Ajax star left with blood pouring down face before returning to pitch in SWIMMING CAP during Europa League clash
AN AJAX star was left with blood pouring down his face before returning to the pitch in a SWIMMING CAP.
Defender Daniele Rugani, 30, lined up for their Dutch giants in their Europa League last-16 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday.
Ajax lost the first leg at home 2-1 and were desperate to make amends in Germany.
But they losing 6-2 on aggregate as travelling fans suffered a miserable evening.
However, Rugani gave them something to be proud about with a brave piece of play.
The Italian is on loan at Ajax from Juventus.
And he showed his dedication to the cause by taking a big knock to the head while organising the defence.
The five-time Serie A winner was left with blood pouring down onto his face.
But Rugani refused to be taken off in Ajax’s time of need.
Moving to the sideline, the centre-back left fans stunned as he chucked on a swimming cap.
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The headpiece slotted perfectly onto his scalp and immediately stopped any blood pouring from his cut.
Rugani was able to stay on the pitch but his presence proved to be futile.
Ajax did manage to pull a goal back in the 78th minute to make it 3-1 on the night.
But Mario Gotze netted moments later for his second goal of the game.
It saw Frankfurt win the match 4-1 on the night and 6-2 on aggregate.
And they will now face either Tottenham or AZ Alkmaar in the quarters, with Spurs chasing a 1-0 deficit from the first leg.