Heracles Almelo has lost the home game against Ajax. Heracles Almelo took the lead twice in the Asito stadium, but in the end the Almelo team came out on top with a score of 3-4.
After an atmospheric action from the H-side and a minute’s silence in memory of the recently deceased Johan Neeskens, Heracles Almelo and Ajax kicked off in a sold-out Asito stadium, which was attended by a record number of spectators: 12,161.
The match started with some small chances on both sides, but there were no real attempts on goal. After twelve minutes, Shiloh ‘t Zand started an action, Luka Kulenovic got the ball at his feet and shot the 1-0 against the ropes. Shortly afterwards, Ajax equalized through Davy Klaassen, but the tie did not remain on the scoreboard for long. Mario Engels made the score 2-1 with a world-class goal from his own half. The German attacker managed to outwit Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer with a shot from his own half.
However, the halftime score had not yet been reached, as Bertrand Traore made it 2-2 just before half time.
Immediately after the break, Ajax was dangerous through Brian Brobbey, but his effort was well saved by Fabian de Keijzer. Remko Pasveer also made a good save from Engels’ effort. Kulenovic headed the ball through to Engels, but his effort was saved by the former Heraclied with the help of the post. In addition to Pasveer, another Old Herac song was included. Wout Weghorst made his entrance and within five minutes he left his mark on the match. The striker gave Ajax the lead for the first time this match.
Immediately after the goal, Heracles Almelo made three substitutions and Suf Podgoreanu became dangerous. With a good move he passed his man and unfortunately saw his shot hit the crossbar. Twenty minutes before the end of the match, Heracles Almelo thought they could score the equalizer. Ivan Mesik got the ball at his feet and shot in. The assistant referee ruled offside, so the goal was disallowed and Heracles Almelo was left behind.
Kulenovic arrived fifteen minutes before time. After a good build-up from behind, Kulenovic got in front of his man and scored, a great team goal. Moments later, referee Van de Graaf saw an alleged foul on Weghorst within the penalty area. The referee placed the ball on the spot and the same Weghorst shot in flawlessly. Heracles Almelo was unable to overcome this deficit.
In the final phase, the Almelo team also lost captain Bryan de Keersmaecker. He received his second yellow card after a foul on Weghorst and will miss next week’s match in Enschede.
Heracles Almelo – Ajax: 3-4
12. Kulenovic (1-0)
25. Klaassen (1-1)
28. Engels (2-1)
34. Traore (2-2)
63. Weghorst (2-3)
76. Kulenovic (3-3)
82. Weghorst (p. 3-4)
Yellow cards: De Keersmaecker (2x), Hato, Brobbey, Henderson, Rasmussen.
Heracles Almelo line-up: De Keijzer, Benita (64. Wieckhoff), Mirani, Mesik, Roosken, De Keersmaecker, Van Kaam (64. Zamburek), Engels (83. Hornkamp), ‘t Zand (64. Bruns), Kulenovic, Podgoreanu (72. Talvitie ).
Ajax line-up: Pasveer, Rensch, Sutalo, Baas, Hato (87. Rugani), Klaassen, Henderson, Taylor (57. Fitz-Jim), Traoré (73. Gaaei), Brobbey (58. Weghorst), Godts (73. Rasmussen).
