Eredivisie: Ajax vs Heerenveen Ends in 1-1 Draw After Missed Opportunities

Heerenveen spoils Ajax's party with late equalizer

Ajax's struggles continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Heerenveen at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, marking their fifth failure to win in six games across all competitions.

Oscar Gloukh had a frustrating game, losing possession 22 times, and Heerenveen's...

Ajax's struggles continued as they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Heerenveen at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, marking their fifth failure to win in six games across all competitions.

Ajax manager John Heitinga made two changes to the team that won 3-2 against FC Twente last week, with Youri Regeer and Owen Wijndal starting in place of James McConnell and Josip Sutalo.

Ajax's match against Heerenveen started slowly, but things heated up when Kenneth Taylor was fouled in the box, earning Ajax a penalty. However, VAR intervened, and the penalty was overturned.

The game was briefly halted when Ajax fans set off fireworks in tribute to a passionate supporter who tragically passed away in a boating incident last week. After a 15-minute delay, the match resumed.

After the interruption, Ajax took the initiative, and it paid off in the 38th minute when Mika Godts scored with a well-placed shot into the far corner.

Ajax had a golden opportunity to double their lead after halftime, but Mika Godts' decision to go solo proved costly. With Oscar Gloukh and Raul Moro making runs, Godts opted to try and score himself, allowing the defender to block the shot.

Defeat for #JongAjax.#camjaj pic.twitter.com/EaD8wA3k2y

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) November 1, 2025

Remko Pasveer's mishandled shot from Maas Willemsen allowed Vaclav Sejk to score the equalizer for Heerenveen. The 41-year-old goalkeeper, who was given the nod by Heitinga, struggled to control the long-distance shot, leaving Sejk with an easy tap-in.

Oscar Gloukh had a frustrating game, losing possession 22 times, and Heerenveen's Luuk Brouwers took advantage with a shot on goal that Pasveer managed to save. Despite the effort, Ajax couldn't capitalize on their chances, and Heerenveen seized the opportunity to level the score.

Heerenveen's Maxence Rivera threatened Ajax's lead with several long-range shots, coming close in stoppage time with a curling effort that narrowly flew wide of Pasveer’s post.

Ajax struggled to create chances in the final stages, allowing Heerenveen to secure a point and extend their unbeaten run. This draw marked Heerenveen's first point in the Johan Cruyff ArenA since 2019. For Ajax, it was their fifth draw of the Eredivisie season, and they now have just two wins since beating PEC Zwolle 3-1 on September 13th.

Ajax will look to bounce back when they host Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, seeking their first points of the European campaign.