Ajax wins JC Cup

Ajax won the JC trophy for the third time in a row. In a devaluated match, Ajax beat PSV 1-0.
The duel between the two topclubs lost some of its sparkle due to injured and suspended players. PSV lacked it’s entire striking pack (Perez, Kone and Farfan) due to injuries and new signing Lazovic was suspended. Defending rock Alex recently signed a three-year deal at Chelsea and wasn’t there as well.

Ajax missed Sneijder (suspended) and Davids, Leonardo, Mitea, Vertonghen, Schilder, Suarez and Delorge. PSV played a counter-attack style and waited for Ajax to fumble. Ajax played a too low pace of passing to really trouble PSV. Gabri scored the only goal in the 43rd minute after hapless blundering in the PSV defense.

PSV coach Ronald Koeman already stated that this match and the trophy didn’t really count for him, but he was interested to see where his team was vs. Ajax. He hasn’t become much wiser though.

The planning of this duel wasn’t convenient for Ajax. The Sons of God play Slavia Prague next wednesday in a bid to qualify for the CL. Ten Cate didn’t take any risks and replaced Jaap Stam after 45 minutes to keep the veteran fit for that match.

Ajax played more frivolous in the second half with a dangerous Huntelaar and right winger Dennis Rommedahl punishing the post.

Ronald Koeman proved the statistician: “Ajax won this trophy twice before and both times they didn’t win the title. And the title is a wee bit more important.”