Heitinga made one change to his starting line-up for the away match in Friesland compared to the home match against NEC. Taylor appeared at the kick-off and Davy Klaassen had to content himself with a place on the bench.
Outstanding start
With Taylor starting, Ajax was outstanding in the opening phase. The Ajax players took the lead in the Abe Lenstra Stadion at the10-minute mark. Kudus had a little luck to find the ball at his feet from a Heerenveen defender and produced a clinical finish to the far corner for 0-1. A few moments later a devastating shot by Álvarez increased the margin to two goals, while Bergwijn increased the scoreline to 0-3 after a good combination with Dusan Tadic.
Ajax created a few more opportunities in the first half, but a fourth Amsterdam goal was not forthcoming. The home team did reduce the deficit just before the half with a goal from Van Amersfoort: 1-3.
Ajax also had an outstanding start in the second act in Friesland. Taylor blistering shot found the back of the net for 1-4 seven minutes after the break. Heitinga's team fell into a lower gear after the goal from the Ajax midfielder. Heerenveen came back with a strike from Van Hooijdonk with about ten minutes left to play, bringing the match to 2-4 in the end.
sc Heerenveen - Ajax 2-4 (1-3)
11. Kudus 0-1
16. Álvarez 0-2
19. Bergwijn 0-3
42. Van Amersfoort 1-3
52. Taylor 1-4
79. Van Hooijdonk 2-4
Ajax: Rulli; Rensch, Timber, Bassey, Wijndal; Álvarez, Berghuis, Taylor; Kudus, Tadic, Bergwijn (66. Brobbey)
