Ajax handed Olympiacos its first friendly loss.

The Piraeus-based team faced Ajax at its training center in Amsterdam and suffered a 1-0 loss, as they failed to capitalize on the few good chances they created and watched their opponents score the decisive goal in the 80th minute.

Popovic had a solid debut in goal, positioning himself well and being ready to make saves whenever needed, while Smailovic also put in a solid performance as Pirola’s partner. He took the field just a few hours after Roca was announced, who came on as a substitute in the 75th minute. 

Now, Medilibar’s team has two more friendlies to play, against the Belgian side Antwerp and the Dutch side Alkmaar on July 24–25, while their official competitive schedule will begin on August 4 or 5, when they will face one of the following teams—Saint-Gilloise, Sparta Prague, Nijmegen, or Sturm Graz/Harts in the third qualifying round of the Champions League!

*photo source: Olympiacos FC