24 JAN 2019; Ajax-Heerenveen; Beker Quarterfinal

[Orange14]

Here we go for round two of the match up between Ajax and Heerenveen. After a disappointing draw yesterday, ten Hag has some thinking to do about squad rotation. Next Sunday, Ajax take on Feyenoord who have an easier cup tie against Fortuna Sittard on Wednesday (meaning they get an extra day of rest). A win in Rotterdam is a must if Ajax are to have any chance to win the league.

I have not seen anything about Tagliafico's availability for the upcoming match. Eiting is now out for two months because of meniscus surgery on his knee.

[SPL]

Bad timing as I miss this game as I am going to my cricket club in Brighton for our monthly quiz and curry night. I did curse when the draw was made as Feyenoord play Weds.Cannot ever remember missing 2 games in a row ,I rarely miss one game !

I expect we will win this one but would rather have won yesterday .

[Amol]

Not watching the game, but we're up 2-0. Goals from Nous and Donny in the 3rd and 16th minutes.

[Orange14]

3-0 at the half. I have one of the dodgy web players that stops every 12 minutes or so. van de Beek with a brace and Mazraoui with a nice shot from distance. ten Hag has de Ligt and Magallan in the center with Blind and Kristensen as FBs. Mazraoui started off in the MF but came out with a slight knock after a half hour for Schöne. de Jong is the deep lying MF. I thought the MF was really good in with Mazraoui, quick ball movement. Ajax are totally dominating this match and Heerenveen have not threatened. Too bad they didn't play like this on Sunday.

[Tom_]

Game looks pretty different with Heerenveen's counter attacks being snuffed out more quickly. Onana maybe had 4 touches...?

[Tom_]

Kristensen obviously hasn’t played enough to know which uniform Ajax wears. I’d be happy to keep it that way tbh

[Orange14]

Kristensen obviously hasn’t played enough to know which uniform Ajax wears. I’d be happy to keep it that way tbh

LOL, leave it to Ajax to make things interesting. Match ended up 3-1. Ajax had a couple of decent chances in the 2nd half but the shots were well saved. As Tom noted, Kristensen just lost it and made a back pass right to the Heerenveen forward who turned and beat Onana 1 v 1. Five minutes later Lammers won a PK when Magallan pushed him over in the box but Onana saved the PK. Magallan had a nice match otherwise. Ajax was solid defensively and didn't let Heerenveen counter at all.

No player ratings because my feed kept going in and out. On to the semis with Feyenoord, AZ, and Willem II.

[souras84]

Was it Mazraoui in the middle and Blind at left back since the beginning?

[Orange14]

Was it Mazraoui in the middle and Blind at left back since the beginning?

Mazraoui and van de Beek were the two forward MFs. Blind played the whole match at LB.

[SPL]

Just come back from my quiz and relieved to see we won .Pity we could not win last Sunday.Hopefully i will finally see us again on Sunday

[SPL]

Just watched the highlights ,what on earth was Kristensen doing with that back pass direct to a Heerenveen player!

Great penalty save by Onana. We would not have let in 4 goals last Sunday with him in goal.Ajax are looking to get another 2nd goalie this month.

[Tom_]

Surprise! Ajax drew Feyenoord away in the semi. I think everyone was expecting that as soon as the last whistle went in the quarter final.

We can get revenge for that one where Kuyt put Veltman (?) in a headlock for the injury time winner... three years ago?

[souras84]

Meanwhile Feyenoord haven't played an away match in this year's Beker competition

[Tom_]

Luck of the draw eh? The commentator said this was Heerenveen’s 9th consecutive away match in the Beker.

[SPL]

I am sure Feyenoord away was fixed.