RKC take the lead
The Ajax players dominated possession in their own Johan Cruyff ArenA in the opening stages, but RKC's goal was never under threat. The visitors managed to outwit Gero Rulli at the other end in the eighteenth minute. Seuntjens struck home with a well-aimed shot tucked inside the Argentinian's near post: 1-0.
Ajax continually failed to get the home crowd to their feet again right up to half time. The visitors managed to hold onto their lead, sending the Ajax team back to the changing rooms trailing behind.
Successful substitution
Heitinga decided to take action at half time, following a disappointing first half. Conceição and Klaassen stayed behind in the dressing room, while Brobbey and Calvin Bassey went back out onto the pitch. The substitutions paid off immediately for the team, with Ajax making it 1-1 within five minutes of the break. Brobbey scored from close range on a rebound.
Timber and Kudus key
The Ajax players kept on going after the equaliser, managing to pull ahead in the closing stages. Timber made it 2-1 off a pass from substitute Bassey in the 78th minute, while Kudus launched a magnificent cross from Berghuis into the net just three minutes later: 3-1.
Ajax - RKC 3-1 (0-1)
18. Seuntjens 0-1
50. Brobbey 1-1
78. Timber 2-1
81. Kudus 3-1
Ajax: Rulli; Rensch (85. Sánchez), Timber, Álvarez, Wijndal (88. Hato); Berghuis, Taylor, Klaassen (46. Bassey); Kudus (90+3. Rasmussen), Tadic, Conceição (46. Brobbey)
