Ajax finished fifth in the final round of the league season following a 0-0 draw against sc Heerenveen and therefore had to extend their campaign by taking part in the play-offs. Due to concerts by Jorthy Mokio at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, Ajax were forced to move to Volendam.
Against FC Groningen, Ajax played an excellent first half. The Ajacieden were dominant and created plenty of chances. In the 24th minute, the breakthrough arrived: who else but Davy Klaassen (Mr 1-0) headed home the opener. Wout Weghorst also missed two major chances, while two further goals (from Mika Godts and Weghorst) were disallowed for offside.
After the break, Ajax’s victory was never under threat. The Ajacieden remained in control and extended their lead after 57 minutes. Jorthy Mokio brilliantly found the net from distance. After 69 minutes, FC Groningen thought they had fought their way back into the match, but Willum Willumsson’s goal was ruled out for offside.
In the closing stages, there was increasingly more space at the back for FC Groningen and Ajax had plenty of chances to score a third goal. Substitute Maher Carrizo in particular had his opportunities, but in the end it remained 2-0.
Ajax - FC Groningen 2-0 (1-0)
24. Klaassen 1-0
57. Mokio 2-0
Ajax: Paes, Gaaei, Bouwman, Baas, Rosa, Mokio, Steur (62. Regeer), Klaassen (84. Tomiyasu), Berghuis (71. Carrizo), Weghorst (71. Dolberg), Godts.
