The history at Ajax and headed braces: Thuram and Crespo alike

Last night's game in Amsterdam will hold a special place in Marcus Thuram's heart as he took a leading role in Inter's 2025/26 Champions League debut. The French forward, making his 100th appearance for the Nerazzurri, scored a spectacular brace, both headers, matching a record that has been untouched for more than 20 years. The only other headed brace in the Champions League from an Inter player came from Hernán Crespo in 2002, once again in Amsterdam against Ajax.

An incredible feat that was last seen more than two decades ago, now seen again, thanks to another number 9: 23 years later, away again, and to the same Dutch side again.

CALHA, TAKEOFF, AND FLY: THURAM'S BRACE

Thuram's two goals proved decisive in securing the Nerazzurri's first three points of the European campaign. Both goals came from assists from Hakan Calhanoglu. For the opener, the delivery from the midfielder's corner found the Inter number 9's incredible jump, sending the ball into the net with a header. The same move was seen again at the start of the second half, securing the French striker his brace and earning him the MVP award in the match at the Johan Cruijff Arena.

CRESPO'S MAGIC

We have to go back to November 2002 to relive the only other example of a headed brace in the Champions League. During the group stage of the 2002/03 Champions League, Héctor Cúper's Inter faced Ajax. In the first round at San Siro, Crespo's flying tap-in fired past Timmer to secure the 1-0 victory and the Nerazzurri's first three points of that European campaign.

The return leg in Amsterdam took place on 12 November, and Crespo took centre stage. In the 49th minute, Di Biagio advanced with the ball to the edge of the final third and delivered a precise cross into the centre, where the Nerazzurri striker opened the scoring with a header, once again with a brilliant run to the near post. Two minutes later, it was Crespo back at it, showcasing his talent. With a feint in midfield, he shook off a defender and played the ball to Morfeo, who quickly found Valdanito. The Argentinian striker then launched the ball down the left flank for Vieri, reaching the edge of the box and then able to deliver a cross into the centre. Crespo finds the ball with a flawlessly timed run and connects with a beautiful third-time header, securing his brace. Two strikes, two incredible flying headers that brought the Dutch defenders down before the decisive 2-1: two efforts, both by Inter's number 9, for a record that remained unbeaten for 23 years.