Ajax takes the lead against Excelsior after Bergwijn’s early red card | Football

There was little going on for Ajax in the first half hour, which took a 1-0 lead thanks to a good shot from Devyne Rensch. But moments later, Bergwijn committed a foul on Mimeirhel Benita who had broken through in the penalty area.

The ball hit the spot and after an extensive study of the images, referee Sander van der Eijk gave the Ajax captain a red card. Julian Baas converted the penalty. After the break, Excelsior went on the hunt for the 1-2 against ten Ajax players.

It came in the 53rd minute. Lazaros Lamprou beautifully headed the ball behind Ajax goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli. The ten Amsterdammers could do little to counter that, but came alongside in the 89th minute. Substitute Chuba Akpom tapped in after nice preparatory work by Rensch: 2-2.

Ajax still claims fifth place in the Eredivisie, which means direct qualification for the Conference League. The team of coach John van ‘t Schip may have to give up that place on Sunday to NEC, which is playing at home against AZ in this round.

For Excelsior the draw will feel like a defeat. The Kralingers were heading for the first victory in the Johan Cruijff ArenA in history, but the match lasted a few minutes too long. The team of coach Marinus Dijkhuizen could have used the victory in the fight against relegation.

For Ajax, the focus is on Thursday’s members meeting, in which the issue surrounding the suspended chairman Alex Kroes will be discussed. In addition, Graham Potter’s name was buzzing around the ArenA during the match. The English coach is in the picture to succeed Van ‘t Schip next summer.