Ajax were in control right from the start. Heitinga's squad had possession a lot of the time, driving NEC half-way back into their own half. The first risky moments of the match flew from the foot of Steven Berghuis. The Ajax midfielder shot from outside the penalty area right at former Ajax player Cillessen's net, but his efforts just ricocheted off the crossbar.
Great opportunities for Ajax
The first half saw the Amsterdam team set up two mega opportunities in quick succession. The first moment of danger saw four unmarked Ajax players break free in front of the opposition goal following a well-executed free kick from Berghuis. Álvarez missed a header, robbing them of an opening goal. Moments later, Steven Bergwijn had an opportunity to make it 1-0 to Ajax, but his best efforts were foiled by Cillessen.
The lead they were chasing finally came early in the second half. Dusan Tadic snatched the ball from Van Rooij then delivered a magnificent cross. The ball was tucked away over the line via Kudus and an NEC defender: 1-0.
Despite several opportunities, Ajax failed to double their lead. Heitinga's team got gradually more careless with the ball, but maintained discipline in their defence play. Gero Rulli and his defenders kept a clean sheet, making Kudus the match winner Sunday afternoon.
Ajax - NEC 1-0 (0-0)
52. Kudus 1-0
Ajax: Rulli; Rensch, Timber, Bassey, Wijndal; Álvarez, Berghuis (67. Taylor), Klaassen (90+2. Grillitsch); Kudus (90+4. Conceição), Tadic, Bergwijn (67. Brobbey)
