Ajax and AZ Share Spoils in 2-2 Thriller on Ajax's 125th Birthday

Ajax's 125th birthday celebrations were spoiled by AZ as the two teams played to a thrilling 2-2 draw in the Eredivisie. Both teams finished with 10 men after red cards were shown to Ajax's Anton Gaaei and AZ's Alexandre Penetra.

Ajax's 125th birthday celebrations were dampened by a determined AZ side, who battled to a hard-fought 2-2 draw in an intense match at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.

AZ's impressive recent record against Ajax continued, as they extended their unbeaten streak against the Amsterdam club to eight games. Prior to Sunday's Eredivisie clash, AZ had already secured two victories over Ajax this season, winning 2-1 in both the league and cup competitions in December and January, respectively.

Both Ajax and AZ entered Sunday's match on the back of disappointing UEFA Europa League exits. Ajax suffered a 4-1 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt, while AZ fell 3-1 to Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night. The defeats marked the end of their European campaigns.

Ajax's loss in Germany was marred by controversy, as manager Francesco Farioli made 10 changes to his starting lineup, effectively fielding a B-team. The Italian manager rang the changes again for Sunday's match, welcoming back striker Brian Brobbey, captain Jordan Henderson, and centre-half Youri Baas to the starting eleven. Kian Fitz-Jim was also given the nod in midfield ahead of vice-captain Davy Klaassen.

Both teams donned special kits for the occasion. Ajax wore a modern remake of their iconic white-red-white kit, paying homage to the club's rich history. Meanwhile, AZ sported special black kits, honoring the windmills of the region.

The first half was marked by intense physical battles, particularly between Ajax striker Brian Brobbey and AZ defender Wouter Goes. The two had a history of clashing in previous meetings, and their rivalry was on full display. Despite the intensity, the half ended goalless, with the only notable incident being the red card shown to Ajax assistant Felipe Sanchez Mateos for expressing his frustration at the officials.

The match sprang to life shortly after the break, as Ajax's Kenneth Taylor came agonizingly close to opening the scoring. However, his effort from inside the box hit the post, and AZ quickly capitalized on the miss. The visitors exploited defensive miscues in Ajax's backline, and Zico Buurmeester found himself with the ball at his feet, scoring to give AZ the lead.

All square in Amsterdam.#ajaaz pic.twitter.com/0GRUJghY3b

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) March 16, 2025

AZ's lead was short-lived, as Ajax responded swiftly through Anton Gaaei. The Danish right-back combined with Bertrand Traore in a quick one-two, before neatly slotting the ball into the far side of the goal to level the score.

The match was about to take a dramatic turn, as Gaaei's reckless tackle on Zico Buurmeester prompted the VAR to intervene. Referee Dennis Higler was called over to review the foul, and after consulting the VAR, he overturned his initial yellow card decision and instead showed Gaaei a straight red card in the 74th minute.

In a stunning turn of events, AZ were also reduced to 10 men just two minutes later. Portuguese defender Alexandre Penetra received his second yellow card for a tackle on Brian Brobbey, and the AZ players were incensed. The team's protests were so vehement that the game was temporarily halted, with managers Maarten Martens and Wouter Goes even calling for the AZ players to leave the pitch in dismay.

Despite the chaos that had ensued, both teams continued to play on, and the match would take another dramatic turn. Ernest Poku was left unmarked by the Ajax defense during a corner, and he capitalized on the opportunity to put AZ back in front.

However, Ajax's resilience was on full display once again, as they quickly equalized for the second time in the match. Substitute Oliver Edvardsen was in the right place at the right time, pouncing on the rebound after AZ goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro mishandled a Kenneth Taylor cross. Edvardsen's goal ensured that the match would end in a thrilling 2-2 draw.

The shared points had significant implications for both teams. Ajax saw their lead over second-placed PSV reduced to six points, while AZ missed the opportunity to move into fifth place with a win. Despite the dramatic twists and turns, the match ultimately ended with honors even in Amsterdam.