Ajax Vs AZ

Fresh off their respective Europa League eliminations, Ajax and AZ Alkmaar now turn their focus back to the Eredivisie, with a crucial encounter at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Sunday evening. The Noord-Hollandse Derby promises to be an intense battle, as both sides aim to recover from their continental setbacks and strengthen their domestic positions. While Ajax are looking to extend their lead at the summit of the Eredivisie, AZ will be keen to maintain their dominance in this particular fixture, having enjoyed recent success against their Amsterdam rivals.

Ajax have been in scintillating form in the Eredivisie, with their latest domestic victory making it ten consecutive wins. This impressive run has allowed them to build and maintain a commanding eight-point lead over second-placed PSV Eindhoven. However, their aspirations of a deep run in Europe were dashed in the Europa League round of 16, where they suffered consecutive defeats against Eintracht Frankfurt. Their 2-1 loss in Amsterdam in the first leg already placed them in a difficult position, and they ultimately failed to produce a response in the return fixture, succumbing to a humbling 4-1 defeat in Germany, which saw them crash out of the competition with an aggregate scoreline of 6-2.

Despite this setback, Ajax will now shift their focus entirely to their domestic ambitions, as they look to secure a record-extending 37th Eredivisie title. With only nine matches remaining in the season, they hold a significant advantage and will be eager to continue their impressive momentum. However, they are well aware of the challenge that AZ pose, particularly given their struggles against them in recent years. The Alkmaar-based club has proven to be a persistent thorn in Ajax's side, as they are the last team to defeat them in league action this season. Moreover, Ajax have been unable to claim victory against AZ in their previous seven meetings, a statistic that will undoubtedly fuel their determination heading into this contest.

AZ’s dominance in the Noord-Hollandse Derby has been evident in recent years, as they have emerged victorious in five of the last seven encounters, including the most recent four. This season, they have already managed to get the better of Ajax on two occasions, first securing a 2-1 victory in the league fixture held in Alkmaar and later eliminating them from the KNVB Beker with a 2-0 win in January. These results highlight the confidence AZ have when facing their illustrious rivals, and they will be keen to extend their run of positive results in this matchup.

However, Ajax remain formidable domestically, having displayed a remarkable balance between attacking potency and defensive solidity. In their last ten Eredivisie outings, they have scored 21 goals while conceding only twice, a testament to their efficiency at both ends of the pitch. Furthermore, they enter this fixture having kept five consecutive clean sheets, with their most recent league outing resulting in a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Zwolle. This level of consistency and resilience will undoubtedly provide them with confidence as they aim to overcome their recent struggles against AZ.

AZ, on the other hand, will be eager to extend their positive record at the Johan Cruyff Arena. In their last two visits to Ajax’s home ground, they have managed to avoid defeat, registering a win and a draw. Additionally, they have proven to be a defensive force in this particular fixture, having shut out Ajax in three of their last five meetings. Across those encounters, they have scored eight goals while conceding only two, further reinforcing their recent superiority over the reigning Eredivisie leaders.

Despite their success against Ajax in recent times, AZ must quickly recover from their recent disappointment in Europe. Their elimination from the Europa League at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur was particularly painful, as they had initially taken a 1-0 first-leg advantage. However, they were unable to hold onto their lead in the return leg, ultimately falling to a 3-1 defeat that saw them exit the competition at the round of 16 stage. This setback was compounded by their domestic struggles, as they suffered a 3-1 loss against Heerenveen on March 2, a result that significantly impacted their push for European qualification. Currently sitting three points behind fourth-placed Twente, AZ will be determined to return to winning ways and keep their hopes of securing a Europa League spot alive.

As the two sides prepare to clash in the Noord-Hollandse Derby, the stakes could not be higher. For Ajax, this fixture presents an opportunity to further cement their position at the top of the Eredivisie and break their recent hoodoo against AZ. They will be looking to capitalize on their imperious domestic form and finally put an end to their struggles in this particular fixture. Meanwhile, AZ will view this match as another chance to showcase their resilience and tactical discipline, as they attempt to derail Ajax’s title charge while boosting their own aspirations for European football next season.

With both teams having endured the disappointment of their respective Europa League exits, this encounter will serve as a test of their ability to respond and refocus on their domestic objectives. The Johan Cruyff Arena is set to witness a fiercely contested battle, as Ajax seek redemption against an AZ side that has repeatedly had their number in recent seasons. Whether the reigning Eredivisie leaders can finally overcome their struggles against their provincial rivals or if AZ will continue their remarkable run in this fixture remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this will be a derby to remember.