Two moments were crucial for the result of AZ - Ajax. A second yellow card for Edgar Davids, at the end of the first half, changed the nature of the match. Both Davids and referee Wefereef were to blame. Only three minutes after his first booking, Davids committed another foul. The first card for the midfielder was very controversial. Julian Jenner gladly dove to the grass, but Wegereef showed no doubts.

Even worse for Ajax was the way the equaliser came to be. Goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg was fouled by Demy de Zeeuw ten minutes before the end. The AZ player clearly slid toward the goalkeeper with his leg extended. With Stekelenburg being down with an injury, Maarten Martens had very little trouble putting the ball in the empty goal: 1-1. Stekelenburg had to be treated for minutes before he could resume the match.

With only ten players, Ajax had taken the lead fifteen minutes earlier. Former AZ player Kenneth Perez fired the ball in from close range after Leonardo had done the first work. With the goal, Ajax were rewarded for their hard work and dedication.

,,I have to make my team a big compliment'', said coach Henk ten Cate after the match. ,,They did a great job under these difficult circumstances.''
But even though Ajax had enough reasons to complain, they saw league leaders PSV take more distance in the title race. The difference with Ajax is now seven points.