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Ajax have reached the next round of the KNVB Cup after barely defeating Telstar on Wednesday night. After a terrible spell of three losses without scoring goals, Ajax managed to find the back of the net four times against Telstar. Ajax didn’t make the best impression, however, as they allowed the second-division side to bring the margin down to just one goal. Telstar 3 – 4 Ajax.
Telstar hit the ground running in the opening stages of the match. The home side showed a lot of energy and determination, creating a few minor chances and pressing hard upon loss of possession. Ajax, on the other hand, were struggling to find each other in the small spaces that Telstar allowed. With academy youngsters Ryan Gravenberch and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp on midfield, Ajax was off to a worrying start. It was therefore a bit of a surprise when Ajax opened the scoring with two goals in three minutes.
Donny van de Beek showed his class in the build-up of both goals. In the 25th minute, he got in behind the Telstar defense and fired a powerful low cross into the box when he reached the back-line. Noa Lang only had to tap it in, which he did. Donny found himself at the back-line with the ball at his feet once again three minutes later. He ventured a little deeper into the box this time, before passing it back to Tadić. Tadić found Dest and Dest found the back of the net.
Ajax had barely created a chance before they created two goals, and many Telstar fans probably felt cheated. They were able to celebrate just before half time though, as club veteran Frank Korpershoek converted a corner kick in the 44th minute. It seemed to take him little effort to hold off Noussair Mazraoui and beat André Onana with a powerful header. Interestingly, Frank Korpershoek (35) is currently working as both a striker for Telstar and an academy coach for Ajax.
The second half was only just underway when Ajax brought the margin back to two. Dušan Tadić, who had played an unfortunate first half, fired a tricky shot from distance that twisted and turned in the air, catching the goalkeeper off guard. He failed to catch the ball, and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp scored from the rebound. The match seemed prematurely decided when Sergiño Dest scored his second and Ajax’ fourth goal of the evening in the 57th minute. He produced a lovely shot with the inside of the foot and tucked the ball into the top corner of the goal. Donny van de Beek had provided another assist.
Telstar seemed unfazed, however, and kept throwing all they had at the Ajax defense, having nothing to lose. They scored yet another goal from a corner. This time it was Benaissa Benamar’s header that gave the home supporters some hope for an upset. With half an hour still to play, Ajax and everyone else in the modest IJmond Stadion could feel the momentum of the game shifting towards the hosts. Telstar played brave, attacking football from start to finish.
The ball went from box to box in the closing minutes. Dušan Tadić almost scored a fantastic goal when he spotted the Telstar goalkeeper far from his goal and attempted to beat him from long range. His effort landed on the roof of the goal. Mazraoui was forced to block a dangerous shot on the other end of the field. He, van de Beek and Lang were then replaced by Veltman, Eiting and Hansen, who had his official debut. Telstar did eventually manage to score a third goal through Reda Kharchouch, but there was no time left for an equalizer.
Ajax got away with another mediocre performance, but they will be happy to finally celebrate a win again and to advance in the KNVB Cup as title-holders.