Ajax Amsterdam secured a narrow victory against PEC Zwolle on March 9, 2025, winning 1-0 thanks to Kenneth Taylor's penalty kick at the MAC³PARK Stadion. The match saw Ajax maintain their significant eight-point lead at the top of the Eredivisie, with their main title rival PSV trailing behind.
Ajax came to this match seeking their tenth consecutive league victory, having dominated the competition throughout the season. They arrived at this game against Zwolle with 19 wins, three draws, and just two losses, affirming their top position with 60 points. Zwolle, contrastingly, found themselves precariously placed at 14th with only 25 points, just two above the relegation zone.
The match had its share of drama early on, with Ajax losing key player Brian Brobbey to injury just 15 minutes after kickoff. Brobbey's substitution added to Ajax's challenges; fellow striker Wout Weghorst was already sidelined, which forced winger Bertrand Traore to step up as a makeshift striker.
Despite the injuries, Ajax made the first significant attempt on goal when Steven Berghuis connected well with Kian Fitz-Jim, whose chipped shot was saved just before halftime by Zwolle’s goalkeeper Jeroen Schendelaar.
Although Ajax struggled to find their rhythm for much of the match, the game changed when PEC Zwolle's Anselmo Garcia MacNulty handled the ball inside the penalty area. Referee Bas Nijhuis pointed to the spot, granting Taylor the opportunity to net from eleven yards, which he successfully converted, putting Ajax up 1-0.
The penalty came at the 61st minute, and this goal seemed to be the awakening Ajax needed to reassert their dominance. Ajax came close to adding to their score multiple times, with Schendelaar denying Berghuis with another excellent save shortly after the penalty.
PEC Zwolle had their moments, particularly late when Thomas Buitink found himself matched one-on-one against Ajax goalkeeper Matheus. The crowd held its breath as Buitink attempted to lob the ball over Matheus, but the shot sailed high, hitting the net above the goal, much to the relief of Ajax fans.
This victory placed Ajax firmly on the path toward their first Eredivisie title since the 2021-22 season. The team’s success was overshadowed slightly by the loss of Brobbey, who will need assessment heading toward their next Europa League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt, where they trail 2-1 on aggregate.
The upcoming match against Frankfurt on March 13 will be pivotal for Ajax as they strive to overturn the deficit from the first leg. Coach Francesco Farioli expressed confidence: "We’ll regroup, focus, and trust our preparation. The Liga title is also firmly within our grasp. Every match counts at this stage. Our players know the importance of this season, and they need to deliver consistently.”
Pec Zwolle fought valiantly but continues to struggle defensively, having gone nine league games without securing a clean sheet. Coach Johnny Jansen will need to address the issues highlighted by their insufficient goalkeeping and defensive errors as he seeks to steer the club clear of relegation.
After the game, many fans voiced their concerns over Brobbey’s injury, which could have long-term ramifications for Ajax’s title hopes and their European aspirations. The striker's prowess will be missed, but the team has shown they can deliver even when under pressure.
Both clubs share the field significance: Ajax, aiming for silverware, and Zwolle, seeking to escape the clutches of relegation. With this match concluded, the full focus for Ajax will now transition to European competition, enforcing the need for continued excellence.