Before kick-off, Joël Veltman was honored by Edwin van der Sar for his time at Ajax in a sold-out Johan Cruijff ArenA. The defender played 246 official matches for the first team, in winning four league titles along the way.
Early deficit
Veltman saw Ajax fall behind early in the game on Sunday afternoon. A quick counter from Feyenoord gave Til a one-on-one with Andre Onana in the eighth minute. The Cameroonian managed to save the first attempt on goal but Feyenoord’s Sinisterra was there to head in the rebound and make it 0-1.
Ajax strike back thanks to Haller
After the disappointing start, Ajax got back on track halfway through the first half. The Amsteram side grew into the game, creating a number of chances. The first came from Steven Berghuis. He struck well on goal, but straight at Feyenoord goalkeeper Marciano. Not much later Ajax scored the equalizer. After a well struck shot from Ryan Gravenberch, Haller scored his twentieth league goal of the season via the rebound to make it 1-1.
Ajax fall behind again
Shortly after the Ivorian striker’s equalizer, Ajax were pegged back once more. In the 28th minute, Berghuis gave the ball away in his own half. After an unfortunate break the ball eventually ended up at the feet of Til, who managed to slot past Onana and make it 1-2. Once the visitors retook the lead, both teams managed to create a number of opportunities, but Ajax went into the half trailing.
Great chance for Timber
Erik ten Hag decided to make changes at the half, replacing Edson Álvarez with Davy Klaassen. The impact was not immediate, as Ajax spend the first ten minutes of the half struggling to create a chance. In the sixtieth minute, they had their first big opportunity in the second half. A good cross from Daley Blind to Jurriën Timber resulted in the Dutchman’s header striking the bar.
Tadic scores a wonderful equalizer
Ten Hag tried to force a revival twenty minutes before full-time with two new substitutions. Brian Brobbey and Nico Tagliafico came in for Berghuis and Daley Blind. The result was a boost of energy in the team. Brobbey had an excellent chance to equalize after a good cross from Tadica and a few minutes later, the latter managed to find the net himself. The Ajax captain wonderfully curled a free kick directly into the far top corner to make it 2-2.
Antony wins it at the death
After Tadic's equalizer, Ajax pressed on. The end result was a vital goal from Antony. In the 86th minute, Tagliafico broke through on the left wing and put the ball on a plate for Brazilian winger who slotted home to complete the comeback. It was a madhouse in the stands as Ajax headed for victory. In the dying minutes, however, Antony received his second yellow card due to time wasting, which means he will have to miss the game against FC Groningen.
Ajax - Feyenoord 3-2 (1-2)
8. Sinisterra 0-1
24. Haller 1-1
28. Til 1-2
79. Tadic 2-2
86. Antony 3-2
Ajax: Onana; Mazraoui, Timber, Martínez, Blind (69. Tagliafico); Álvarez (46. Klaassen), Gravenberch, Berghuis (69. Brobbey); Antony, Haller, Tadic
