Ajax Women lose to Anderlecht in pre-season friendly

After recording a 4-1 victory over Belgian champions OH Leuven on Wednesday, Ajax faced another Belgian opponent in their second pre-season fixture of the week. Watched by Ajax legend Sjaak Swart, Anouk Bruil's side made an impressive start and took the lead after just two minutes. Katja Snoeijs found the back of the net to give Ajax an early 1-0 advantage.

Ajax dominated the opening 20 minutes, applying pressure and controlling possession. However, Anderlecht gradually grew into the game and equalised after 35 minutes when the ball was lofted over goalkeeper Femke Liefting to make it 1-1.

The visitors struck again just before the break. A cross from the byline was cut back into the area and finished along the ground, giving Anderlecht a 2-1 lead heading into half-time.

Both sides created opportunities after the interval. Liefting was called into action on several occasions, while Joëlle Smits came close to levelling the score with two chances at the other end. Play was temporarily halted after around 65 minutes following an injury to Ranneke Derks. She was eventually carried off the pitch on a stretcher.

There was little goalmouth action after the restart, and the score remained unchanged as Ajax Women concluded the friendly with a 2-1 defeat. Ajax Women begin their competitive campaign on 5 August, when they face Brøndby IF in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Women's Champions League.