- Ajax failed to defeat Groningen, drawing 2-2 in the penultimate round of the Eredivisie
- The Amsterdam side conceded an equaliser in the 99th minute, missing a chance to take a big step towards the title
- PSV Eindhoven took advantage, beating Heracles 4-1 and climbing to the top of the table
Key Takeaways
Ajax are on the verge of losing the Dutch Eredivisie title in the most dramatic fashion after failing to defeat Groningen, drawing 2-2 in the penultimate 33rd round of the season. The Amsterdam side started the evening as league leaders and were leading the match until the ninth minute of added time, even enjoying a numerical advantage after Luciano Valente was sent off with a straight red card.
Ajax opened the scoring in the first half through Anton Gaaei in the 27th minute, but they faltered after the break, allowing Tom van Bergen to equalise for the hosts in the 52nd minute. However, it did not take long for the visitors to restore their lead, with Wout Weghorst finding the net in the 68th minute.
Eredivisie table on April 27:
1. Ajax – 74 pts (+40 GD)
2. PSV – 67 pts (+55 GD)Eredivisie table on May 14:
1. PSV – 76 pts (+62 GD)
2. Ajax – 75 pts (+33 GD)A 90+9' equalizer for FC Groningen means Ajax have only one point from their last FOUR league matches and have… pic.twitter.com/ZEk1OCRq7o
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 14, 2025
Ajax maintained their advantage for over half an hour and seemed set for a crucial victory that would have taken them a big step closer to the title. But in the 99th minute, disaster struck as Tijmen Blokzijl scored for Groningen, sending shockwaves through the Ajax camp.
To make matters worse for Ajax, title rivals PSV Eindhoven cruised to a 4-1 victory over Heracles at the same time. Malik Tillman (18’, 40’) and Ismael Saibari (21’, 35’) scored for the Eindhoven side, while Mario Engels (75’) netted a consolation goal for the visitors.
With this win, PSV climbed to the top of the table in commanding fashion, reaching the 100-goal mark for the 2024/2025 season with one match remaining. Meanwhile, Ajax can only blame themselves, as they have now gone four games without a win. Just last week, they had the chance to secure the title under certain conditions but instead suffered a humiliating 0-3 defeat to NEC Nijmegen.
Now, a fierce battle for the top spot awaits next weekend. On Sunday, 18 May, Ajax will host Twente, while PSV will travel to Sparta Rotterdam.