The wider picture
Ajax has been struggling in the Eredivisie this season, facing challenges that have affected their performance on the pitch. The team, under the interim management of Óscar García, has not been able to find the consistency needed to compete at the top of the league. This struggle was evident in their recent match against FC Twente, where Ajax lost 1-2 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
In the match, FC Twente opened the scoring in the 18th minute, putting Ajax on the back foot early in the game. Despite this setback, Ajax managed to equalize with a goal from Wout Weghorst in the 32nd minute. However, the team failed to capitalize on this momentum, and FC Twente regained the lead with their second goal in the 79th minute, sealing the victory.
Ajax’s performance throughout the match raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. Steven Berghuis, a key player for Ajax, expressed disappointment in the team’s performance, stating, “It just wasn’t good enough today. The plan was there, the chances were there, but we didn’t take them. Then you simply don’t deserve it. FC Twente were better than us. Certainly in the second half.” This sentiment reflects the frustrations felt within the squad as they struggle to maintain their position in the league.
The defeat was particularly significant as it caused Ajax to drop to fifth place in the Eredivisie standings, now five points behind second-placed Feyenoord. FC Twente’s victory allowed them to leapfrog Ajax in the league table, further complicating Ajax’s pursuit of a higher finish this season.
Throughout the match, Ajax struggled to create chances, managing only one significant opportunity in the first half before Weghorst’s equalizer. Observers noted that Ajax looked uncertain in the opening stages and struggled to play out from under the visitors’ pressure. This lack of composure and effectiveness in build-up play has been a recurring theme for Ajax this season.
Wout Weghorst’s visible annoyance when substituted suggests that tensions are high within the squad as they grapple with their current form. The team’s last goal before Weghorst’s equalizer came in October 2025, highlighting a concerning drought in scoring that has plagued Ajax in recent matches.
As the season progresses, the pressure mounts on Ajax to improve their performance. With the league title slipping further from their grasp, the focus will be on how they can regroup and address the issues that have led to their current position. Observers will be keen to see if Ajax can regain their form and make a push for the top spots in the Eredivisie in the coming weeks.
