“Year’s Biggest Disappointment? Ajax Required Six Points from Their Final Five Matches to Claim the Title, but Now They’re Chasing PSV”
The trophy has been envisioned in the hands of Jordan Henderson, Photo: AFC Ajax/X
In mid-April, Amsterdam was buzzing in anticipation of a title celebration, marking the return of glory to the “Johan Cruyff Arena” after a challenging season… Ajax held a nine-point lead over PSV Eindhoven at the top.
With just two more victories needed in the last five rounds of the Eredivisie, the trophy seemed destined for captain Jordan Henderson’s grasp – few would have predicted a different champion at that moment.
Yet, Francesco Farioli’s squad achieved the unthinkable – with one round remaining, PSV now sits atop the standings with 76 points, while Ajax trails closely with 75.
“Football teaches us that anything can happen,” Farioli remarked.
What transpired with the already-crowned champions is baffling; PSV from Eindhoven capitalized on Ajax’s unforeseen slip-ups and strung together consecutive victories.
From needing six points to secure the title, Ajax only managed to acquire two, facing two losses and a draw, culminating in a shocking turn when they conceded a goal in the 99th minute against Groningen, who were down to ten men (2:2).
A surprise for Ajax supporters and an extraordinary celebration for PSV Eindhoven fans.
“The goal in the dying moments brought joy earlier in the season, but now it brings tears,” Farioli expressed.
The “Philips team” looks set to defend their title, needing a victory against Sparta Rotterdam in the final round. Ajax can only hope for a favorable turn of events—first overcoming Twente and then relying on news from the famous port that PSV faltered.
However, the pressing question remains whether Ajax can fulfill their part by winning in the last round.
“It’s not over yet; we have another match to play,” Farioli remains optimistic, asserting that the championship is far from settled.
Ajax entered the new season following their worst performance since 1965. The beginning with Farioli didn’t start well either, having faced a nine-point deficit against PSV in December. Yet, their remarkable turnaround allowed them to reclaim a nine-point lead with five matches left.
Nevertheless, that wasn’t sufficient for the Dutch giant to clinch their first title since 2022 in a timely manner.
Sunday at 14:30 is set to be the crucial moment, even though it appears the resolution may already be at hand.
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