The reigning champions started strong and immediately created a few chances in front of Janis Blaswich's goal. After just over twenty minutes of play, Davy ‘Mr. 1-0’ Klaassen opened the scoring in the scramble after a corner. Although Ajax dominated the first half, it was only 1-0 at the halfway mark.
After the break, the Eredivisie leaders really distanced themselves from the visitors from Almelo. Thanks to goals from Sébastien Haller and substitute Kenneth Taylor, Ajax ran away with the game, 3-0. Taylor’s goal was his first one in the Eredivisie. Dusan Tadic missed the chance to make it 4-0 from the penalty spot in the closing minutes. Edson Álvarez nearly stunned the audience with a volley that struck the crossbar just before the final whistle.
Ajax - Heracles 3-0 (1-0)
22. Klaassen 1-0
55. Haller 2-0
65. Taylor 3-0
Ajax: Pasveer; Mazraoui (80. Rensch), Timber, Martínez (63. Schuurs), Blind (69. Tagliafico); Álvarez, Klaassen, Berghuis (63. Taylor); Antony (69. Danilo), Haller, Tadic.