Ajax struggled the entire first half of the match in Enschede. They conceded an early goal scored by former Ajacied Kristian Hlynnson, and struggled to get away from FC Twente’s pressure. Towards the end of the first half, Ajax slowly began to regain composure but failed to become dangerous. The Amsterdam-based team went into the dressing room being 1-0 down.
A completely different Ajax returned from the dressing room after the break. Within ten minutes, Ajax had scored three goals and were looking at a completely different outcome than expected based on the first half. Wout Weghorst opened the scoring after a great pass from Kenneth Taylor. The goalscorer went to celebrate his goal with coach John Heitinga. Only a few minutes later, Oscar Gloukh doubled the lead with an incredible strike into the top corner. Ajax, full of fresh energy, were on the hunt for more goals — and they came. Weghorst sent Moro through, who saw Godts making a run alongside him across the pitch. After a cross, Godts found the net: 1–3.
Heitinga’s team continued to lead in the second half. After an unfortunate handball by Rosa, FC Twente were awarded a penalty. Ricky van Wolfswinkel scored: 2–3. No more goals were scored in the remainder of the match. The burst of energy the Ajacieden found in the dressing room at half-time ensured a much-needed victory. Ajax return to Amsterdam with three points and a sigh of relief.
FC Twente – Ajax 2-3 (1-0)
4. Hlynsson 1-0
49. Weghorst 1-1
51. Oscar Gloukh 1-2
56. Mika Godts 1-3
64. Van Wolfswinkel 2-3
Ajax: Pasveer; Rosa, Sutalo, Itakura (46. Wijndal), Baas; McConnell (46. Regeer), Taylor, Gloukh; Moro (73. Edvardsen), Godts (90. Klaassen), Weghorst
