Ajax and NEC Draw in Battle for Third Place in Amsterdam
The recent Eredivisie clash between Ajax and NEC in Amsterdam ended in a stalemate, with both teams scoring once. The match, held at the Johan Cruijff Arena, finished 1-1, leaving both sides with 43 points after 24 games.
Match Overview
Mika Godts opened the scoring for Ajax just five minutes before halftime. However, NEC’s Darko Nejasmic equalized shortly after the break, ensuring a competitive draw. Despite the tie, NEC maintained third place in the league courtesy of a superior goal difference.
Game Highlights
- Ajax was unbeaten in their last ten matches with six wins and four draws.
- NEC had also been solid, remaining undefeated in their previous ten games before this match.
- Ajax welcomed new signing Maarten Paes to goal, replacing Vitezslav Jaros, who is out for the season.
- Kian Fitz-Jim filled in for Davy Klaassen, who was unavailable on his 33rd birthday.
Fitz-Jim nearly scored in the second minute, but NEC goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz made an impressive save. NEC had the better chances early in the match, with prominent efforts thwarted by VAR and Ajax’s defense.
Scoring Breakdown
First Half
Godts broke the deadlock in the 39th minute, capitalizing on a mistake by NEC’s Kodai Sano. This marked Godts’ thirteenth goal of the season, putting him second in the league’s scoring charts behind Ayase Ueda, who has tallied 18 goals this season.
Second Half
The second half saw a dramatic equalizer from NEC. Darko Nejasmic scored in the 57th minute while sitting on the ground, taking advantage of a corner. The rest of the match remained tense, with both teams exchanging chances but failing to score again.
Key Players and Highlights
- Mika Godts: Key player for Ajax with the opening goal.
- Darko Nejasmic: Scorer of NEC’s equalizer.
- Maarten Paes: Made his debut in goal for Ajax.
- Steven Berghuis: Made a comeback after months of injury.
As the match drew to a close, Ajax’s Godts missed a significant scoring opportunity. Meanwhile, NEC’s Kaplan was repeatedly denied by Paes. This match may not have solidified a winner, but it showcased the competitive spirit and resilience of both teams in the Eredivisie.
