“Ajax sinks in the Eredivisie after disappointing defeat to FC Twente.”

Ajax sinks into chaos and falls out of the top 4 after humiliating home defeat to FC Twente

In a shocking setback that leaves fans in disbelief, Dutch giant Ajax was overtaken in the league after a lackluster performance and a 2-1 home defeat to FC Twente. This setback jeopardizes the team’s ambition to secure a spot in the next Champions League, as they dropped to fifth place in the Eredivisie, watching the fourth position slip from their grasp.

In a crucial clash in the battle for second place, Ajax took to the field five points behind rival Feyenoord, while FC Twente was six points adrift. Óscar García, the interim coach of the Amsterdam side, once again relied on Wout Weghorst, who is seeking his first goal since October 2025, in the attacking front, while the surprise came with the inclusion of Oliver Edvardsen on the right wing.

From the opening whistle, FC Twente dominated the match. Mats Rots made an impressive run from his own area, bypassing Ajax’s defense to set up Ramiz Zerrouki, who opened the scoring with a precise shot along the side post, leaving goalkeeper Maarten Paes with no chance. The home team appeared apathetic and insecure during the first 30 minutes, creating only one opportunity for Weghorst, who failed to effectively get past goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall.

However, Weghorst got his revenge shortly after, completing a well-constructed play initiated by Youri Baas, passing to Steven Berghuis and Mika Godts, who provided him with a perfect pass to finish near the post, equalizing the match in the 32nd minute.

In the second half, FC Twente nearly took the lead again when Josip Šutalo made a serious mistake by losing the ball near Ajax’s area, providing a clear opportunity for three visiting forwards. Despite their attempts, Ajax’s defense held firm, with Lucas Rosa blocking an advance from Sam Lammers and Youri Baas clearing a shot off the goal line.

Ajax continued to struggle with pressing, and their lack of intensity allowed FC Twente to take control of the game. Sondre Orjasaeter and Sam Lammers threatened the goal several times until Bart van Rooij, the right-back who had already shone at the beginning of the match, broke free from the opposing defense to score with a powerful left-footed shot, putting FC Twente back in the lead ten minutes before the end, with the ball hitting the opposite corner of Paes’s goal.

The end of the match reflected Ajax’s disastrous performance, as in stoppage time they barely managed to take the ball into the opposing half, demonstrating a team that was apathetic and lacking in ideas.

With this victory, FC Twente not only secured three precious points in Amsterdam but also surpassed Ajax in the standings, taking fourth place with 50 points, while Ajax remained at 48, at least five points behind second-placed Feyenoord after this round. The battle for a spot in next season’s Champions League has now become a titanic challenge for Óscar García’s side, who will urgently need to reinvent themselves to avoid seeing their objectives crumble.

Wout Weghorst, Ajax’s forward, scored again after a long drought, but it was not enough to prevent the team’s sinking. FC Twente, on the other hand, displayed an organization and effectiveness that could be key to a surprising end to the season.

This match will certainly be remembered as a negative turning point for Ajax, who see their rivals closing in dangerously. Pressure is mounting, and the demands on the Dutch giant are now higher than ever.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.