Ajax have lost in the Eredivisie for the first time this season after Willem II stunned the league leaders 2-0 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
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Erik ten Hag decided to start with Klaas Jan Huntelaar through the middle with Zakaria Labyad and David Neres now unavailable. Sergino Dest replaced Noussair Mazraoui at right-back.
Willem II turned up in the ArenA sitting fourth in the table and they frustrated the hosts in the opening stages. In the 42nd minute, Che Nunnely, who left Ajax for Willem II in the summer, broke through on the counter and was brought down by Dest. Treasor Ndayishimiye slotted in the spot-kick to make it 1-0 for Willem II at the break.
After the break, Ten Hag decided to switch Noa Lang for Siem de Jong but the change did not result in an equaliser. Donny van de Beek shot just wide, while Timo Wellenreuther denied Hakim Ziyech.
Ajax were bombing forward but in the 78th minute, Willem II doubled their lead through another ex-Ajax youth product. Damil Dankerlui fired past Andre Onana and into the far corner.
Van de Beek hit the bar before the end but as Ajax failed to find a way back into the game.
It’s a first loss in the Eredivisie this season and first at home in the league since November 2017. Willem II climb above PSV into third.
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