Ajax's Blind admits to 'timid' cup celebrations ahead of Spurs clash

Blind says Ajax's cup final win celebrations at the weekend were "timid" owing to the gravity of their looming clash with Tottenham. Credit: PA

Ajax defender Daley Blind says his side's cup final win celebrations at the weekend were "timid" owing to the gravity of their looming Champions League clash with Tottenham.

The Dutch side won the KNVB Cup with a 4-0 success over Willem II on Sunday but their thoughts immediately turned to the semi-final second leg with Spurs.

Ajax are protecting a 1-0 lead from last week's first leg in London and are 90 minutes away from a first Champions League final since 1995.

Their silverware on Sunday could be the first part of a treble as they are also in the box seat to claim the Eredivisie title, needing to match PSV's results over the last two games to lift the trophy.

The Dutch side won the KNVB Cup with a 4-0 success over Willem II on Sunday Credit: PA

But Blind, who scored the opening goal for Ajax in the final, said the party was a low-key affair.

"Most were on the pitch and afterwards we celebrated in the stadium with the fans," the former Manchester United defender said.

"After that it was timid, we had food with the players and after that, we went home.

"It wasn't difficult, right in the moment it's not. You know what's coming."

Blind added: "It's clear this match was in our thoughts.

"I'm not nervous. I think a little bit of healthy tension is good and comparable to the other matches.

"Just like the other matches, and the group phase, they're all important matches against big opponents and you have to make the best of it during preparation. You have to do that yourself."