VIDEO: Have Ajax bottled it?! Jordan Henderson & Co. concede 99th-MINUTE equaliser against Groningen to surrender once-healthy Eredivisie lead to rivals PSV with just one game to go
Jordan Henderson's Ajax conceded a 99th-minute equaliser against Groningen to surrender their Eredivisie lead to rivals PSV with just one game to go.
Ajax’s quest to reclaim Eredivisie glory suffered a major blow on Wednesday night as they let victory slip through their fingers deep into stoppage time. Leading FC Groningen 2-1 with seconds left on the clock, Ajax conceded a dramatic equaliser in the 99th minute - a devastating blow that saw them relinquish top spot in the Dutch league to rivals PSV Eindhoven with only one fixture left to play.
Advertisement
WATCH THE CLIP
Despite being moments away from sealing a crucial win, a late free kick into the box was nodded home at the far post by Groningen, sparking wild celebrations from the home fans and despair for the visitors.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Just under a month ago, Ajax appeared firmly in control of their title destiny. On April 20, they travelled to face FC Utrecht with a commanding nine-point cushion at the top of the table. A victory on that day would have pushed their lead to 12 points, but what followed was a nightmare result. A shocking 4-0 defeat marked the beginning of Ajax’s collapse.
TELL ME MORE
While Ajax faltered in Groningen, PSV took full advantage of the slip. The Eindhoven side registered a comfortable 4-1 win over Heracles, collecting all three points to jump ahead of their Amsterdam rivals in the standings.
Getty Images
WHAT NEXT?
PSV are in the driver’s seat heading into the final round of fixtures. They will travel to face Sparta Rotterdam, while Ajax host FC Twente. The situation is simple: if PSV win, they will be crowned Eredivisie champions, regardless of Ajax’s result.