Ajax secured their second consecutive victory across all competitions with a professional 2-0 triumph over newly-promoted FC Volendam at the iconic Johan Cruyff ArenA. The result was orchestrated by an unlikely protagonist, defender Youri Baas, who delivered a masterful performance by scoring both goals with commanding headers, showcasing the club's ability to find heroes in unexpected places and the continued success of their renowned youth academy.
The Amsterdam giants approached this Eredivisie fixture buoyed by their recent 2-1 success against Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League. That midweek result had already injected much-needed confidence into a squad that had endured a tumultuous 2026 campaign, but the opportunity to achieve consecutive domestic wins presented a different psychological challenge—one that would test their consistency and mental fortitude following a turbulent season marked by managerial upheaval, inconsistent performances, and questions about the team's identity and tactical approach.
Interim manager Fred Grim made several notable selections that underscored Ajax's dual focus on youth development and experienced reinforcement. The defensive partnership of Youri Baas and 18-year-old Aaron Bouwman remained intact, rewarding their recent solid displays and demonstrating the club's faith in homegrown talent. In midfield, the prodigious 19-year-old Rayane Bounida reclaimed his starting position, replacing Oscar Gloukh in the creative hub. The matchday squad also featured significant additions: former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu was included for the first time since joining the club, while imposing striker Wout Weghorst returned from injury, offering a physical presence up front that had been missing in recent weeks.
The opening exchanges demonstrated Ajax's clear intent to dominate proceedings from the first whistle. The home side monopolized possession, circulating the ball with purpose and creating early openings that tested the visitors' defensive organization. Bounida and fellow academy graduate Sean Steur both forced saves from Volendam goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen, who would prove to be one of the busiest players on the pitch throughout the afternoon.
The breakthrough arrived in the 13th minute when Baas, demonstrating remarkable attacking instinct for a center-back, met a corner kick with a thunderous header that left Van Oevelen with no chance. The defender's timing and power were exemplary, and the goal highlighted Ajax's threat from set-pieces—a weapon that would prove decisive in this encounter.
The goal temporarily galvanized the visitors, who nearly equalized immediately from the restart. Volendam forward Joel Ideho found space behind the Ajax defense but his well-struck effort was parried away by the alert Vitezslav Jaros, the Liverpool loanee whose reflexes preserved his team's clean sheet and demonstrated why he was brought in to provide competition in goal.
Ajax swiftly regained control and launched a sustained assault on the Volendam goal. The chances flowed freely as the Amsterdam side's technical superiority became increasingly apparent: Mika Godts saw a shot deflected wide after a clever turn, Kasper Dolberg forced a smart save with a low drive, and young defender Bouwman came agonizingly close to scoring when his header was cleared off the line by a desperate defensive intervention. The pressure was relentless, and the second goal felt inevitable given the one-way traffic.
It materialized before the half-hour mark, and once again Baas was the protagonist. Another perfectly weighted corner from Bounida found the defender's forehead, and he directed his header with precision into the far corner, completing his brace and sending the home crowd into raptures. The Johan Cruyff ArenA celebrated a defender who had become the day's hero, and the 2-0 scoreline provided a comfortable cushion.
The remainder of the first half continued to produce goal-scoring opportunities as Ajax refused to rest on their laurels. Dolberg came close to adding a third with a powerful header that Van Oevelen did well to tip over the bar, while midfielder Dave Kwakman nearly scored a spectacular goal when his dipping shot from 25 yards crashed against the post, leaving Jaros rooted to the spot and the crowd gasping in disbelief.
The second half unfolded with Ajax maintaining their stranglehold on possession but adopting a more measured, controlled approach. Grim's side appeared to conserve energy for their upcoming European commitment, creating fewer clear-cut chances in the opening 25 minutes. This tactical adjustment allowed Volendam occasional forays forward, though they lacked the quality to trouble the organized Ajax defense, which remained compact and disciplined.
The match reignited around the 70th minute when Ajax carved out their best opportunity of the half. Veteran midfielder Davy Klaassen, known for his late runs into the box, found himself unmarked but his shot was saved by the impressive Van Oevelen, who prevented what seemed certain to be a third goal and maintained his team's dignity.
As the final whistle approached, Ajax pushed for a goal that would more accurately reflect their dominance. Mika Godts spurned a good chance, dragging his shot wide when well-placed, while Anton Gaaei and substitute Jorthy Mokio both had attempts during injury time that failed to find the target. The 2-0 scoreline, while comfortable, perhaps flattered the visitors given the extent of Ajax's superiority and the number of chances created.
The victory carried important consequences for the Eredivisie standings. Ajax's three points provisionally elevated them above fierce rivals Feyenoord into second place, creating a psychological edge in the championship race. With Feyenoord's weekend fixture still pending, the Amsterdam club could enjoy their elevated position, however temporary, and the confidence boost that comes with leapfrogging their biggest rivals.
Attention now turns to Wednesday's crucial UEFA Champions League encounter against Greek powerhouse Olympiakos. The ability to secure victory while managing player workloads represents ideal preparation for the demanding fixture schedule. The performance highlighted the emergence of exciting young talents like Baas, Bounida, and Bouwman, while the return of seasoned professionals such as Weghorst and Tomiyasu adds crucial depth to a squad that will be tested on multiple fronts in the coming weeks.
This victory suggested Ajax are gradually rediscovering their identity under interim stewardship. The blend of youthful exuberance and experienced know-how, combined with the momentum of consecutive wins, indicates the club may be emerging from its recent struggles. For Baas, the brace represents a personal breakthrough that could secure his status as a regular starter, proving that defensive players can decisively influence matches and that Ajax's academy continues to produce gems capable of shining on the biggest stage.
The tactical approach employed by Grim demonstrated a pragmatic understanding of fixture congestion. By securing a comfortable lead early, Ajax could afford to reduce intensity in the second half, preserving key players for the Olympiakos clash. This game management represents a maturation of the squad, learning to win efficiently without unnecessary expenditure of energy. The clean sheet, protected admirably by Jaros and the defensive unit, will also provide confidence to a backline that has faced criticism this season.