Ajax secured a thrilling 2-1 win over arch-rivals Feyenoord in the latest edition of the Klassieker, with academy graduate Kenneth Taylor delivering the decisive blow deep into injury time.
The victory brings Ajax within just two points of league leaders PSV, with a game in hand, while Feyenoord’s hopes of securing a top-two finish and direct Champions League qualification now appear all but dashed.
With PSV once again dropping points, Ajax knew a win would significantly boost their title ambitions.
Meanwhile, Feyenoord entered the derby seeking redemption after their crushing 6-1 Champions League defeat to Lille.
The hosts wasted no time asserting themselves, nearly opening the scoring just 20 seconds into the match.
Former Feyenoord captain Steven Berghuis unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, forcing goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther into an early save.
For much of the opening 30 minutes, both teams struggled to break each other down. Ajax relied on link-up play between Brian Brobbey and Jordan Henderson to unlock Feyenoord’s defense, while the visitors attempted to penetrate Ajax’s backline with long balls.
As the game progressed, Feyenoord began to shift their approach, opting for a more fluid attacking style. This adjustment nearly paid off when Algerian winger Anis Hadj Moussa tested Remko Pasveer with a powerful strike, which the Ajax goalkeeper did well to parry away.
Despite Feyenoord’s growing momentum, Ajax struck first. Jorrel Hato outmaneuvered Hadj Moussa on the left flank before delivering a precise pass to Berghuis, who sent a dangerous cross into the box. Wellenreuther’s failed clearance gifted Brobbey a golden opportunity, and the striker made no mistake in slotting the ball home.
Minutes later, Jordan Henderson capitalized on a defensive mistake by David Hancko to set up Bertrand Traoré, but the Burkinese winger’s towering header rattled the crossbar—denying Ajax a second goal before halftime.
After the break, Ajax introduced Wout Weghorst in place of Brobbey. The former Burnley forward nearly doubled the lead, sprinting past Hancko and Gernot Trauner but failing to beat Wellenreuther.
However, rather than pressing forward, Ajax retreated, allowing Feyenoord to dictate the tempo.
Their conservative approach backfired when Quinten Timber made a brilliant solo run, leaving Josip Šutalo behind before calmly finishing into the far corner. The equalizer, a fitting return for Timber after an injury spell, reignited Feyenoord’s hopes.
Ajax responded with urgency, and their attacking intent led to a controversial penalty call when Hancko fouled Weghorst just outside the box.
Strangely, it was Trauner who received the yellow card instead of Hancko. Stepping up to take the spot-kick, Weghorst was denied by Wellenreuther, who guessed correctly and made the save.
Feyenoord nearly capitalized on the missed penalty when Hadj Moussa found himself one-on-one with Pasveer, but the Ajax shot-stopper kept his team in the game.
With time running out, Ajax intensified their assault. Christian Rasmussen’s header struck the post, signaling that the home side wasn’t done yet.
As the match entered eight minutes of added time, Weghorst and Rasmussen combined for another opportunity, but the final pass fell short.
Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, Anton Gaaei delivered a pinpoint cross to Taylor, who had shifted to the left wing following Berghuis’ substitution. The 22-year-old midfielder calmly slotted the ball between Wellenreuther’s legs, sending the Johan Cruijff Arena into wild celebrations.
This crucial victory not only strengthens Ajax’s title ambitions but also puts them in prime position to overtake PSV should they win their rescheduled fixture against Go Ahead Eagles.
Feyenoord, on the other hand, now trail Ajax by 12 points and will have to focus on securing fourth place to salvage their season.
