AZ has won against Ajax in front of its own audience for the second time in more than a month. The home team qualified for the quarter-finals of the KNVB Cup with a 2-0 win. The visitors from Amsterdam can concentrate on the Eredivisie and the Europa League for the rest of the season.
AZ didn’t even have to deliver a top performance to beat their rival from the capital. The home team attacked quite cautiously to the rhythm set by midfielders Jordy Clasie and Sven Mijnans. Ajax was given quite a lot of space, but hardly managed to position attackers in a dangerous position.
Neither team created any big chances before halftime, but it was AZ that took the lead. Goalkeeper Remko Pasveer could not prevent Alexandre Penetra from heading the ball towards Wouter Goes. He then had no answer to the central defender’s effort (1-0).
The second half started as the first act ended. Ajax had the ball a lot, without becoming dangerous. AZ stayed upright quite easily and came close to a second goal with Mijnans’ shot on the crossbar. Ajax tried to launch a final offensive, but that failed completely. Substitute AZ player Mexx Meerdink determined the final score (2-0) in the ninetieth minute.