Ajax draws against Atletico Madrid

Friday night, Ajax presented itself to the home fans at the Amsterdam Tournament against Atletico Madrid.

Luis Suarez late penalty secured the draw against the Spanish side (3-3).

Ajax played ok, at times, but defended sloppily in the first half. Mistakes by goalie Stekelenburg and neo international Van der Wiel were swiftly punished by the ruthless Spaniards. Substitute and Danish international Dennis Rommedahl claimed his spot in the sun in the second half with a goal and by creating the penalty opportunity for Suarez.

The contours of Jol’s Ajax are becoming more visible, one week befor the start of the competition. Stekelenburg on goal, of course and he led the defense with Van der Wiel on the right, Alderweireld and Wielaert in center and Vertonghen as left back. The latter played because new signing Atouba isn’t 100% fit yet. Jol already stated that Vertonghen could be the ideal holding midfielder, with new signing Demy de Zeeuw. Against Atletico, Evander Sno played on that spot.

Kennedy Bakircioglü, who started on midfield will have to compete for that spot with either De Zeeuw, Enoh and Gabri. Midfielders Aissati and Emanuelson seem to be starters under Jol.

Ajax started with two strikers (Suarez and Cvitanich). The latter scored on a Suarez assist after 8 minutes in the game: 1-0.

The Stekelenburg howler put Atletico – playing with Forlan, Maxi Rodriguez and Heitinga – on the scoresheet – Simao scored – while Van der Wiel forgot to step for offside later, allowing Aguero to take the lead: 1-2.

Ajax played with three strikers in the second half. Sulejmani on the left and Rommedahl on the right flank. Ajax scored the equalizer (Rommedahl) in the 71srt minute on a Sulejmani assist.

Trainer Jol liet zijn elftal na rust met drie spitsen spelen. Met Sulejmani en Rommedahl op de flanken kwam de thuisclub in de 71e minuut op gelijke hoogte. Rodriguez scored the 3-2 before a questionable penalty allowed Suarez to determine the final score: 3-3.