A 2-1 win for them in Enschede proved to be enough as they held their hosts at bay for much of the match, with Rasmus Lindgren denied in stoppage time by Twente goalkeeper Sander Boschker, who had earlier denied Bruno Silva's snapshot.

As a result, Twente coach Fred Rutten joins Schalke with his name etched into history as the only man to have led them into Europe's top club competition.

Opposite number Adrie Koster leaves Ajax in the UEFA Cup - not what incoming coach Marco van Basten wanted.

Twente threatened in the third minute as Orlando Engelaar found Blaise Nkufo from a corner but goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg was equal to the Switzerland star's header.

Silva came close in the 19th minute - his effort had plenty of power behind it but Boschker punched the ball to safety.

Goalmouth action was in short supply throughout and with a lead to defend Twente looked in control, until Lindgren nearly stole it at the death for Ajax.

The ball fell to Luis Suarez in front of the goalmouth and, rather then opt to shoot, he played in Lindgren.

The cross was not perfect and left Lindgren cramped for room, presenting Boschker with a relatively simple save.