Ajax experienced a challenging start against RSC Anderlecht, resulting in a 3-0 defeat in Brussels. Maurice Steijn’s team struggled to keep up with the Belgian opponents, with former Ajax player Kasper Dolberg leading the way for Anderlecht.
The match saw Steijn make three changes to the starting lineup from the previous friendly against Shakhtar Donetsk. Gero Rulli, Kenneth Taylor, and Brian Brobbey were given starting positions, leaving Jay Gorter, Benjamin Tahirović, and Christian Rasmussen on the bench. On the other side, the Anderlecht squad showcased two familiar faces from Ajax: Jan Vertonghen and Kasper Dolberg.
Dolberg made his presence felt early in the game, scoring a goal for Anderlecht just twelve minutes in. He skillfully found space in the penalty area, evading defenders and beating Rulli to give the Belgians a 1-0 lead. Ajax struggled to respond in the first half-hour, as the home team consistently threatened Rulli’s goal. Thanks to Rulli’s saves and assistance from Jorrel Hato, the Amsterdam team avoided conceding more goals. Steven Bergwijn came close to scoring for Ajax ten minutes before the half, but his shot was stopped by the Anderlecht goalkeeper.
Ajax displayed renewed energy in the second half, with Tahirović replacing Davy Klaassen. This led to an early opportunity for Kenneth Taylor, but his clean shot hit the post. The Amsterdam squad continued to push for an equalizer, with Anass Salah-Eddine, Mohammed Kudus, and Bergwijn all narrowly missing the target. Kudus came particularly close, hitting the crossbar with twenty minutes left on the clock.
However, the game took a turn in Anderlecht’s favor when a cross from the right was mishandled by Olivier Aertssen, accidentally directing the ball into Ajax’s net, extending the Belgian lead to 2-0. As the match neared its conclusion, Anderlecht’s substitute, Benito Raman, secured a third goal for his team, leaving Ajax helpless and sealing a 3-0 victory for RSC Anderlecht.
Despite the loss, Ajax had its moments, but they were ultimately unable to capitalize on their opportunities. The team will now analyze the performance and look to regroup ahead of upcoming fixtures.
The defeat in the friendly against RSC Anderlecht serves as a valuable learning experience for Ajax as they prepare for the upcoming season. While the result might not have been in their favor, there were glimpses of promise in the team’s performance, especially in the second half when they created several scoring opportunities.
Manager Maurice Steijn will use this match as an opportunity to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the squad. The changes made to the starting lineup allowed him to experiment with different player combinations and tactical approaches, providing insights into the team’s versatility and adaptability.
Kasper Dolberg’s standout performance against his former club highlighted his talent and potential impact for RSC Anderlecht in the upcoming season. His goal against Ajax demonstrated his ability to find space in dangerous areas and convert scoring opportunities, which will undoubtedly be an asset for the Belgian side.
For Ajax, the absence of key players such as Jay Gorter, Benjamin Tahirović, and Christian Rasmussen from the starting lineup gave other players a chance to prove their worth. Although the result might not have been what they hoped for, it will be crucial for these players to use this experience to grow and develop their skills.
With the start of the official season drawing near, both Ajax and RSC Anderlecht will use the lessons learned from this friendly to fine-tune their strategies and identify areas that need improvement. Friendly matches are an essential part of preseason preparations as they allow teams to gauge their readiness and identify areas for further development.
The loss against Anderlecht will serve as a motivation for Ajax to redouble their efforts in training and improve their performance before competitive fixtures begin. The coaching staff will analyze the match’s performance data and work closely with the players to address any shortcomings and enhance their overall team chemistry.
As fans eagerly await the start of the season, both Ajax and RSC Anderlecht will look to make their mark in their respective leagues. The friendly match result will not define either team’s fate, but it will undoubtedly spur them on to strive for excellence and achieve their goals in the upcoming campaign. Football enthusiasts can expect an exciting and competitive season ahead as these two prominent clubs continue to showcase their talent and determination on the field.
