Amsterdam, Feb 20 (IANS): AFC Ajax took a step towards the last 16 of the Europa League by beating Legia Warsaw 1-0 here.

Ajax had been ousted in the second round of the Europa League in the past three seasons and coach Frank de Boer said before the game that it was time to progress further in Europe. Unlike the previous three league matches De Boer Thursday lined up Polish striker Arkadiusz Milik versus his compatriots from Legia, reports Xinhua.

In the battle between the reigning Dutch and Polish champions, who had just returned to action after a winter break, the team from the Netherlands was the better team in the first half.

However, chances were rare. Legia came to defend and hardly caused their opponents any trouble in the first part.

In the 35th minute, Milik found a hole in the Polish defence. He received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and curled the ball past Legia goalkeeper Dusan Kuciak into the net.

Riechedly Bazoer and Anwar El Ghazi also had goal attempts on behalf of Ajax, but missed the target.

In the second half Legia left their defensive positions and caused Ajax many more problems.

Thanks to Ajax goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen the home team kept a clean sheet as he saved efforts from close range from Orlando Sa with his right foot. In addition, Legia forward Michal Zyro missed a very good opportunity when his shot went over the goal bar.

In the final phase of the match, Ajax gained more control again, with substitutes Jairo Riedewald, Lasse Schone and Daley Sinkgraven coming in, but failed to create chances once again.

Ajax ensured the 1-0 victory and a good start for the return leg Feb 26 in Warsaw.