It was a special match even before kickoff, as Ajax is celebrating their 125th anniversary on Tuesday, and various festivities surrounded the clash with AZ. On the pitch, most of the action came after the break.
AZ took the lead in the 52nd minute after Ajax failed to clear the ball properly, allowing Zico Buurmeester to score. Ajax responded just over five minutes later when Gaaei found the far corner to make it 1-1. Before that, Ajax had already missed two huge chances.
That same Gaaei became a key figure again fifteen minutes before the end, but this time in a different way. The Dane made a tackle and was initially shown a yellow card. However, after VAR intervention, it was upgraded to a red card.
Ajax didn’t have to play long with ten men, as just a minute later an AZ player was also sent off. Alexandre Penetra received his second yellow card after a duel with Brian Brobbey, bringing both sides back to ten men.
Seven minutes before full-time, AZ took the lead for the second time, this time from a corner converted by Ibrahim Sadiq. Once again, Ajax showed resilience and quickly equalized. Edvardsen tapped in at the far post after an error from AZ goalkeeper Owusu-Oduro.
The match ultimately ended 2-2, leaving Ajax six points ahead of PSV. In two weeks, Ajax will visit the Eindhoven side.
Ajax - AZ 2-2 (0-0)
52. Buurmeester 0-1
58. Gaaei 1-1
83. Sadiq 1-2
85. Edvardsen 2-2
Red cards
74. Gaaei (Ajax)
75. Penetra (AZ)
Ajax: Matheus, Gaaei, Sutalo, Baas, Hato, Fitz-Jim (57. Klaassen), Henderson, Taylor (90+1. Berghuis), Traoré (80. Rosa), Brobbey (90+1. Konadu), Godts (80. Edvardsen)
