Coach Schreuder made two changes to the starting line-up on Saturday, compared to the clash with PSV for the Johan Cruijff Shield. Remko Pasveer took the place of Jay Gorter, Perr Schuurs stood in for Edson Álvarez, who's on suspension.
Ajax on the back foot
Ajax's Eredivisie season initially got off to a disappointing start, with the team falling behind after just six minutes. Gladon opened the scoring for Fortuna Sittard with a finesse shot: 1-0.
After Limburger's opening goal, the Fortuna's fell back into their own penalty area. Ajax struggled to find any gaps in Fortuna Sittard's defensive stronghold. The Ajax players often had possession of the ball, but seemed unable to convert this dominance into worthwhile opportunities, so Schreuder's team went back to the dressing room 1-0 down.
Ajax's coach decided to make two substitutions in the break. Steven Berghuis and Schuurs stayed behind in the dressing room, while Klaassen and Brobbey went out onto the pitch.
Ajax repairs the damage
Ajax got off to a strong second half, and Schreuder's double substitution immediately produced the desired effect. Ajax equalized in the 48th minute following a long cross from Kenneth Taylor, with substitute Klaassen just scraping the ball in. Two minutes later, Rensch made it 2-1 after some great teamwork with Brian Brobbey. The referee initially called offside, but the goal was eventually allowed.
Ajax extended their lead in the 62nd minute. A pass from Dusan Tadic allowed Brobbey to make it 3-1 from close range straight into the net. After scoring for the third time, the Ajax team set up several great opportunities, including a disallowed goal by Steven Bergwijn. Schreuder's team just couldn't find the net, though.
Fortuna gets another
In the closing stages, Fortuna Sittard managed to score once again, turning up the excitement in Limburg. From a free kick, new signing Yilmaz shot the ball straight past Pasveer's near post: 3-2. From then on, the Ajax side successfully defended their lead, bringing home their first three points of the season.
Fortuna Sittard – Ajax 2-3 (1-0)
6. Gladon 1-0
48. Klaassen 1-1
51. Rensch 1-2
62. Brobbey 1-3
87. Yilmaz 2-3
Ajax: Pasveer; Rensch (74. Magallán), Timber, Schuurs (46. Brobbey), Wijndal; Blind, Taylor, Berghuis (46. Klaassen); Antony, Tadic, Bergwijn (90. Kudus)
