Almere City FC suffered a 3-0 defeat to Ajax in their away match on Sunday evening at the Johan Cruijff Arena.
Despite an early effort, the visitors could not hold up against Ajax, who dominated the game and sealed the win.
The match started with an unexpected moment for Almere City in the 11th minute when Junior Kadile scored what seemed like an opening goal.
The Frenchman managed to steal the ball from Ajax’s right-back, Devyne Rensch, and curled it into the far corner.
However, the goal was controversially disallowed by referee Manschot, who wrongly deemed a foul had been committed.
Seconds later, Ajax capitalized on Almere City’s frustration. Wout Weghorst, assisted by Davy Klaassen, blasted the ball past Almere keeper Nordin Bakker to make it 1-0, much to the dismay of the visitors.
Despite having much of the possession in the first half, Almere City struggled to create any significant threats in front of Ajax’s goalkeeper, Pasveer.
Just before halftime, Ajax doubled their lead with a beautiful goal from Kenneth Taylor. A clever pass from Jordan Henderson allowed Taylor to chip the ball over the advancing Bakker, who appeared to be too far from his goal, making the score 2-0 at the break.
The game was put beyond reach for Almere City ten minutes into the second half. Kian Fitz-Jim received another assist from Taylor inside the penalty area and fired home to make it 3-0.
After this goal, Ajax looked likely to extend their lead further, with Weghorst hitting the crossbar with a powerful header.
Almere City coach Hedwiges Maduro made a few changes, bringing on Theo Barbet, Alex Balboa, and Thom Haye, and the team regained some control of the game.
Ajax, except for a late chance from Rensch, didn’t create much more danger, and the match ended 3-0 in favor of the home side.
Almere City will face SC Heerenveen, coached by Robin van Persie, in their final match before the winter break next Saturday.
A win is crucial for Almere to remain within reach of 16th place, which offers a chance to compete in the relegation playoffs at the end of the season.
