Koeman rues lost points

AFC Ajax coach Ronald Koeman admitted that his side paid the price for attempting to defend their one-goal lead in the 1-1 draw at home to Rosenborg BK in Group D of the UEFA Champions League.

Ajax dominated 
Koeman had seen his team dominate for long periods after going into the break holding the advantage through striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic's 41st-minute close-range effort. However, the Dutch side allowed Rosenborg to come back into the match, and ten minutes from the end Dagfinn Enerly calmly stroked a spot-kick past Ajax goakeeper Henk Timmer to equalise.

'We were punished'
Koeman said: "They hardly did anything while we gave everything to score the first goal - which I have to say was a beautiful one. In the second half we played more on the defensive and in the end we were punished."

Difficult games ahead
Ajax face group leaders Olympique Lyonnais on Matchday Five, followed by a potential group decider at home to Internazionale FC and Koeman believes the Amsterdam side's passage to the next phase will be a tortuous one. He said: "We have two difficult games and if we lose in Lyon next week then we will have to go for a big win against Inter in the final game."

Words with Ibrahimovic
The former Dutch international also made it clear that he would review the incident in which Ibrahimovic seemed to strike Rosenborg defender Erik Hoftun midway through the first half. Koeman said: "I will have to look at it on TV, but from what I have heard I may have to have a conversation with Zlatan - it's not a smart thing to do especially as we were playing so well in the first half."

Happy Eggen
Rosenborg coach Nils Arne Eggen left the Amsterdam ArenA more than happy with the outcome, claiming that his side deserved to take something from the game. He said: "We had a few problems dealing with their attack in the first half but after the break we improved. We created plenty of chances and you could see how agitated Ajax were becoming - and I think this helped us score our equaliser."

Tough opponents
Ajax defender Andre Bergdølmo, who was making his second appearance against his former club in a matter of weeks, said: "Rosenborg are tough opponents - tougher then everyone thinks. We played very well in the first half but couldn't kill off the game. These are expensive points to lose at home."