For the first time in over two months, Ajax Amsterdam won a game again. Against Volendam, the Dutch record champions left no doubt from the start, rewarded themselves after the break, but then also needed ex-Frankfurter Ramaj in goal before Joker Akpom brought the decision
It was an almost forgotten feeling for the Ajax Amsterdam players, as they had achieved something against FC Volendam that they had last done on August 24: win a game. In the first game under new coach John van’t Schip, who took over on Monday, the Dutch record champions managed a 2-0 win after ten unsuccessful attempts.
Ajax much improved – Bergwijn hits the crossbar
Ajax went into the game against the third-bottom team at the bottom of the table, but dominated proceedings from the start. Amsterdam played like they were unleashed in the early stages in their home arena, with Berghuis alone (5th, 10th and 17th) having three good opportunities and Hlynsson also failing to beat keeper Backhaus (14th).
The visitors from Volendam then managed to keep the game a little more balanced, but a crossbar strike from Bergwijn (29) heralded the next phase of pressure from the home side.
Bergwijn with force – Ramaj saves
This continued until after the break. Bergwijn’s next attempt was well saved by Backhaus (53′), but after a one-two between Berghuis and Hlynsson, ex-Leipzig international Brobbey again put Bergwijn in position to score and the Dutch international fired a powerful shot under the crossbar (57′).
The spell was broken and more and more smiles could be seen on the faces of the players, Brobbey (58), Gaaei and Berghuis (both 62) missed further opportunities
That almost took its revenge, but ex-Frankfurter Ramaj remained the winner in a one-on-one against Mühren, who had broken through (71′), and then steered a Mirani header over the bar (76′). And suddenly, the insecurity of the last few weeks could be felt again
Akpom’s performance: aluminum, goal, aluminum
Unlike in recent weeks, Ajax survived this shaky phase. Substitute Akpom made the difference shortly before the end. He first failed to hit the crossbar with a diving header (88′), but then headed into the net from the resulting corner (89′). The new signing from Middlesbrough FC even missed the chance to score a third goal (post goal, 90.+1), but in the end it was enough for a well-deserved victory – and a perfect debut for coach van’t Schip.
