Ajax’s chances of retaining their Eredivisie title took another big blow as a stunning goal from Uros Djurdjevic gave Vitesse a deserved 1-0 win.
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Frank de Boer sent his players into the match with a clear message that this game was “Must win” after PSV Eindhoven stretched the gap at the top to nine points on Saturday. However Vitesse have had a good record against the champions recently, winning four of their last seven meetings, and they themselves had something to prove after the KNVB Cup exit midweek.
Vitesse had the better of the first half and they clearly looked to test Jasper Cillessen from corners, with the goalkeeper having to claw two Marko Vejinovic deliveries away from underneath his crossbar. Bertrand Traore came back into the Vitesse eleven after the African cup of nations, and he saw two low shots saved by Cillessen.
Ajax failed to create a single chance in the first half and their poor performance continued after the break as Vitesse continued to press with Denys Oliynyk sending a header over the bar and Vejinovic firing into the side netting. Finally after 72 minutes Ajax had their first shot on target, but Eloy Room easily kept out Anwar El Ghazi’s weak effort.
With six minutes to go Vitesse got the goal they deserved in spectacular fashion as Uros Djurdjevis flicked over Moisander before slamming the ball past Cillessen. A stunning strike which is the Serbian’s first goal for the club.
Anwar El Ghazi almost leveled for Ajax but his shot was tipped onto the bar by Room and Vitesse held on to claim the three points.
Ajax are now nine points behind PSV and it now looks almost certain that the Eredivisie title will be heading to Eindhoven this season. Vitesse climb to 10th after a much needed win which eases the pressure on boss Peter Bosz.
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