Berghuis accepts Ajax were outplayed in dramatic Bodo/Glimt draw

Steven Berghuis admitted Ajax were outplayed by Bodo/Glimt despite salvaging a dramatic 2-2 draw in their Europa Conference League play-off first leg.

The Norwegian visitors scored either side of half-time at the Johan Cruyff Arena and looked comfortable for the majority of the game before Odin Bjortuft conceded a penalty and was sent off in injury time.

Branco van den Boomen converted from the spot and the hosts took advantage of the extra man as Berghuis netted in the dying seconds to restore parity heading into next week's return.

The Dutch international said: "We have to do things much, much better.

"Compliments to them but we have to look at ourselves and how we played.

"We were outnumbered in midfield again and we ended up chasing large spaces. We were then out of position when we got the ball and could not attack properly.

"They really outplayed us."

Berghuis was clear that only a large amount of fortune allowed the Dutch giants back into the tie.

He said: "The red card, the penalty and then seven minutes of added time gave us a chance.

"The crowd got behind us and we put everything into attack. At the last moment we scored and we go to Norway in a reasonable position.

"But we have to play better to beat them."

It was not a happy night for Ajax's leading goalscorer Brian Brobbey, who has netted 17 times this season but was largely frustrated by Bodo/Glimt's dominance.

And he also accepted his team must improve in the second leg.

He said: "It was a very difficult match.

"We didn't cope well under their pressure and they have a very good team. We have to keep our wits about us when we play them again."

The return fixture will take place in Bodo next Thursday.