Ajax Hands PSV First Loss of the Season, Closing the Eredivisie Title Race

Ajax Stuns PSV with a Late Winner in Amsterdam

Ajax concluded a high-tempo week after the loss to Feyenoord with another home win against top of the table PSV Eindhoven. Ajax held on for a 3-2 win over PSV to take their first league defeat of the season. The late winner by young winger Mika Godts sealed the win and narrowed the Ajax-PSV lead to just five points, with Ajax still in control.

Key Moments in Ajax's Upset Over PSV

The match had all the intensity fans hoped for, with Ajax pushing hard from the start. After a confident first half from PSV , Ajax matched their pace, showcasing why they’ve been undefeated in their last 12 games.

PSV initially took the lead in the 18th minute, as veteran forward Luuk de Jong scored with a brilliant header from a corner. Ajax, however, responded before halftime. In the 43rd minute, a cross from Jorrel Hato found Davy Klaassen, who equalized with a perfectly timed header.

Entering the second half, PSV came back with renewed energy, and it paid off when Ivan Perisic , who had been a surprise choice over Johan Bakayoko in the starting lineup, slotted one into the bottom corner to make it 2-1 in the 54th minute. But Ajax wasn’t done; a few minutes later, Bertrand Traore outpaced Mauro Junior, and after PSV's Walter Benitez saved his initial attempt, Kian Fitz-Jim was there to capitalize, leveling the score again.

Malik Tillman’s Costly Error Gives Ajax the Win

PSV lost the match after a late header by U.S. international Malik Tillman in the 74th minute. Pressured, Tillman’s pass went straight to Ajax player Mika Godts , who calmly struck it in at the left post to put Ajax ahead for the first time. PSV, in need of an equalizer, could not take the lead. Ajax went close to doubling their advantage, with Kenneth Taylor firing the ball over the bar and Godts nearly getting another one on the stroke of halftime.
The victory sent Ajax supporters in Amsterdam in raptures and the team’s recent form under Francesco Farioli was superb. That means Ajax are unbeaten in their last 12 matches across all formats, and they're real runners-up.

PSV’s Malik Tillman and Ricardo Pepi Drop Out in Dutch League Final Battle
This goalless draw against Ajax snapped PSV’s unbeaten Eredivisie run. The 3-2 defeat put PSV on a 10-game winning streak, and Ajax slid closer to the top.

The Desperate Fumble by American Forward Malik Tillman Secures Ajax’s Point Astonishment Ajax Takes the Win
U.S. midfielder Malik Tillman had his fingers in his cheeks as his miscued clearance allowed Mika Godts to double the lead. Tillman’s incomplete pass was intercepted by Godts, who delivered without a hitch. Tillman was obviously outraged by the error. Another American, Ricardo Pepi, came on as a late substitute to put PSV ahead, but Ajax held on until the last whistle.
PSV made it their first real challenge of the season and, despite some bright moments, the defending champions were shaken against a resurgent Ajax. PSV led Ajax by 35 points last season but this year’s title fight is far from over.

What Happens Now For PSV?

PSV will now need to pick themselves up quick ahead of a Champions League clash with Girona on Tuesday. They also play a league game against NAC Breda on 9 November before the international break.