UEFA Champions LaegueRoma...1 Ajax...1Ajax qualified for the quarter finals of the Champions League after a 1-1 draw with AS Roma in Group B on Wednesday.
The result means that Fabio Capello's Roma side go out of the competition as Valencia, who won the group and the other qualification spot with their 2-1 home win over Arsenal.
Ajax went ahead after just 36 seconds at the Olympic Stadium, Andy van der Meyde cutting in from the left flank past Damiano Tomassi and firing a superb shot past the sprawling Ivan Pelizzoli.
Roma responded in the 23rd minute when French midfielder Vincent Candela split the Dutch defence with a perfect pass into the path of Antonio Cassano who coolly converted.
Two minutes later Roma's Brazilian defender Aldair struck the bar with a thundering strike from the edge of the Ajax penalty area.
Roma were missing inspirational captain Francesco Totti and the aerial presence of Argentine defender Walter Samuel because of suspensions.
Totti was sent off at Arsenal for using his elbow, while Samuel had to serve a one match ban after receiving his fifth booking of the campaign against the English club.
Roma went close again the 61st minute when Ajax keeper Bogdan Lobant was forced into a superb save, tipping over a dangerous free-kick from Candela. Substitute Diego Fuser wasted a good chance for Roma three minutes from the end as the Italians searched in vain for a winner.
