Following their midweek KNVB Cup elimination by AZ, Ajax was eager to make amends. Šutalo returned to the starting eleven, and fittingly, it was the Croatian defender who broke the deadlock. In a dynamic first half packed with chances, Šutalo was the only player to find the net. The defender had missed Ajax’s opening games of 2025 due to injury but made an immediate impact on his return.
Despite Ajax's dominance in the first half, they failed to extend their lead, allowing Heerenveen to stay in the game. In the second half, Kenneth Taylor seemed to have doubled the advantage after a great setup by Anton Gaaei, but VAR disallowed the goal.
With about eight minutes left to play, as Heerenveen increased their attacking intent, Ajax finally put the game to bed. Akpom reacted sharply to a flicked-on corner, heading the ball backwards into the net for the 0-2.
This important win saw Ajax emerge as the only top-six side to claim victory this weekend. Up next is a UEFA Europa League clash on Thursday, away against RFS in Latvia.
SC Heerenveen - Ajax 0-2 (0-1)
20. Šutalo 0-1
82. Akpom 0-2
Ajax: Pasveer, Gaaei (80. Rensch), Sutalo, Baas, Hato, Fitz-Jim (58. Klaassen), Henderson, Taylor, Traoré (58. Berghuis), Brobbey (73. Weghorst), Godts (73. Akpom).
