In Groningen, Ajax fell behind early on. In the sixth minute, Thom van Bergen escaped the offside trap and the ball went into the Ajax goal via the body of Maarten Paes.
Ajax did not let their heads drop and immediately went in search of the equaliser. After several threatening moments, the visitors got their reward in the thirtieth minute. Davy Klaassen headed an excellent cross from Anton Gaaei in at the far post, scoring his fifth goal of the season. Shortly before that, Wout Weghorst had hit the crossbar.
At times in the first half, the Ajacieden reached a good level, but they were unable to maintain that after the break. FC Groningen quickly created a handful of chances in the second half, while Ajax responded with a volley from Mika Godts.
Ultimately, substitute Oscar Zawada proved decisive between the sixty-fifth and seventy-second minute. He first scored with a turn and shot, before heading in the 3-1 shortly afterwards. Grim eventually made six substitutions in the second half – due to FC Groningen goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen leaving the pitch with a head injury, Ajax were also granted an additional substitution – but it made no difference to the outcome
FC Groningen - Ajax 3-1 (1-1)
6. Van Bergen 1-0
30. Klaassen 1-1
65. Zawada 2-1
72. Zawada 3-1
Ajax: Paes, Gaaei, Šutalo (83. Carrizo), Baas, Wijndal (89. Tomiyasu), Mokio (89. Konadu), Klaassen (69. Dolberg), Steur (89. Fitz-Jim), Berghuis (69. Bounida), Weghorst, Godts.
