The match in the Johan Cruijff ArenA started with both teams looking for chances. The first chances for Ajax came via Mika Godts, who saw his attempts go wide or blocked by FC Groningen’s goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen. The first dangerous attempt was made by Kenneth Taylor, who received the ball after the goalkeeper stopped Godts’ ball. His attempt hit the post.
In the 21st minute, Ajax managed to find the net. None other than Mr. 1-0, Davy Klaassen, was responsible for the opening goal. He scored after profiting from a rebound after Brian Brobbey saw his attempt blocked. The last-named player spent the rest of the first half looking for an opportunity to score but failed to do so.
After the break, Ajax immediately started pressing again. Again, Brian Brobbey did not manage to find the net. Other chances were for Kenneth Taylor and Bertrand Traoré. In the 70th minute, FC Groningen scored the equaliser via Jorg Schreuders. He benefitted from a mistake made by Josip Šutalo, which allowed him to get past Remko Pasveer. In the next 15 minutes, Francesco Farioli substituted three players. Anton Gaaei, Chuba Akpom and Wout Weghorst came on to bring fresh energy to the team.
All three of them ended up being involved in the game’s last two goals. In the 91st minute, Wout Weghorst scored his first goal in the Ajax jersey, causing an explosion of relief among the fans present in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Anton Gaaei gave the assist. Three minutes later, Chuba Akpom scored the 3-1, with Wout Weghorst giving the assist. The last-minute victory ensured three points for the Amsterdam-based team.
The Ajacieden who have been called up for international duty will spend the next weeks with their national teams. Ajax’s next match will be against Heracles away on Sunday, October 20, at 14:30.
Ajax - FC Groningen 3-1 (1-0)
21. Klaassen 1-0
70. Schreuders 1-1
90+1. Weghorst 2-1
90+4. Akpom 3-1
Ajax: Pasveer, Rensch, Šutalo (84. Gaaei), Baas, Hato, Van den Boomen, Taylor, Klaassen (74. Henderson), Traoré, (60. Rasmussen), Brobbey (60. Akpom), Godts (84. Weghorst)
