Early advantage
Ajax made a strong start against FC Groningen. After just four minutes of play, the Ajax players took the lead: 1-0. After an excellent cross from Devyne Rensch, Bergwijn took a good ball on the chest. The summer acquisition then struck the ball hard into the net from the bounce.
The Ajax players could not hold their early lead for long. Six minutes after the opening goal, FC Groningen equalised, Ngonge got past Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer after a counterattack.
Antony dazzles
After the equaliser, Antony claimed the leading role. The Brazilian dribbler dazzled with some wonderful play, but was unable to get his team back into the lead immediately. In the 28th minute, Antony found the goal after all: 2-1. The winger came inside and shot the ball into the top corner from the edge of the sixteen yard area with a beautiful curl.
On the stroke of half time, Ajax built on their lead. Antony was again important in making it 3-1. He delivered a wonderful cross to Bergwijn, who cleverly headed the ball in.
Hat-trick for Bergwijn
In the second half, Ajax thundered on. The Ajax players jumped to a 4-1 lead in the 57th minute. Bergwijn scored his third goal of the match, making it the first hat-trick in the Eredivisie. He shot the ball flawlessly with his right foot into the far corner.
Nine minutes later, the Amsterdam team struck again. Taylor, after a pass from Brobbey, slid the ball behind FC Groningen goalie Verrips: 5-1.
Lucca debut
Twenty minutes before full-time Lorenzo Lucca made his appearance in the Ajax 1st team. The Italian striker had a good chance immediately, but unfortunately could not crown his debut with a goal.
In the closing stages Ajax got another penalty kick after a handball in the FC Groningen penalty area. Berghuis converted the opportunity into a goal, giving the Ajax side a 6-1 win at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Sunday afternoon.
Ajax – FC Groningen 6-1 (3-1)
4. Bergwijn 1-0
10. Ngonge 1-1
28. Antony 2-1
45. Bergwijn 3-1
57. Bergwijn 4-1
66. Taylor 5-1
87. Berghuis 6-1
Ajax: Pasveer; Rensch (84. Schuurs), Timber, Blind, Wijndal; Álvarez, Taylor (70. Klaassen), Tadic (83. Kudus); Antony, Brobbey (70. Lucca), Bergwijn (70. Berghuis)
