Ajax Secures Final Victory but Falls Short of 37th Eredivisie Crown

Ajax concluded their Eredivisie campaign in second place following a solid 2-0 victory over FC Twente.

Fielding five new faces in their starting eleven, Ajax began the match with intent, displaying a level of energy and urgency that has been lacking in recent outings. The new-look Ajax, featuring Brian Brobbey and Kenneth Taylor prominently in the attacking third, was unable to make a decisive breakthrough initially.

FC Twente came closest to breaking the deadlock early on, with Ricky van Wolfswinkel’s header forcing a remarkable stop from Ajax’s veteran goalkeeper Remko Pasveer, who turned in a sublime performance. After a brief phase of Twente pressure, Ajax soon reasserted control.

The home team finally capitalised on their dominance in the 28th minute, with captain Jordan Henderson netting his inaugural Eredivisie goal from a free-kick taken by Youri Regeer.

Ajax appeared set to extend their lead when Indonesian international Mees Hilgers, who conceded the free-kick leading to the opener, made a critical error deep in his half. Brian Brobbey delivered the ball to Steven Berghuis, but the winger was unable to convert a one-on-one with goalkeeper Przemyslaw Tyton using his less favoured right foot.

The Johan Cruyff ArenA erupted shortly after the commencement of the second half when news broke of Sparta Rotterdam’s equaliser against PSV—an outcome that would have effectively secured Ajax the Eredivisie title—only for Ajax to have a goal by substitute Wout Weghorst disallowed for offside after he successfully tapped the ball in.

The disappointment deepened for Ajax supporters as word spread of Luuk de Jong restoring PSV’s lead against Sparta, making it 2-1.

FC Twente created several opportunities within the following twenty minutes, with Van Wolfswinkel and Michel Vlap both coming close to scoring an equaliser. However, it was Ajax who ultimately found the back of the net again through Wout Weghorst during injury time.

Ajax’s season ended without a title, having squandered a 9-point lead in the closing stages, finishing second in the Eredivisie.