Ajax Suffers Shocking Defeat to Fourth-Tier Club Hercules in KNVB Cup
Ajax, the dominant force in Dutch football with a record 20 KNVB Cup wins, faced a humiliating exit from the competition as they were eliminated by amateur side Hercules. This shocking defeat marks one of the worst moments in Ajax’s history.
Amateur Side Hercules Stuns Ajax
Hercules, currently positioned 10th in the fourth division of Dutch football, managed to secure a stunning victory against Ajax in the last 32 stage of the KNVB Cup. Tim Pieters played a crucial role, scoring twice for the home side in Utrecht.
Ajax’s Late Comeback Falls Short
Despite a late surge from Ajax, with goals from Brian Brobbey and Chuba Akpom in the 83rd and 89th minutes, it wasn’t enough to save them from defeat. In the third minute of stoppage time, Mats Grotenberg sealed the extraordinary victory for Hercules.
Ajax Assistant Coach Expresses Disappointment
With Ajax boss John van ‘t Schip absent from the match due to his son’s wedding in Australia, assistant coach Michael Valkanis expressed his disappointment about the defeat. He acknowledged that this should not have happened and emphasized the need for Ajax to regroup and improve.
Ajax’s Struggles in the Eredivisie
This defeat adds to Ajax’s challenging season, which started with a disastrous performance in the Eredivisie. The team won only one of their first eight league games and experienced a five-match losing streak, leaving them in the relegation zone. They endured their longest-ever winless run, going 10 matches without a victory.
Recent Recovery and Standings
Despite their initial struggles, Ajax has shown signs of improvement. They have managed to go unbeaten in their last eight matches, earning 20 points and rising to fifth place in the standings. However, they still trail league leaders PSV Eindhoven by a significant 23-point margin.
Overall, Ajax’s defeat to Hercules serves as a wake-up call for the team as they strive to regain their dominance in Dutch football.