After a series of disappointing losses, Ajax has posted a convincing win. In Friesland, the Amsterdam team defeated sc Heerenveen by 1-3, thanks in part to 2 goals by captain Dusan Tadic. Jurriën Timber made his debut and Quincy Promes scored the Amsterdam team’s 3rd goal.
As AZ had defated ADO by 4-0 earlier in the evening, Ajax had to defeat the Eredivisie’s number 10 team and bring home 3 points in order to regain the top position in the rankings.
Timber’s debut
Coach Erik ten Hag changed his team in several positions compared to the team which lost the Cup semi-final game to FC Utrecht. The most noticeable addition was Jurriën Timber. The youngster made his debut in the away game against sc Heerenveen, next to Daley Blind at centre back.
After 12 minutes – during which Ajax’s dominance failed to result in any good opportunities – the young defender enters referee Manschot’s book as he hauls down a Heerenveen forward. Faik sent the shot from the awarded free kick into the side net with a curve.
In the rest of the first half, the teams play an entertaining game and Ajax has opportunities via Lassina Traoré and Dusan Tadic. Keeper Bednarek comes out as the winner in both cases
After transitions, Heerenveen was able to storm the Ajax goal very quickly. Andre Onana has his hands (and feel) full with Ejuke. The home team gets an opportunity to score the 1-0 goal one minute before halftime, but Haliovic miraculously fails to send the ball into the goal. The game remains scoreless so far.
0-3 within 6 minutes!
The fact that the score is still 0-0 in the 56th minute can be attributed to a great save by Onana, this time on a shot by Joey Veerman. But a few minutes later, Ajax are the ones to score! Dusan Tadic receives the ball after a swift attack by Faik and sends the ball in: 0-1.
The captain finds himself at the right place at the right time three minutes later, and sends the 0-2 goal past Bednarek. The goals light a fire under the team, and in 63rd minute, the score is 0-3 on the Fries scoreboard. Quincy Promes is the author this time.
The fact that Heerenveen scored the 1-3 goal shortly after Promes’ goal didn’t put a damper on the game. Ajax wins and reclaims the top spot in the rankings from AZ, who had it in its possession for 2 hours.