Feyenoord 1-1 Ajax: Eredivisie 2025-26 match report

The atmosphere at De Kuip on Sunday afternoon was as intense as the historical rivalry between Feyenoord and Ajax demands. Under the guidance of Robin van Persie and Oscar Garcia Junyent, both sides deployed a 4-3-3 formation, setting the stage for a tactical battle that remained deadlocked for the majority of the contest. While the first half offered glimpses of attacking intent, the match ultimately turned on a second-half breakthrough and a late intervention from the penalty spot.

The opening

The opening forty-five minutes were defined by a cautious approach from both managers. Van Persie and Garcia Junyent prioritized structural integrity, with both midfields working hard to neutralize the opposition’s transition play. Feyenoord sought to utilize the width of the pitch, while Ajax looked to circulate the ball with precision to break down the host’s defensive block.

Despite the tactical discipline, clear-cut chances were at a premium before the interval. The defensive units remained composed, and both goalkeepers were rarely troubled by shots on target. The stalemate at halftime reflected a game of fine margins, where neither side was willing to overcommit and risk leaving gaps for the counter-attack. The tactical chess match continued into the early stages of the second half, but the equilibrium was shattered shortly after the restart.

The decisive moment

The deadlock was broken in the 54th minute when Sean Steur found the back of the net for Ajax. The goal forced an immediate reaction from both benches. Within a minute of the opener, Robin van Persie introduced Raheem Sterling in place of Leo Sauer, while Oscar Garcia Junyent responded by bringing on Steven Berghuis and Wout Weghorst to bolster the visitors' attacking options.

As the second half progressed, the intensity increased, leading to a flurry of disciplinary action. Yarek Baas picked up a yellow card for Ajax on the hour mark, signaling a shift toward a more physical encounter. As Feyenoord pushed for an equalizer, the space began to open up, leading to a series of tactical adjustments. Anis Hadj-Moussa was cautioned for the hosts in the 73rd minute, just as Ajax made further defensive changes, including the introduction of Takehiro Tomiyasu.

The turning point arrived in the 82nd minute. Following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the penalty spot in favor of Feyenoord. Jakub Moder stepped up to the pressure-filled task in the 85th minute, converting the spot-kick to draw the hosts level. The final minutes were frantic as both teams sought a winner, but the defensive resolve held firm on both ends. Despite a late yellow card for Lucas Rosa and a final round of substitutions from Van Persie to inject fresh legs, the scoreline remained unchanged, forcing the two sides to share the spoils.

Looking ahead

The draw leaves both Feyenoord and Ajax with work to do as the Eredivisie season enters its final stretch. For Feyenoord, the ability to recover from a deficit in a high-pressure environment provides a psychological boost, though they will need to find more consistency in the final third to climb the table. Ajax, meanwhile, will look to refine their closing stages of matches to ensure that leads are converted into three points as they continue their push for European qualification.