Ajax condemned to play‑offs after Heerenveen draw, face Groningen Thursday

Ajax's 0-0 draw with sc Heerenveen has left the club needing to contest play‑offs to secure European football. The first play‑off match is scheduled for Thursday against FC Groningen in Volendam.

Captain Davy Klaassen noted that the Johan Cruijff Arena is unavailable due to a series of ten concerts by Harry Styles, meaning the team must play elsewhere. He added that the club has no choice but to accept the situation.

The match in Heerenveen was disrupted by a sudden rainstorm that turned the pitch into a "water ballet" in the final moments. The heavy downpour made proper football impossible at the Abe Lenstra Stadion.

Coach Óscar García criticised the referee for not suspending the game, saying the conditions forced players to play water polo rather than football. He described the situation as disrespectful to the fans.

During the match García approached the fourth official to request an interruption, but received no response. He later emphasized that his team's only objective is to win the play‑offs.

The semi‑final against FC Groningen will take place on Thursday at 18:45, with the winner advancing to a final on 24 May at 18:00. The final opponent will be either FC Utrecht or sc Heerenveen, with the prize being a place in the second qualifying round of the Conference League.

Ajax will need to secure victory in the upcoming play‑off to keep their European hopes alive, as the club prepares for the decisive matches that could determine their continental future.