Frank de Boer: 'Barcelona didn't expect our performance'

Ajax coach Frank de Boer has claimed that Barcelona were stunned by his side's performance in their 2-1 win in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Dutch side took a two-goal lead before holding on after Xavi converted a penalty following Joel Veltman's sending-off.

"I don't think Barcelona expected this, we have achieved a victory thanks to our fighting spirit and our quality," De Boer told reporters.

"The first half was fantastic, after that it was unfortunate that we were down to 10 men.

"I had said that Ajax would be the first team to beat Barcelona with the football we always want to play, which is offensive football."

De Boer's side are now one point behind AC Milan, with Barca having already qualified in Group H.