Ajax took the first step towards qualification for the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday by beating Steaua Bucharest 2-0 in the first leg in Amsterdam.

Reigning Dutch champions Ajax had the best of the game, especially in the first half. Defender Toby Alderweireld opened the scoring in the 28th minute after heading in a free kick by Christian Eriksen. Striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson, who started for the first time after an injury lay-off of five months, added another on the stroke of half-time, but his goal was disallowed for off-side.

After the break Ricardo van Rhijn doubled the margin. The right- back finished a combination with Sightorsson and Siem De Jong.

In the remaining of the match the visitors created some chances, but Ajax goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen produced some terrific saves. He tapped a deflected cross from Adrian Popa on the crossbar and also kept Raul Rusescu from scoring from close range. Cilissen had entered the pitch after half-time instead of first choice Kenneth Vermeer, who suffered a shoulder injury.

Steaua finished the game with ten men. Mihai Pintilii received his second yellow booking in the 89th minute.

The return in Bucharest will be played next week, on February 21. The winner will take on Chelsea or Sparta Prague at the last 16.

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