No winner, but 34,000 spectators at first women’s Classic at Arena
NOS Soccer–
Watch the summary of Ajax-Feyenoord here
The first Klassieker between the women of Ajax and Feyenoord at the Johan Cruijff Arena ended in a 1-1 draw. A disappointing result for number two on the league table, Ajax, against number six Feyenoord. This points loss increased the difference with leaders FC Twente to five points.
In 2014, the Ajax women played in the Arena for the first time, against FC Twente. But since then the matches were again finished at Sportpark de Toekomst, Ajax’s training complex. Until today. Almost 34,000 tickets were sold for this memorable match, a record in the women’s premier league.
Many visitors were happy that the women also finally got their chance in the Arena:
Record number of visitors in the women’s premier league
Feyenoord seemed less impressed by the ambiance than the home side and started with a field advantage and some good opportunities. After the opening stages, Ajax was the superior side, without really playing great.
The biggest chance before halftime was for Ajacied Chasity Grant, she was sent deep by Romée Leuchter. But the outside player slid the ball wide of Feyenoord goalie Jacintha Weimar’s goal.
Shortly after halftime, Feyenoord scored. A corner by the Rotterdammers went through a number of backs into the goal behind goalkeeper Lize Kop. The goal eventually came in the name of Maxime Bennink.
The lead was only short-lived. After some fine feints, Ashleigh Weerden produced a swabbing ball that disappeared into the short corner behind Weimar. Thus, after 50 minutes it was tied again: 1-1.
After that Ajax seemed to loosen up, which resulted in a great chance for Leuchter after 58 minutes, but he shot over Weimar’s goal. After that, the Amsterdammers continued to take the initiative, with Feyenoord mainly defending.
In the final minutes, Feyenoord got away well three more times. First when Weimar released a ball and a scrimmage ensued. And in injury time she saved a shot by Rosa van Gool from the crossbar. The next corner that Ajax got was also a bit tricky.
But in the end, the Rotterdam defense managed to drag the point out of the fire.
