Early-season pressure on Ajax at Novi Sad’s Karadjordje Stadium

Ajax travel to the Karadjordje Stadion in Novi Sad tonight at 20:00 for their first official match of the season, facing FK Vojvodina in the second qualifying round of the Conference League, just four days after the World Cup final.

The Karadjordje Stadion, named after a Serbian fighting jacket that battled the Ottomans, hosts the clash in Servië, underscoring the historic backdrop of the venue.

Trainer Míchel, wearing a rain jacket, watches his squad warm‑up, while Mika Godts receives new shoes from the club’s goalkeeper before the game.

“The problem with these early‑round ties is that you have to peak so early in the season,” says former Ajax player Hedwiges Maduro. “I still don’t understand why these duels must be scheduled so early,” he adds, noting that new coaches and players need time to adapt. Maar

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The match photo is credited to © Pro Shots / Shane Winsser, Pro Shots / Jasper RuheHet, highlighting the visual documentation of the evening.

The encounter comes only four days after the WK final, although no Ajax players featured in that tournament.

Except for Dies Janse and Youri Baas, all players are fit; new Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo is also available, though his starting role remains uncertain.

FK Vojvodina will aim to progress, while Ajax hopes to avoid the early exits that have plagued its previous Conference League attempts.

Het crowd buzzes with anticipation as the Dutch side seeks redemption.