Ajax triumphs in mythic showdown versus Heracles for third victory in two months
Ajax were eager to make a statement after slipping to fifth position following a frustrating 2-1 defeat at home against FC Twente last weekend. Oscar Gloukh was restored to the starting lineup alongside Ko Itakura who made his return following two months out with injury problems.
The side from Amsterdam burst into action early and seized the advantage inside the first 15 minutes courtesy of Mika Godts who chipped the ball over the advancing Remko Pasveer facing his previous colleagues after a superb long pass from fellow national Jorthy Mokio.
A structured Ajax move allowed Steven Berghuis to make it two shortly afterwards smashing the ball into Pasveers distant post following rapid exchanges just outside Heracles penalty area.
The final 30 minutes before the interval passed without much intensity with neither team venturing deep into the opponents territory causing disruption as Ajax entered the break holding a solid two goal margin.
Similar to the opening period Ajax began the second half aggressively and stretched their advantage to three with a further strike from Steven Berghuis who guided it beyond Pasveer during an effective breakaway.
Defender Youri Baas emerged as the saviour for the visiting supporters by spectacularly blocking a shot on the goal line to stop Heracles from registering on the scoresheet.
The frame of the goal denied Ajax on two occasions during the second half initially when Remko Pasveer parried Wout Weghorsts attempt onto the bar and later in the 70th minute thwarting Mika Godts from finding the net.
Leading 3-0 a potential dramatic rally for Heracles drew nearer when Takehiro Tomiyasu received a red card 14 minutes into his substitute appearance for tripping Lequincio Zeefuik as the final defender.
Heracles could not exploit their extra man and Ajax secured just their third Eredivisie success since February 1st while battling for runners up spot and entry into next seasons UEFA Champions League.