Feyenoord suffer painful loss at Ajax

The hosts set the tone early on, taking the lead within two minutes. Kenneth Vermeer got an arm to Hakim Ziyech’s shot, but was the unable to deflect it away from the goal. Five minutes later, Feyenoord were staring down the barrel when Nico Tagliafico doubled the lead.

Jaap Stam had selected an offensive formation with Steven Berghuis as attacking midfielder, but the coach suddenly had to come up with a new plan. And things went from bad to worse in the final stages of the half as Ajax extended heir advantage. First, David Neres chipped a third over Vermeer, then Donny van de Beek headed home a fourth.

Feyenoord did play a bigger role in the second half, and even pushed forward themselves occasionally, but never really threatened the Ajax goal. The visitors lacked precision in their passing as they approached the opposing penalty area. The hosts were more dangerous, but were unable to add to their lead.

Next up for Jaap Stam’s side is a trip to VVV-Venlo in the Eredivisie next Sunday (kick-off 14:30 CET).