Ajax is set to embark on a new European qualification campaign this summer, aiming to reach the Conference League group stage through three preliminary rounds.
The Amsterdam club's history in summer playoffs has been a mix of success and disappointment.
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Past Playoff Performances
In 2001, Ajax failed to qualify for the Champions League despite a 1-0 away win against Celtic, losing 3-1 at home and dropping to the UEFA Cup.
Two years later, Ajax succeeded against Grazer AK with a 2-1 extra-time victory in the second leg, thanks to goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Tomas Galasek after a 1-1 first-leg draw.
In 2005, Ajax advanced past Brondby IF with a 5-3 aggregate win. Wesley Sneijder scored twice in a 3-1 decisive home victory following a 2-2 draw in Denmark.
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Setbacks returned in 2006 and 2007.
Ajax lost to FC Copenhagen 2-0 at home after winning the away leg 2-1, then suffered two defeats against Slavia Prague the following summer.
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Ajax now faces a rigorous schedule to secure European football, drawing on lessons from past campaigns.
