Schalke exited the Europa League after suffering a tough loss to their Dutch counterparts on Thursday, yet the German club still had the grace and humility to play Ajax fans' adopted song after the final whistle.
Ajax will make their first appearance in a European semi-final in 20 years, while Schalke can now fully focus on their domestic duties.
QUESTIONS will be asked of the Schalke medical team after it was revealed star midfielder Leon Goretzka played for nearly 45 minutes with a double fracture of his jaw and severe concussion.
Nick Viergever and Amin Younes scored the crucial goals for the Eredivise side in the 111th and 120th minutes, after Daniel Caligiuri's headed goal in the first half of extra-time appeared to have won it for Schalke.
Despite carrying over a 2-0 lead, it looked very much like Ajax would be crashing out of the Europa League when Schalke cancelled the deficit within the first hour of the second leg.
Incredibly, he was still able to score the side's first goal of the evening less than 10 minutes after the second half started, which is an fantastic feat given the circumstances.
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He wrapped with an emotional " Purple Rain " and earned cheers and a standing ovation from those watching him on screen. She wore a pendant of Prince's symbol, which she had also spray-painted in black along the legs of her white trousers .
Things went from bad to worse for the visitors from Holland as Joel Veltman received his marching orders for repeated foul play in the 80th minute.
While the Bundesliga outfit were knocked out of the competition, losing 4-3 on aggregate after extra time, Kolasinac put in a barnstorming performance at the Veltins-Arena.
Weinzierl concluded: "We need to be fearless, both when we have the ball and when we don't have the ball. We should have protected our lead to the end but I can't fault my team", Schalke head coach Markus Weinzierl said.
The Amsterdam side now awaits the semi-final draw on Friday which could see them face Manchester United, Celta Vigo or Lyon.
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