Ajax 1-2 Utrecht: Eredivisie 2025-26 match report

The Eredivisie season reached a dramatic conclusion at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Sunday, as Utrecht secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Ajax. In a match defined by tactical rigidity and a frantic finish, Ron Jans’ side managed to spoil the atmosphere in Amsterdam, capitalising on late defensive lapses to take all three points.

The opening

Oscar Garcia Junyent set Ajax up in a traditional 4-3-3 formation, looking to control the tempo through possession. However, the early stages were characterised more by physicality than fluidity. Steven Berghuis set the tone for a scrappy first half by picking up a yellow card in just the 4th minute. Utrecht, deploying a 4-2-3-1, remained disciplined in their defensive shape, forcing Ajax to work hard for space in the final third.

Jesper Karlsson and Davy de Wit both entered the referee’s book before the interval, reflecting the intensity of the midfield battle. Despite the heavy involvement of the officials, neither side could carve out a clear-cut advantage in the first 45 minutes. Ajax struggled to break down the Utrecht block, while the visitors were content to absorb pressure and look for quick transitions.

The decisive moment

The second half saw a flurry of substitutions as both managers looked to break the deadlock. Garcia Junyent introduced Kasper Dolberg and Oscar Gloukh shortly before the hour mark in an attempt to inject creativity into his forward line. Utrecht responded with tactical shifts of their own, bringing on Mike van der Hoorn and refreshing their flanks.

The game finally opened up in the final ten minutes. In the 81st minute, Utrecht broke the stalemate when Noah Vesterlund found the back of the net following an assist from Gjivai Zechiël. The goal forced Ajax into an immediate, desperate response. Though Wout Weghorst had been substituted off earlier in the half, the tactical reshuffle allowed Ajax to find a way through shortly after, with Weghorst—who had been re-integrated into the attacking flow—converting a pass from Rayane Bounida in the 84th minute to level the score.

With momentum appearing to shift toward the hosts, the match took a final, decisive turn in the 90th minute. Utrecht regained the lead through Mike van der Hoorn, who connected with a delivery from Souffian El Karouani to stun the home crowd. Ajax’s late efforts to find a second equaliser proved futile, and the visitors held firm through the remaining stoppage time to secure the win.

Looking ahead

For Utrecht, the victory serves as a testament to the tactical discipline instilled by Ron Jans, demonstrating their ability to execute a game plan under pressure in one of the league's most difficult venues. Ajax will be left to reflect on a disjointed performance as they look to address the defensive vulnerabilities that proved costly in the dying moments of the match.