Ajax Maintain 9-Point Lead with 23rd Win of Season

Ajax stage a thrilling comeback against Willem II, with Wout Weghorst scoring the winning goal in the 78th minute to seal a 2-1 victory.

Ajax overcame a challenging match against Willem II, staging a second-half comeback to secure a vital win and maintain their 9-point lead at the top of the Eredivisie standings. With PSV winning 5-0 against Almere City on Saturday night, Ajax knew a victory was crucial to preserving their advantage with just five rounds left to play.

Manager Francesco Farioli made key decisions in the starting lineup, bringing back captain Jordan Henderson, right-back Anton Gaaei, and striker Brian Brobbey. Ajax's strong form in 2025 continued as they faced Willem II, who had struggled since the new year, managing only two points during that period. The win keeps Ajax on track for a record-extending 37th title.

Following an early concession against NAC Breda last week, Ajax manager Francesco Farioli urged his team to maintain their intensity from the start. This approach led to several early opportunities for the visitors, with Davy Klaassen drawing a couple of penalty appeals after being fouled in the opening 30 minutes.

Despite dominating possession, Ajax were caught off guard when Willem II created a rare chance and capitalized on it. Emilio Kehrer received the ball from Jeremy Bokila and scored with a powerful shot past Ajax goalkeeper Matheus, giving the home side a surprise lead in the 41st minute. A potential handball by Willem II earlier in the attack went unpunished.

Ajax intensified their pressure in the second half, determined to overturn Willem II's lead. However, their crossing accuracy proved to be a challenge, with only 20% of their 44 crosses successfully finding a teammate. Brian Brobbey failed to make a significant impact, prompting manager Francesco Farioli to bring on Wout Weghorst for the final 30 minutes, replacing Brobbey. Steven Berghuis also came on, replacing Bertrand Traoré.

Farioli's attacking intentions were evident as he made further changes, bringing on Oliver Edvardsen for Jorrel Hato 20 minutes into the second half. Edvardsen's introduction proved pivotal, as he scored the equalizing goal five minutes after coming on, clinically finishing a cross from Steven Berghuis. Kenneth Taylor took over defensive duties on the left side after Hato's substitution.

Yes, boys! ❌❌❌#wilaja pic.twitter.com/tQ18t0ACgN

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) April 13, 2025

Wout Weghorst sealed the win for Ajax in the 78th minute, calmly slotting the ball past Thomas Didillon-Hodl to give his team the lead. This goal marked Ajax's 21st scored by a substitute this season, setting a new Eredivisie record.

Despite a brief scare in injury time when Kian Fitz-Jim and Emilio Kehrer tangled in the box, both referee Marc Nagtegaal and VAR Alex Bos refused to award a penalty to Willem II. Ajax's relentless pressure, marked by 29 shots, 11 corners, and 69 touches inside the opposition's box, ultimately paid off as they secured their 23rd win of the season. With this victory, Ajax maintained their 9-point lead at the top of the league, while Willem II remained winless in the Eredivisie.