AMSTERDAM, (AFP) – Ajax gave their chances of qualifying for the Champions League last 16 a huge boost as they beat Barcelona 2-1 on yesterday despite playing almost the entire second-half with 10 men.

First-half goals from Thulani Serero and Danny Hoesen had the hosts well in command at the break.

However, Barca were back in the game minutes after the restart as Joel Veltman was sent off for bringing down Neymar inside the area and Xavi converted the resulting spot-kick.

Barca then pressed for an equaliser, but failed to breakdown a stubborn Ajax backline as they slipped to a first defeat in any competition this season.

AC Milan’s 3-0 win away to Celtic in the other game in Group H means the Dutch side remain third, a point behind Milan, and will need to win in Italy when the two sides meet in two weeks’ time to progress.

“It was the worst first-half that we have played. It was horrible and there is no excuse,” Barca defender Gerard Pique told TV3.

“In the second, with a player more, we couldn’t create danger. We need to improve and reflect a lot. Barcelona cannot show this image of itself.”

Ajax boss Frank de Boer, however, argued the result had more to do with his side’s style of play than Barca having an off day.

“We played a good match. They are not used to being under so much pressure as we created in the first-half, nor a team that builds from the back,” he said.

“We deserved to be 2-0 ahead at half-time. The (penalty) decision was key because it is a red card and a goal, but we fought hard.”

And De Boer believes a repeat performance at the San Siro on December 11 could see his side into the last 16.

“It will be a difficult game. We need to play as we did today and, if we do, then we will have a great chance to go through.”

Despite injuries to a series of key players, including Lionel Messi, and having already qualified for the knockout stages, Barca boss Gerardo Martino still named a strong side.

However, the Catalans were forced back from the off by a young Ajax side full of energy and quality on the ball.

Jose Manuel Pinto got down well to his left to save Viktor Fischer’s effort after 11 minutes, but there was nothing the stand-in ‘keeper could do to prevent Serero opening the scoring eight minutes later as he turned home Ricardo Van Rhijn’s low cross.

Barca should have been level six minutes later when Neymar was released through on goal by Pedro, but the Brazilian dragged his shot well off target.

Lasse Schone then forced Pinto into another smart save, but the Barca defence was breached for a second time four minutes before half-time.

Pinto again did well to parry Fischer’s first effort, but Hoesen reacted quicker than the statuesque Pique and Carles Puyol to double the Dutch champions’ advantage.

Barca were handed a lifeline just two minutes after the restart when Veltman brought down Neymar just inside the area and was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.