THE HAGUE, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Four days before the crucial Champions League tie against Valencia, Dutch league leaders Ajax suffered their first defeat of the season on Friday night, losing 2-0 to Willem II in Amsterdam.
Without injured Quincy Promes, David Neres and Zakaria Labyad Ajax had a complete off-day in the Johan Cruijff Arena. After Sergino Dest brought down Che Nunnely the visitors got a penalty, which was converted by Mike Tresor Ndayishimiye in the 42nd minute.
In the second half, Ajax failed to come back. Substitute and former Ajax player Damil Dankerlui finished a counter-attack to seal the win in the 78th minute. In the final minutes Lisandro Martinez missed a major opportunity and Donny van de Beek hit the cross-bar on behalf of Ajax.
Ajax suffered their first Eredivisie defeat since March 17 this year against AZ and their first Eredivisie home defeat since November 5, 2017, against FC Utrecht, at that time trained by current Ajax coach Erik ten Hag. It was also the first time since February 25, 2018 against ADO Den Haag that Ajax failed to score in an Eredivisie match.
With 41 points from 16 matches, Ajax still lead the Eredivisie, but second ranked AZ can narrow the gap to three points with a win on Saturday at PEC Zwolle. Willem II climbed to the third place with 29 points from 16 matches.
