ISTANBUL

Ajax defeated Ludogorets 4-1 in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League playoffs Thursday.

Mohammed Kudus scored a hat-trick in the 16th, 18th and 50th minutes while Brian Brobbey produced another goal for the Dutch club in the 40th minute at the Ludogorets Arena in Razgrad, Bulgaria.

The Bulgarian club's only goal came with a penalty kick from Olivier Verdon in the 70th minute.

The second leg will take place at Ajax's home ground, Johan Cruijff ArenA on Aug. 31.

Thursday’s results in first leg:

Slavia Praha vs. Zorya Luhansk: 2-0

Olympiacos vs. Cukaricki: 3-1

Union SG vs. Lugano: 2-0

Hacken vs. Aberdeen: 2-2

LASK vs. Zrinjski: 2-1

KI Klaksvik vs. Sheriff Tiraspol: 1-1

Olimpija Ljubljana vs. Qarabag: 0-2

Slovan Bratislava vs. Aris Limassol: 2-1

GNK Dinamo vs. Sparta Praha: 3-1