As the curtains rise for the much-anticipated championship match between Ajax and Zwolle, fans are gearing up for an electrifying evening of football. Scheduled at the iconic Johan Cruyff Arena, this game brings together two teams with vastly different trajectories this season. Ajax, a club steeped in history and success, will be facing off against an ambitious Zwolle side eager to prove themselves on the grandest stage. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with the championship title and glory on the line.
Ajax's most recent road game ended in a draw. At De Grolsch Veste, the game ended in a 2-2 draw with FC Twente. Davy Klaassen and Bertrand Traore both scored one goal, but Francesco Farioli's squad enjoyed the most of the ball, with 62% possession and six shots on goal.
In their last match, PEC Zwolle won at home. At MAC3PARK Stadion, they defeated Fortuna Sittard 3-1. Dylan Mbayo scored twice, Damian van der Haar also scored, and PEC had 60% of the possession and four shots on goal.The last time these teams faced each other, Ajax had the advantage. At the MAC3PARK Stadion, they defeated PEC 3-1. There has only been one draw in the last eight face-to-face meetings.
7 victories, 1 defeat, and 2 ties, with an average of 2.4 goals from 16.4 attempts and 6.6 shots on goal. Ajax has averaged 6.0 corners, 611.4 passes, and 61.5% possession per game. They have let up 1.1 goals on average from 9.2 attempts and 3.4 shots on goal, while their opponents have been given 2.5 corners.
Bertrand Traore and Wout Weghorst have scored four and three goals, respectively, while top scorer Davy Klaassen has scored six. Goalkeepers Remko Pasveer and Diant Ramaj have a combined total of four clean sheets, while Jorrel Hato leads the league in assists with four.
With an average of 1.3 goals from 3.1 shots on goal and 9.7 attempts, PEC has three wins, four losses, and three ties. In addition to giving up 1.6 goals from 5.9 shots on goal and 15.5 attempts, Johnny Jansen's team has averaged 49.7% possession, 441.0 passes, 4.9 corners taken, and 7.3 corners against.
Dylan Mbayo and Dylan Vente were the top scorers with three points each, while Davy van den Berg received two. In the past ten games, Dylan Mbayo has contributed five assists, and Jasper Schendelaar has kept two clean sheets.
Ajax enters the match as clear favorites, boasting a squad packed with talent, experience, and a winning mentality. Under the astute guidance of their manager, Ajax has showcased their attacking flair, dominating possession, and punishing defenses with clinical finishing.
Zwolle, on the other hand, has been the surprise package of the season. Despite lacking the pedigree of their illustrious opponents, they’ve defied the odds with resolute defending, tactical discipline, and an indomitable spirit.
Tactically, this match promises to be a fascinating battle. Ajax will likely look to dominate proceedings with their high-pressing game and quick transitions, aiming to unsettle Zwolle’s defensive block. Zwolle, however, may adopt a counter-attacking approach, relying on their pace on the wings and set-piece opportunities to catch Ajax off guard. The midfield battle will be crucial, with both teams vying to assert control and dictate the tempo of the game.
As fans and pundits eagerly await kickoff, one thing is certain – this match has all the ingredients for a classic. Will Ajax reaffirm their dominance in Dutch football with yet another trophy, or will Zwolle write a fairytale ending to their season with an improbable victory? All eyes will be on the players and the managers as they script what promises to be an unforgettable chapter in Dutch football history. Let the battle begin!
