Ajax struggled in the first thirty minutes. PSV quickly took the lead through Ismael Saibari and continued to dominate the opening phase.
In the final quarter of the first half, Ajax managed to fight their way into the match. Taylor’s equaliser helped with that. Oliver Edvardsen was touched inside the penalty area by former Ajax player Dest and, after VAR intervention, the ball was placed on the spot. Taylor remained composed and slotted Ajax level with PSV: 1-1.
In stoppage time of the first half, Ajax had two huge chances to make it 1-2, but Taylor and Godts were unable to convert.
After the break, Oscar Gloukh replaced teammate Kasper Dolberg at the tip of the attack, a substitution that paid off. Partly thanks to that, Ajax gradually found their rhythm.
There were opportunities at both ends, though most chances fell to Ajax. Yet nine minutes from time PSV took the lead again. Yarek Gąsiorowski headed in a curling cross: 2-1.
Ajax refused to give up and were rewarded for their efforts. Two minutes before the end, the equaliser came. Gloukh was played free through the middle of PSV and finished clinically: 2-2. It was the attacking midfielder’s first goal in Amsterdam colours.
PSV - Ajax 2-2 (1-1)
4. Saibari 1-0
31. Taylor 1-1 (p.)
81. Gąsiorowski 2-1
88.Gloukh 2-2
Ajax: Jaros, Rosa (85. Moro), Itakura, Baas, Wijndal (68. Sutalo), Regeer (68. Fitz-Jim), Taylor, Klaassen, Edvardsen (74. Berghuis), Dolberg (46. Gloukh), Godts.
