Welcome back! NAC Breda stun Ajax to grab first points on Eredivisie return | OneFootball

NAC Breda’s opening game of the Eredivisie season did not go as fans had hoped. The newly promoted side were humbled by fellow promoted side FC Groningen. However, in their second game in front of a raucous crowd in Breda they stunned Ajax. The Amsterdam side had underwhelmed in their opening game against Heerenveen last weekend and, while early days, there is some pressure mounting on head coach Francesco Farioli to bring the entertainment factor back to the side.

After a 0-0 first half in which there were little chances, the home side took the lead with a fantastic counter attack. After Mika Godts lost possession deep in the NAC half, the home side sprung the counter attack which saw New Zealand international Matthew Garbett out spring the Ajax midfield to finish beyond Remko Pasveer. The 22-year-old Kiwi was a key player for the side last season with four goals and five assists from midfield.

Farioli’s men did eventually get themselves back into the game. After Brian Brobbey wont he side a corner, Jorrel Hato was left completely unmarked to power a header home. Ajax would end the game with 75% of the ball and 16 shots, but this was the only one that found its way passed Daniel Bielica in the NAC goal.

As the clock ticked over the 90 minute mark, the home side were awarded a free-kick on the right-hand side. The ball to the back post was brilliantly headed home by Jan van den Bergh, the sides captain. Anton Gaaei had failed to follow the former Beerschot man who gave Carl Hoefkens his first league win as manager of the side. For Ajax, questions have been asked about Farioli’s team selection and tactics during the game.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson