体坛英语新闻：Man. City go CL bottom after loss at Ajax

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- English champions Manchester City suffered a surprising 3-1 defeat to Ajax in Amsterdam on Wednesday to go bottom in Champions League Group D.

Ajax started the match well and played better than Manchester City in the first 20 minutes. This did not result in open chances, but with some shots from outside of the penalty area the home team revealed its intentions. However, a fast break by Manchester City seemed to end the hope of Ajax immediately.

Micah Richards passed to James Milner and the English midfielder moved up to the Ajax penalty area and found a completely free Samir Nasri on the left side. The French midfielder curled the ball over goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer into the net.

After that goal in the 22nd minute the confidence of the home team disappeared right away. The visitors took control and Ajax took long to recover from that setback. Out of nothing the Amsterdam side did manage to regain itself in the final minute of the first half. Ricardo van Rhijn's cross was finished convincingly by Ajax captain Siem de Jong.

The second half started with both teams waiting for the other to come. This status quo was broken in the 57th minute. A corner kick by Christian Eriksen was headed in by Ajax defender Niklas Moisander to take a 2-1 lead.

It became worse for the English champions in the 68th minute. Christian Eriksen created space for himself and his shot was deflected into the net by Gael Clichy, making 3-1 advantage for the Dutch side. Tobias Sana could have secured the victory with a fourth goal, but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Joe Hart.

With two extra strikers, Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli, Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini initiated a final offensive which resulted in possibilities for Edin Dzeko and Nasri.

However, Ajax were able to hold on and grab their first points in Group D. The Dutch champions are now third with three points after three matches, two more than Manchester City.

Borussia Dortmund lead the group after defeating Real Madrid 2- 1. Dortmund are on seven points, one point ahead of Real. The first two after six matches qualify for the next round of the Champions League, while the number three continues in the Europa League.