Ajax opened the 2026 Eredivisie with a 1‑0 home win over Go Ahead Eagles before a shocking 6‑0 loss to AZ in the KNVB‑Beker. The narrow victory kept them on top of the early league table, while the cup collapse highlighted defensive frailties and disciplinary concerns that could shape their title chase and Europa League ambitions.
Home Opener: Ajax vs Go Ahead Eagles
In the first match at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Ajax pressed high and created several chances. Forward Sebastian Sanchez broke the deadlock with a well‑timed header, giving the hosts a 1‑0 lead that they defended until the final whistle. The win secured three points and provided a confidence boost for coach Alfred Schouten’s refreshed squad.
Cup Collapse: AZ’s 6‑0 Rout
Just days later, Ajax travelled to Alkmaar for the KNVB‑Beker round of 16. AZ dominated from the start, racing to a 3‑0 halftime lead. A red card for full‑back Owen Wijndal in the second half reduced Ajax to ten men, and AZ exploited the numerical advantage to finish the match 6‑0. The heavy defeat ended Ajax’s hopes of a domestic double and raised questions about defensive organization.
Key Implications for the Season
- League Ambitions: The opening win keeps Ajax near the top of the table, but defensive lapses exposed by AZ could prove costly in a tight title race.
- European Outlook: An early cup exit eases fixture congestion, allowing more focus on the Europa League, yet the psychological impact of a 6‑0 loss may affect confidence against seasoned opponents.
- Squad Management: The red‑card incident underscores the need for stricter disciplinary control and possibly rotating the backline to restore stability.
- Youth Integration: With the first team seeking consistency, emerging talents from Jong Ajax could provide the attacking spark needed to revive performance levels.
- Fan Engagement: Clear broadcasting schedules remain essential to keep the extensive supporter base connected as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead
Ajax’s early season narrative is a study in contrasts: a hard‑earned victory that reaffirmed attacking identity, followed by a cup collapse that laid bare defensive weaknesses. Coach Schouten must translate moments of brilliance into consistent performances while managing squad rotation across domestic and European commitments. If the team can harness the resilience shown against Go Ahead Eagles and address the issues highlighted by the AZ defeat, Ajax can still steer the season toward the success expected of the Amsterdam giants.
