Ajax secured a confident 2-0 victory over Go Ahead Eagles in their recent match, extending their lead at the top of the league.
The home side began the game on the back foot due to some last-minute disruptions. Ajax's coach, Francesco Farioli, was already dealing with the absence of defender Josip Sutalo because of a shoulder injury. Just before the warm-up, another setback hit when goalkeeper Remko Pasveer was ruled out due to minor injury. This led to Matheus, a Brazilian goalkeeper on loan from Braga, making his debut for Ajax. The 32-year-old keeper stepped up to the challenge, showcasing alertness during Go Ahead's early attacks and demonstrating his comfort with the ball at his feet.
Despite Matheus's solid performance, Ajax struggled to capitalize on their chances, especially early on. The breakthrough almost came from Kenneth Taylor, whose header was remarkably saved by Go Ahead's goalkeeper, Jari De Busser, maintaining the deadlock as the teams entered the second half.
Ajax soon found their rhythm, though, and two minutes post-break, Bertrand Traoré was left alone against De Busser due to miscommunication among defenders, but he surprisingly missed the opportunity. Ajax's Mika Godts had two chances to punish Go Ahead's defensive lapses but was unsuccessful. Nevertheless, the pressure paid off when Godts finally provided the assist for Brian Brobbey, who scored the first goal sliding the ball past De Busser. This goal not only put Ajax on the scoreboard but also gave them a virtual five-point cushion over second-placed PSV.
Midway through the second half, the match took another turn when Kian Fitz-Jim was fouled by Go Ahead's Gerrit Nauber, who received his second yellow card. With Go Ahead reduced to ten men, it seemed Ajax's victory was assured.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Go Ahead Eagles continued to press for equality and managed to find the net through substitute Julius Dirksen from a well-placed free kick. The goal was initially flagged by VAR for offside, but it was also discovered through review by referee Joey Kooij, who had been directed to the monitor, assisted by the technology. It was confirmed Dirksen had illegally used his arm, and Ajax's lead was preserved.
Ajax made sure to seal the deal late on as Oliver Edvardsen, who recently joined from Go Ahead, scored his second goal for the club, slotting home during chaotic scenes from another poorly cleared cross. Edvardsen showed restraint by not celebrating against his former side out of respect.
Even then, the drama wasn't over as Go Ahead Eagles were granted a penalty after a handball by Ajax's Daniele Rugani. Initially, the call seemed definitive, but once again, VAR intervened, leading to Kooij reversing his decision after noticing Rugani's arms were tucked close to his body.
Despite Go Ahead's efforts, the match ended with Ajax on top, having demonstrated resilience and adaptability even with the last-minute changes to their lineup. Joris Kramer of Go Ahead Eagles reflected on the loss, emphasizing how valuable playing against such competitive teams is for growth.
With this victory, Ajax reinforces their position as league leaders, putting them on the right track as they look toward their future matches, particularly with big challengers like PSV on the horizon.