Fred Grim took charge as interim coach for Ajax, replacing John Heitinga, who was suspended on Thursday. Grim handed a starting place to Gerald Alders, who made his full debut. In addition, Kasper Dolberg returned to the match squad after a spell out through injury.
The match had a very open character in the early stages. Ajax created chances through Mika Godts but failed to capitalise. In the 43rd minute, Wout Weghorst appeared to have scored a stunning goal, but it was ruled out by VAR due to a foul in the build-up. To make matters worse, FC Utrecht struck from a corner a minute later, making it 1-0 instead of 0-1.
In the second half, Ajax conceded again from a set piece, this time through former Ajax striker Sébastien Haller, leaving them with a mountain to climb. However, a quick response from Mika Godts – a superb long-range effort – reignited hope.
Ajax pushed hard for an equaliser and seemed to have more left in the tank in the closing stages, but ultimately the match ended 2-1.
FC Utrecht - Ajax 2-1 (1-0)
45+1. Didden 1-0
54. Haller 2-0
56. Godts 2-1
Ajax: Pasveer, Rosa (67. Gaaei), Sutalo, Baas, Alders, Regeer, Taylor (87. Moro), Gloukh (67. Klaassen), Edvardsen (87. Bounida), Weghorst, Godts (87. Dolberg)
“aja”
