Ajax manager, John Heitinga, has explained the reasons behind his team’s heavy 5-1 defeat to Chelsea in their UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday night.

Speaking after the game, Heitinga said Ajax’s game plan was working effectively until they were reduced to 10 men, which completely changed the rhythm of the match.

“The game plan was working and I think it was hard for them to break the lines. We even had one offensive transition with Mika Godts,” Heitinga told reporters.

“Then the red card happened and I think they scored two goals from the penalty spot, then two goals were deflected. I cannot blame the players, they were working really hard.”

Ajax went behind early after Marc Guiu opened the scoring for the Blues, with Moises Caicedo doubling the advantage shortly after.

Although Wout Weghorst pulled one back for the Dutch side, Enzo Fernandez and Estevao Willian both converted penalties before half-time to extend Chelsea’s lead. Tyrique George sealed the victory with a fifth goal after the break.

Heitinga, while expressing disappointment with the result, also acknowledged Chelsea’s quality.

He said the London side was “one of the better teams in the Champions League,” and despite the numerical disadvantage, his players “gave everything” on the pitch.

Chelsea’s emphatic win keeps them firmly in control of their Champions League group, while Ajax now face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stage.