Ajax did not make a mistake on Sunday in the away match against RKC Waalwijk. The leader of the Eredivisie did not make a big impression, but won 0-1 with a goal from Sébastien Haller in the first half. In addition to the disappointing field play, Devyne Rensch’s failure also tainted the victory: the right back injured his hamstring and had to be replaced in the second half.
Ajax still had to do without the injured keeper Maarten Stekelenburg, as a result of which Kjell Scherpen defended the goal. Former Ajax player Vurnon Anita was missing at RKC, because the midfielder has just become a father. Haller, not registered for Europa League matches, returned to the center of the forefront and scored the only goal of the first half. The striker extended a sharply cut cross from Dusan Tadic after fifteen minutes in an acrobatic manner. He extended his right leg high and thus found the top right corner: 0-1.
It was the third serious opportunity for Ajax, after Tadic and Edson Álvarez both encountered Kostas Lamprou, also former Ajax player. Ajax’s field dominance remained great even after the goal. The visitors had the game completely under control; RKC rarely came to half of Ajax. Nevertheless, the number of opportunities for Erik ten Hag’s team was limited after the 0-1. Even after the break Ajax did not manage to create many great opportunities, but it did not run into problems in the back either. Ten Hag replaced Davy Klaassen, Antony and Rensch early in the second half.
Rensch had to leave the field due to an injury: he grabbed his hamstring after a sprint duel with Ola John and was replaced by Sean Klaiber. Rensch has already been suspended for the return match against AS Roma in the Europa League, but now also has to fear for the cup final against Vitesse on Sunday. Sixteen minutes before the end, Ajax escaped the equalizing goal when a free kick by Cyril Ngonge hit the crossbar. There was therefore no question of a simple victory, but Ajax is continuing its way towards the 35th national title in club history.