After all the matches in the third qualifying round of the Champions League preliminary stage had been completed, UEFA immediately held the playoff draw.
The twelve teams participating in the playoffs were divided into six matchups, with the winners advancing to the Champions League Group Stage.
None of the playoff teams were weak. They included Primeira Liga side Benfica, Greece's AEK Athens, Croatia's Dinamo Zagreb, Ukraine's Dynamo Kyiv, and several other renowned European powerhouses. No matter whom they drew, a bitter battle was guaranteed.
Ajax were ultimately drawn against Ukraine's Dynamo Kyiv, another formidable opponent.
In the third round, Dynamo Kyiv had defeated Czech side Slavia Prague 1–1 away and 2–0 at home, displaying considerable strength. This would also become a problem for Ajax.
With Dynamo Kyiv awaiting them in midweek, Yang Yang once again made extensive rotations for Ajax's weekend Eredivisie match.
On the evening of August 18, in the second round of the Eredivisie, Ajax visited Venlo.
After narrowly avoiding relegation the previous season, many people believed Venlo would remain one of the leading relegation candidates this season. Unexpectedly, however, they had defeated Willem II 1–0 away in the opening round and claimed three points.
Hosting Ajax in the second round, Venlo naturally hoped to continue their opening-round performance, especially since Ajax were currently busy with European competition and had no time to spare for their domestic league campaign.
Whether Ajax or Eindhoven, European competition was the stage they valued most.
Both sides lined up in the traditional Dutch 4-3-3 Formation, making it a clash of equals.
Yang Yang rotated eight players this time, including captain De Ligt, who was rested. The Captain Armband was given to Veltman, while the match itself proved extremely difficult.
Through High Press and excellent passing and possession in midfield, Ajax seized