FC Utrecht hosted Ajax at the Stadion Galgenwaard in Sunday’s early kickoff. Both sides were in desperate need of a victory following their poor starts to the season, but in the end it was Utrecht who sent shock waves up the Eredivisie table. Ahead of the game, Ajax occupied 16th place in the table, having won just one of their opening six league games. Head coach Maurice Steijn is a man under pressure as the Dutch giants are off to their worst league start since 1965. Utrecht have also won just once this season, with Ron Jans’ side sitting rock bottom of the table ahead of the match.
It was Utrecht who opened the scoring. A minute before half-time, Ryan Flamingo struck from the edge of the area to find the bottom left corner. A sublime strike to give the hosts the lead. Less than three minutes after the break, Utrecht doubled their lead through former Swansea City defender Mike van der Hoorn. The shot was initially saved by Jay Gorter, but goal-line technology ruled that the ball had crossed the line.
Just two minutes later… another goal. Ajax were able to claw one back through 19-year-old Kristian Hlynsson. Two minutes later, it was Hlynsson again. The Icelandic midfielder brought the game level, against the run of play. Both managers made changes in an attempt to calm things down, but that certainly didn’t work as Steven Bergwijn put Ajax ahead from the penalty spot in the 65th minute.
The visitors lead didn’t last long as former Feyenoord midfielder Jens Toornstra added his name to the scoresheet, converting from close range. An incredible spectacle. Then, with just a minute remaining of normal time, Utrecht put the nails into the Ajax coffin. Oscar Fraulo, 19 years of age, clipped the ball into the back of the net sparking incredible scenes in the stands.
Unfortunately, the match was brought to a pause twice due to cups being thrown onto the pitch, but after a brief break, Utrecht were able to claim their victory. The three points moves Utrecht away from the bottom of the table and sends Ajax even closer towards it. Ajax are now 17th in the Eredivisie table, and Maurice Steijn is undoubtedly under even more pressure. A fantastic match from Utrecht’s perspective, but yet another defeat for a former giant of European football.
