Ajax-Feyenoord is always a loaded duel. This afternoon the Classic in full title battle becomes even more important. — © Pro Shots/Kick USA
With the Classic between Ajax and Feyenoord, an always loaded duel is scheduled, but in full title battle it will be an even more crucial battle. Feyenoord’s last three-pointer in Amsterdam dates from 2005, can the team from Rotterdam celebrate for the first time in twenty matches this afternoon and take a serious option on the title?
Jorunn Vannoorden
Leader Feyenoord steps onto the field in the Classic with a three-point lead over Ajax. With nine games to play, a lead that means nothing? It is: with an easier schedule on paper, Feyenoord can do a golden thing in Amsterdam. With a win it increases to six points and takes a serious option on the title. But winning in the Arena, the team from Rotterdam has not been able to do that for eighteen years…
‘K2’ ensures the last away win in 18 years
The last time Feyenoord was allowed to triumph in Amsterdam dates back to August 28, 2005. On matchday three of the Eredivisie, the arch-rivals immediately faced each other for the 100th Classic in the history of Dutch football. Feyenoord actually leads 0-2 in the Arena, thanks to their then royal couple Dirk Kuyt and Salomon Kalou. With their nickname K2 – a nod to girl group K3 who sold out the Kuip several times at the time – Kuyt and Kalou were the fear of every Eredivisie defense. Ajax also had to believe it at home.
Dirk Kuyt and Salomon Kalou: ‘K2’ ensured Feyenoord’s last victory in the Amsterdam Arena in 2005. — © BELGAIMAGE
The Ivorian first placed a ball in the square after a clever pass from Kuyt, after the break the roles were reversed and Kuyt finished after a brilliant action from his buddy. Despite a red card for Feyenoord defender Ferne Snoyl and Charisteas’ tying goal, Feyenoord takes the three points to Rotterdam. Something the Rotterdammers have never been able to achieve since then.
Busy program vs new flow
Feyenoord is having an excellent season under coach Arne Slot, so the team from Rotterdam are in the lead in their own country, and convincingly qualified 7-1 (!) for the quarter-finals of the Europa League on Thursday. The people of Rotterdam have their own variant Mazzutimenamely, the Final phase. In their last ten games, the team from Rotterdam finished six times in the last fifteen minutes. Resilience is also their great strength this season: Feyenoord has already come back from behind several times.
On Thursday, Feyenoord got rid of Shakthar Donetsk in the Europa League after a 7-1 pandering. — © EPA-EFE
But just because Feyenoord still had to play in Europe on Thursday, it will not start 100% fit. Ajax has the advantage there: the team from Amsterdam was eliminated by Union Berlin last round and therefore have extra days of rest in the thrilling title fight. Moreover, Ajax is in shape. The record champion has been struggling all season under Alfred Schreuder (the ex-coach of Club Brugge), but under successor John Heitinga Ajax has a new flow and has already won seven league games in a row.
Under new coach John Heitinga, Ajax won all their last seven league matches, the atmosphere is good. — © EPA-EFE
In any case, it will be a true spectacle on Sunday afternoon. Were it not for football, then for the many fights and fights. The Classic between Ajax and Feyenoord: Sunday afternoon at 2.30 pm.