Classic ends in 2-2 draw

It was great to be able to watch the one and only Dutch classic: Feyenoord – Ajax.

And it has been some time since Feyenoord led the Dutch standings and had more than a hope to get a good result against Ajax.

From the first whistle on it was clear that Feyenoord meant business. With 40.000+ on the stands, Feyenoord took control of the game, in particular by Van Bronckhorst and De Guzman in midfield, who both played a great game. It was clear from the outset that Feyenoord 4-5-1 system resulted in the Rotterdam club being on top against Ajax’ 4-3-3, in particular with Suarez and Luque upfront who simply refused to do any defensive work.

Feyenoord got some early chances (Makaay, Gio) but luck and perseverance kept Ajax in play. A sweet touch by Makaay in the box allowed Van Bronckhorst to score the 1-0 in the 20-something minute. In the remainder of the first half, Feyenoord relaxed a bit, allowing Ajax some breathing time.

In the second half, Ajax coach Koster did what he had to do. Luque and Suarez made for the shower and Kennedy and Rommedahl came on, with specific defensive tasks if Ajax would lose possession. Van Marwijk had to replace Makaay who injured himself colliding into Heijtinga. 37 year old Michael Mols, ex-Ajax, ex-FC Utrecht and ex- Glasgow Ranger, was his replacement. Ajax seized control in the second half, in particular because Gabri had less defensive tasks to worry about. Ajax got back to 1-1 after a smart Gabri action in midfield. The Feyenoord back four was played out and Rommedahl picked up the ball from Huntelaar’s foot on the 18-yard line and scored beautifully.

Ajax gained momentum and even got ahead. A deflected set-piece fell in the Feyenoord box where Jonathan De Guzman seemed to be able to easily clear the ball, but the Canadian born’s first-touch let him bitterly down. Normally his strongest asset, this time De Guzman allowed sub Siem de Jong a shot at goal. With his first touch of the day the young Ajax player scored: 1-2.

Feyenoord fought itself back, with Weynaldum – the 16 year old talent – replacing injured (hamstring) Luigi Bruins giving the team extra energy.

It was Michael Mols who showed himself, with a run into the box. The hapless Maduro – playing a great game! – unintentionally tripped Mols and the Belgium referee – and outstanding performance by him – placed the ball on the spot. Makaay was resting already, so Theo Lucius took the responsibility. But, Stekelenburg is known to be a penalty-killer and he did it again. This time, however, De Guzman reacted fasted and put the rebound away behind the Ajax goalie: 2-2.

There were more chances for both teams (earlier Huntelaar missed maybe the best chance of the match) and no matter how hard Feyenoord tried, it didn’t work out.

Both teams shared the points and with PSV equalizing against AZ in a dreadful match, Ajax and Feyenoord still lead in the Eredivisie.

Just some quick individual remarks: Maduro played center defender for a good part of the match and he played a great game. Strong, focussed, tough, skillful… Marco van Basten may have a solution for the lousy build-up in Oranje. Give Maduro a chance. Another outstanding player was Kevin Hofland, defending like Jaap Stam, but with a bit more style .

These two, with De Guzman, Makaay and Gio were – in my mind – the outstanding players of this match.

source: me