Ajax Suffers Largest Defeat in History of De Klassieker
In an unprecedented downfall, Ajax found themselves on the wrong side of history after a 6-0 drubbing by Feyenoord, marking their largest loss ever in the storied rivalry known as De Klassieker. This clash between the Dutch football giants ended in a manner that left many Ajax supporters and football enthusiasts in disbelief.
This substantial defeat lands among the top five most severe losses Ajax has encountered throughout its illustrious history. In a game dominated by Feyenoord from start to finish, Ajax could only muster a solitary shot on goal in comparison to Feyenoord's 30 attempts, highlighting the one-sided nature of the encounter.
Feyenoord's victory was spearheaded by outstanding performances from Igor Paixao and Yankuba Minteh, who each found the back of the net twice. Their efforts were complemented by scores from David Hancko and Quinten Timber, rounding off a day of celebration for Feyenoord fans. Following this victory, Feyenoord solidifies its position in second place in the standings, boasting 69 points from 29 games. Meanwhile, Ajax finds itself in an unfamiliar sixth position, trailing with 45 points from an equal number of matches.
The record books will note this match alongside previous historic defeats in the rivalry, such as the 9-4 loss in 1964 and a 6-1 defeat in 1960. However, it's essential to remember that Ajax's most significant defeat remains the 9-1 loss to Dordrecht in 1913, illustrating the exceptional nature of this recent defeat against Feyenoord.
Off-field Challenges for Ajax
This defeat comes at a tumultuous time for Ajax, whose CEO, Alex Kroes, has been suspended amidst allegations of insider trading. This controversy adds another layer of complexity to a challenging phase for the club, both on and off the pitch.
Controversy in the Turkish Super Cup
In an event that veered away from conventional football narratives, Fenerbahce staged a dramatic exit from the Turkish Super Cup match against rivals Galatasaray. After conceding an early goal, Fenerbahce’s under-19 team, fielded as a protest to the match’s scheduling, left the pitch, effectively conceding the trophy to Galatasaray. This unusual protest stemmed from Fenerbahce’s request for a postponement of the match due to scheduling conflicts, a request that was evidently denied, leading to the controversial scenes.
Intensity in Serie A Continues
Elsewhere in Europe, the Italian Serie A showcased the competitive spirit that defines the league. Juventus eked out a 1-0 victory against Fiorentina thanks to a goal from Federico Gatti, signaling their intent to remain among the top contenders. Napoli, not to be outdone, secured a thrilling 4-2 win against Monza. Their victory was highlighted by goals from Victor Osimhen, Matteo Politano, Piotr Zielinski, and Giacomo Raspadori, showcasing the depth and firepower at Napoli's disposal.
The surprise of the week came from Cagliari, who snagged a late 2-1 win against Atalanta, courtesy of Nicolas Viola's 88th-minute goal. This victory underscores the unpredictable nature of football, where moments of brilliance can shift the tide unexpectedly.
Ligue 1 Showcases Exciting Matchups
The French Ligue 1 also had its fair share of excitement, with Monaco securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Rennes, thanks to a solitary goal from Maghnes Akliouche. In a high-scoring encounter, Brest emerged victorious against Metz with a thrilling 4-3 scoreline, while Paris St Germain and Clermont settled for a 1-1 draw, illustrating the competitive and unpredictable nature of the league.
The weekend across Europe's top leagues was filled with surprises, stellar performances, and moments that will be remembered for seasons to come. From the historic defeat of Ajax in De Klassieker to the dramatic events in the Turkish Super Cup and the competitiveness displayed in Serie A and Ligue 1, football fans were treated to a plethora of emotions and storylines that exemplify the beautiful game.