A YEAR ago, Ajax were the darlings of Europe as they disposed of Juventus and Real Madrid and looked set to reach the UEFA Champions League final. In 2020, Ajax have left the European stage already having lost to Getafe in the Europa League, and they are being seriously challenged at the top of the Eredivisie. Ajax were recently beaten by AZ Alkmaar at the Johan Cruyff Arena, a result that put the victors level on points with their hosts and reminded the Amsterdam club’s fans that they are going to have to fight hard if they want to regain their domestic title. AZ’s win completed the double over Ajax (they won 1-0 earlier in the campaign at home) and have, uniquely, emerged triumphant…