Ajax’s hopes of winning the Eredivisie title took a major hit after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Groningen, who scored an equaliser in the ninth minute of added time – despite being down to 10 men.
Only a month ago, Ajax were nine points clear at the top with five matches to go. But after two defeats and two draws, they’ve now slipped one point behind PSV, who beat Heracles 4-1 on the same night.
Ajax opened the scoring through Anton Gaaei, but Thom van Bergen levelled for Groningen. Wout Weghorst then made it 2-1 to Ajax, and Groningen went down to 10 men in stoppage time after a red card for Luciano Valente following a foul on Jordan Henderson. However, there was still time for Thijmen Blokzijl to grab a dramatic late equaliser.
Ajax manager Francesco Farioli said after the match: “It’s never easy to speak after conceding a last-minute goal. It’s not over yet – we’ve got one more match to play. Football gives us joy and pain, and today it’s the latter.”
Now, heading into the final round of matches, PSV are top. They face Sparta Rotterdam, while Ajax host Twente – both games kick off on Sunday at 13:30 BST.
Ajax had turned their season around after a poor start, going from third place and nine points behind in December to leading the table. But a 4-0 loss to Utrecht in April started a poor run that has now cost them top spot.
This collapse joins a long list of title leads lost in football history – including Arsenal in 2023 and Newcastle in 1996. For Ajax, a title that once looked certain is now in serious danger.
