Ajax have stunned Barcelona with a 2-1 win over the Liga leaders in the Champions League this evening.

Goals from Thulani Serero and Danny Hoesen gave Frank de Boer's side a commanding lead against the Liga leaders at half time, before Barca hit back through Xavi.

The Spain midfielder scored a penalty after Joel Veltman was sent off for bringing down Neymar inside the box three minutes after the restart.

Serero gave the home side the lead after 19 minutes when he drilled home from Lasse Schone's cross.

Minutes earlier, Barca nearly took the lead when Neymar's blocked shot fell to Cesc Fabregas, but the Spain international was unable to convert as his shot deflected wide.

Barca were almost back in it after 25 minutes when Neymar beat the offside trap to go through, but the Brazilian's effort was eventually closed down.

© Getty Images

As the first half petered out, Hoesen converted via a deflection off Gerard Pique to give the Dutch side an unlikely two-goal lead.

Xavi converted from the spot to give Gerardo Martino's side a route back into the game, but the Dutch side held on to give their qualification hopes a shot in the arm.