Ajax took a step closer to the Champions League Group Stages after beating Sturm Graz in the second qualifying round of the competition.

New signings Daley Blind and Dusan Tadic were forced to wait for their competitive debuts after being named on the bench.

Ajax were on top from the offset and took the lead after just 15 minutes through Hakim Ziyech.

The Moroccan turned past a number two Sturm Graz defenders before unleashing a strike from the edge of the box.

The effort seemed simple enough for the Sturm Graz goalkeeper to collect, but a slight bobble saw the ball go over his hands and into the back of the net.

Ajax continued to mount the pressure on the Austrian side, limiting them to very few chances.

The Sons of the Gods continued to create chances but were flagged offside five times in the first half.

Sturm Graz seemed fired up as they came out for the second half and created a great chance after 50 minutes.

The Ajax defence was caught napping as they allowed a great ball into the box towards Fabian Koch.

The right back watched the ball all the way to him and just had to tap it in at the back post but put his effort wide.

The visitors were made to pay for this miss just minutes later after David Neres was brought down in the box.

Lasse Schone stepped up to take the spot kick and his effort was easily saved before he tapped the rebound home to double his sides lead.

Klaas Jan Huntelaar had the chance to put the game to bed after debutant Dusan Tadic played an excellent ball across the six yard box to him, but the veteran forward headed just over.

Ajax will be happy with their win but will know that the job is not done as they travel to Austria for the second leg of this tie next week.