 0-1 Rakow Czestochowa (agg 0-1)

ML Vitebsk 2-1 Borac Banja Luka (agg 2-2)
Tromso 2-1 CFR Cluj (agg 7-1)
FC Vaduz 2-2 FC Inter Turku (agg 3-4)
NSI Runavik 2-2 Lugano (agg 2-4)
Drita 5-0 Tre Fiori (agg 9-1)

KF Shkendija 0-0 Hibernian (agg 1-2)
St. Gallen 5-1 FC Sheriff (agg 8-2)
Sion 2-1 FC Noah (agg 4-3)
Austria Wien 1-2 Beitar Jerusalem (agg 3-3)
Gent 1-1 IFK Goteborg (agg 2-1)

Gyori ETO 1-1 Riga FC (agg 1-2)
Motherwell 2-0 HJK (agg 3-1)
Shelbourne 2-2 Ajax Amsterdam (agg 3-5)
FC Dinamo 4-0 Auda (agg 4-1)
Hajduk Split 4-0 Zalgiris Vilnius (agg 9-2)