As is so often the case, the Amsterdam team did dominate possession in the early stages, but didn't quite have the pace to take Arnhem's back line by surprise. Until the 25th minute, trainer John Heitinga's team adapted well and broke out with three against two toward former Ajax keeper Scherpen. However, they failed to take advantage of the situation.
After a tight half hour, Vitesse broke out with two men and the path to 1-0 seemed assured. Only a good save from Gero Rulli prevented Vitesse captain Bero from scoring. However, Vitesse did take the lead from the subsequent corner. Van Ginkel headed the 1-0 into the mesh.
Ajax had to chase again, and showed resilience and resolve. Dusan Tadic brought the ball into the penalty area from a free-kick. In defensive effort, Isimat-Mirin headed the ball right to the feet of Klaassen, who did find success with the ball: 1-1.
The second half began much better for the Amsterdam team. With Calvin Bassey in for Steven Berghuis, Edson Álvarez came to play in the midfield. It was also Álvarez who put Ajax into the lead in the 54th minute, although his new position had little to do with that. The corner van from Tadic was headed well by the Mexican and Ajax took the lead against the number thirteen in the Eredivisie rankings.
Because Ajax left major chances for 1-3 on the table, it was exciting to the end. But in the end, Ajax could breathe a sigh of relief. It stayed 1-2, and the European anticlimax (elimination against FC Union Berlin) was followed by a very welcome Eredivisie win.
Vitesse – Ajax 1-2 (1-1)
30. Van Ginkel 1-0
32. Klaassen 1-1
54. Álvarez 1-2
Ajax: Rulli; Rensch, Timber, Álvarez, Wijndal (80. Hato); Berghuis (46. Bassey), Klaassen, Taylor; Kudus, Tadic, Bergwijn (72. Brobbey)
