Eredivisie
Brandt's brace lifts Ajax as van der Vaart slams Ter Stegen
Julian Brandt scored the equaliser with a brace for the struggling record champions Ajax Amsterdam, while Rafael van der Vaart sharply criticised the style of play of Marc‑Andre Ter Stegen after the match. The former Dortmund player got Ajax back on track with a 5‑2 (2‑0) win over FC Groningen on the ninth matchday of the Eredivisie.
Brandt’s goal and Ajax’ situation
The 30‑year‑old playmaker opened the game in the 27th minute with a powerful left‑foot shot, putting his team ahead. After the break he scored again in the 60th minute, also with his left foot, to make it 3‑1. With this brace Brandt increased his goal tally to six so far, even though he had already been capped 48 times for the German national team.
Ajax found themselves under pressure after two draws in the league and an opening‑round defeat in the Conference League. The win lifted trainer Michel Munoz’s side to fourth place in the Eredivisie thanks to the three points.
Ter Stegen’s mis‑pass and van der Vaart’s reaction
Marc‑Andre Ter Stegen conceded at least one goal in his seventh consecutive game, but saved a penalty in the final stages. His biggest blunder was a misplaced pass in the build‑up, when he lost the ball just before the 1‑2.
Julian Brandt thrills Ajax, convinces van der Vaart's critics
Rafael van der Vaart commented critically: “He is a man with experience, yet he kept trying the whole time. Ajax simply don’t have the players who can make runs with an opponent behind them. Then a goalkeeper has to eventually conclude: we play the long ball. But he just kept on doing it.”
The criticism of Ter Stegen’s behaviour in the build‑up is not new; already the previous week a journalist had commented on the mishap during the 1‑1 against NEC Nijmegen, and Ajax fans whistled throughout the match.
Julian Brandt explains late signing with Ajax Amsterdam
Next up on Thursday evening is the home match in the Conference League against Atalanta Bergamo, which will be broadcast on Sky at 9 p.m.