Ajax Wins 3-1 Over NAC Breda, Extends Lead in Eredivisie

Ajax secures a 3-1 win over NAC Breda, overcoming an early scare to extend their lead in the Eredivisie.

Championship leaders Ajax overcame an early scare to secure a confident 3-1 win over NAC Breda at the Johan Cruyff ArenA. This victory marked their first home game since the 2-2 draw against AZ on March 16th. The win also came after their potentially title-clinching 2-0 victory over PSV, showcasing Ajax's consistency and determination.

Ajax made several changes to their lineup, with Danish right-back Anton Gaaei sitting out his suspension and giving Lucas Rosa his second straight Eredivisie start. Manager Francesco Farioli opted to keep captain Jordan Henderson on the bench due to slight fitness concerns, starting Steven Berghuis instead. Turkish centre-half Ahmetcan Kaplan filled in for the injured Youri Baas, while 18-year-old Don-Angelo Konadu made his full Eredivisie debut due to Brian Brobbey's suspension. Wout Weghorst returned to the matchday squad after battling a foot injury.

NAC Breda got off to a strong start, with Leo Sauer skillfully beating several Ajax defenders and slotting the ball into the right-hand corner. This goal marked a promising beginning for the visitors, who had previously handed Ajax their first Eredivisie defeat in August. On that occasion, captain Jan Van den Bergh had headed in a 91st-minute winner.

As the game progressed, Ajax put NAC under increasing pressure. They came close to equalizing when a Jorrel Hato cross nearly ricocheted into the visitors' net, but the crossbar intervened, denying Ajax an early equalizer. Despite the pressure, NAC Breda's defense held firm, and the visitors maintained their lead.

A critical mistake by NAC Breda's goalkeeper Roy Kortsmit put his team in a difficult position. Kortsmit, making his first Eredivisie appearance in eight years, lost the ball and then pulled down Ajax's young striker Don-Angelo Konadu inside the box, conceding a penalty. Kenneth Taylor, who shared the title of Ajax's top scorer with eight goals, took the penalty and calmly scored, leveling the game at 1-1 after 32 minutes.

We keep going! ⚪🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/0FwlvWc3E4

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) April 6, 2025

Just two minutes later, Ajax took the lead. Strong play from Don-Angelo Konadu created space for Kenneth Taylor, who found Konadu again. This time, Konadu set up Steven Berghuis for an easy shot from close range, giving Ajax a 2-1 lead. The quick turnaround of events shifted the momentum firmly in Ajax's favor.

The second half started off uneventfully, but things picked up when Wout Weghorst returned to the pitch after missing the previous two months due to injury. His presence seemed to energize the team, and soon after, 17-year-old Jorthy Mokio made his mark on the game.

Game Sealed with Historic Goal

Mokio, who came on alongside Weghorst, scored the decisive goal in the 76th minute. Kenneth Taylor sent a precise pass into NAC's box, where Mokio made a well-timed run and scored. This goal not only sealed the win for Ajax but also made Mokio the youngest goal scorer in the Eredivisie for the club since Clarence Seedorf.

🎱 pic.twitter.com/f0U1bvESei

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) April 6, 2025

Ajax saw out the match in calm fashion, maintaining their 9-point lead over PSV in the Eredivisie standings. With this win, the Dutch record champions remain in a strong position to defend their title. Their next challenge will be against struggling Willem II, who are fighting for survival in the relegation battle.

NAC Breda's Struggles Continue

The loss dropped NAC Breda to 15th place, extending their winless streak to seven Eredivisie games. Their only league win in 2025 came against FC Twente in mid-January, leaving the promoted side just six points clear of the relegation zone. This latest defeat adds to the pressure on NAC Breda to pick up their form and avoid a potential drop to the lower division.