Ajax has been reminded of how it feels to lose an Eredivise game. Coach Erik ten Hag’s team was forced to concede Friday’s night’s game to the surprising number 4-ranked team, Willem II. The Tilburg team was the winner in the Johan Cruijff ArenA, 0-2.
Unlike in last Sunday’s game, in which Ajax was able to convert a 2-0 deficit into a 5-2 win, a comeback wasn’t in the cards against Willem II. The home team created far less opportunities than in previous games. Willem II took full advantage of Ajax’s off day, and handed Ajax its first Eredivisie loss of the season. The last time that Ajax lost an Eredivisie game in the ArenA was on November 5, 2017 (FC Utrecht).
Penalty
Shortly before the break, things started to go south when right back Sergino Dest hauled down former Ajacied Ché Nunnely down in front of André Onana’s goal. Referee Kuipers indicated the spot and Willem II captan and strker Mike Trésor Ndayishimiye made good (0-1). Ajax had only dealt out a few small blows at that point, but was far from convincing.
Wellenreuther is in the air
After play had resumed, Ajax made a bold start but this didn’t give them many good opportunities. A Hakim Ziyech shot disappeared wide of the goal and substitute Siem de Jong’s header landed straight into the hands of Willem II keeper timonn Wellenreuther. The German had the magic touch in the air and neutralized several attacks from the Amsterdam team.
Ajax was simply unable to break through the Tilburg team’s defense, and had another goal against handed to them. Once again, an Ajacied was involved in the goal. Substitute Damil Dankerlui outplayed Onana with a low shot into the far corner (0-2). Ajax sought to score a goal, but didn’t manage, although Donny van de Beek did hit the crossbar in the 90th minute.
Valencia upcoming opponent
Ajax will play again on Tuesday, when the deciding UEFA Champions League game against Valencia is scheduled. Once again, the Johan Cruijff ArenA will be the setting. The clash against the Spanish team starts at 21:00.