Ajax Held to 2-2 Draw by Go Ahead Eagles

Ajax's winning streak ends in a 2-2 draw against Go Ahead Eagles. Davy Klaassen and Youri Baas scored for Ajax.

Ajax's winning streak came to an end as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Go Ahead Eagles in Deventer. Despite taking the lead through Davy Klaassen's goal in the 3rd minute, Ajax struggled to maintain their advantage. Melle Meulensteen equalized for Go Ahead Eagles with a header in the 21st minute, and Evert Linthorst scored to give them a 2-1 lead. However, Youri Baas leveled the score with a header in the 45th minute, securing a point for Ajax.

Davy Klaassen capitalized on a mistake by Gerrit Nauber, heading the ball home after just three minutes to give Ajax an early 1-0 lead. The opportunity arose when Nauber failed to clear the ball correctly, allowing Klaassen to take advantage of the error and score with a precise header. Ajax continued to press, with Anton Gaaei and Raul Moro testing Jari De Busser in the Go Ahead Eagles goal.

Kenneth Taylor had a prime scoring opportunity but wished he'd done better after Go Ahead Eagles equalized just a minute later. Melle Meulensteen headed in a cross from Victor Edvardsen in the 20th minute, leaving Ajax's goalkeeper little chance. Meulensteen's calm finish showcased his composure in front of goal.

Go Ahead Eagles Take the Lead

As halftime approached, Go Ahead Eagles capitalized on Ajax's defensive gaps. Victor Edvardsen delivered a precise ball into Ajax's box, finding Evert Linthorst, who expertly placed the ball in the top corner, giving the home side their first lead.

The match's thrilling conclusion came in the final seconds when Youri Baas headed home a second attempt from a corner, securing a 2-2 draw for Ajax. Baas' decisive header sailed past Jari De Busser and Eagles defender Joris Kramer, bringing the game level in dramatic fashion. This late equalizer capped off an intense final five minutes, with Ajax showing resilience to salvage a point.

Second-Half Action

Go Ahead Eagles sent an early warning shot in the second half when Willum Þór Willumsson's header hit the post, but the attack was ruled out for offside. Ajax coach John Heitinga made changes, bringing on Oscar Gloukh and Oliver Edvardsen for Raul Moro and Jorthy Mokio. These substitutions led to Ajax's first significant threat in the second half, with Gloukh having a shot saved by Jari De Busser after good work from Steven Berghuis.

Draw in Deventer.#gaeaja pic.twitter.com/pRPX8mdKgS

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) August 17, 2025

Mats Deijl had a chance to win the game for Go Ahead Eagles but couldn't capitalize. Rushing forward, Deijl was given space by the Ajax defense and fired a shot at Viteszlav Jaros' goal. Unfortunately for the home side, Deijl's effort sailed over the bar, denying Go Ahead Eagles a potential victory.

Steven Berghuis thought he'd scored in the 71st minute, converting a cross from Owen Wijndal, but referee Danny Makkelie ruled it out due to Berghuis using his arm to control the ball.

Ajax made their final substitution with 13 minutes left as Ko Itakura injured himself and was replaced. Despite the intensity, neither team could find a winner, with Victor Edvardsen's powerful free-kick being saved by Viteszlav Jaros in the closing minutes. The match ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw.