Having failed to capitalise on rare dropped points from rivals PSV the past weekend, Ajax had it all to prove against historic rivals Feyenoord. Both teams are unlikely to drop many points in the latter stages of the season and any slip ups could be detrimental. With PSV easily dispatching of Groningen earlier in the weekend, all eyes were on De Klassieker which promised to be a feisty encounter.
Erik Ten Hag’s men started the brighter, grabbing a goal through a Schone free kick in the eighth minute. Ajax began the match through a frantic high press, setting the tone for the game. What followed was an intense tactical battle between two of the Netherlands finest young coaches. In the end, Van Bronckhorst gained the upper hand and his team counter-attacked their way to a historic victory. Holding no punches, Feyenoord utterly humiliated the young Ajax team.
Lineups
Ajax went with a similar team to the one that beat Heerenveen in the KNVB cup midweek. Lisandro Magallan retained his place to earn his first Eredivise start, while Mazraoui returned at right-back. Schone and Dolberg came in to replace Kristensen and Huntelaar. Goalkeeper Onana returned to league action after being ill for the 3-3 draw with Heerenveen. Nicolas Tagliafico’s knee injury continues to rule him out, so ex-Manchester United player Daley Blind retained his left-back position.
Feyenoord, with their only injury being to goalkeeper Bijlow, were able to field a near full-strength team. With the soon-to-retire Robin Van Persie leading the attack Toornstra returned to the three-man midfield. Promising defender Jerry St Juste continued his development at right-back while assist leader Steven Berghuis continued his run of starting every Eredivise match this season.
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