The second De Klassieker of the season so far saw Ajax come from behind to hold Feyenoord to a 1-1 draw.
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Feyenoord came out on top when the two sides met in the KNVB Cup two weeks ago, and the Rotterdam side took the game to Ajax in the first half. Tonny Vilhena who was the star of the cup win once again looked effective against the Ajax midfield and he set up Eljero Elia for the games first chance, but the winger couldn’t beat an on-rushing Jasper Cillessen.
Seven minutes before the break Feyenoord did eventually take the lead as Dirk Kuyt calmly picked out Sven van Beek with a cut back. and the defender made up for his own goal last week, to fire into the bottom corner. The big centre back then assured his side went into the break ahead with an excellent sliding challenge on Riechedly Bazoer, who had burst into the Feyenoord box.
At the break Arkaduisz Milik was brought on by Frank de Boer after Bazoer picked up a knock, which saw Davy Klaassen move back into midfield. This change proved crucial as it was the Ajax captain who drew the league leaders level on 58 minutes with a deflected shot which looped over Kenneth Vermeer. Feyenood have every right to be angry about the equaliser though as replays showed Amin Younes ran the ball out of play in the build up.
Ajax took the initiative after the goal, but the best chance of a winner fell to Feyenoord as Eljero Elia sent substitute Colin Kazim-Richards through on goal, but the striker’s shot bobbled and Cillessen stuck out an arm to deflect the ball away.
On balance of play a draw was a fair result in De Kuip and it keeps Ajax three points ahead of Feyenoord, who drop to third after PSV’s win earlier on Sunday.
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A great game overall. 1 more for Feyenoord would have been great! 1-0-1 this year vs. Ajax with 1 to go!
On the plus side, GVB put in the backline I have been waiting to see. Kongolo-Bottingha-Van Beek-Karsdorp is a great group!