A Historical Drubbing in De Klassieker
In an unprecedented turn of events, Ajax experienced their largest defeat in the history of De Klassieker, succumbing 6-0 to Feyenoord. This match marks a significant moment as one of Ajax's joint-fifth largest losses ever, showcasing the depth of the upset.
The stark contrast between the two teams was evident in their attempts at goal, with Ajax only managing a single shot compared to Feyenoord's overwhelming 30 attempts. Igor Paixao and Yankuba Minteh shone brightly, each scoring twice for Feyenoord, while David Hancko and Quinten Timber also found the back of the net, contributing to the historic win.
Following this result, Feyenoord solidifies its position in second place, amassing 69 points from 29 games. Ajax, on the other hand, finds itself in a precarious sixth position with 45 points from the same number of matches. This defeat adds a new chapter to the rivalry, with previous notable losses being a 9-4 defeat in 1964 and a 6-1 defeat in 1960. However, it's worth noting that Ajax’s most significant defeat remains the 9-1 loss to Dordrecht in 1913.
Challenges Off-Pitch for Ajax
The club is facing its own set of challenges off the pitch, with Ajax CEO Alex Kroes currently suspended due to allegations of insider trading. This situation adds another layer of complexity to the club's current state, both on and off the field.
Controversy Rocks the Turkish Super Cup
In a staggering move, Fenerbahce withdrew from the pitch just a minute into their match against Galatasaray, effectively conceding the trophy. They opted to field their Under-19 team for the match and chose to exit following Galatasaray’s opening goal. The club had earlier requested the match's postponement, citing a scheduling conflict, illuminating the underlying tension surrounding the fixture.
Intensity in Serie A
Over in Italy, Juventus eked out a 1-0 victory against Fiorentina, thanks to a goal from Federico Gatti, showcasing the competitive nature of Serie A. Napoli, on the other hand, delivered an impressive performance against Monza, securing a 4-2 win with contributions from Victor Osimhen, Matteo Politano, Piotr Zielinski, and Giacomo Raspadori. Meanwhile, a late surge from Cagliari saw them claim a 2-1 victory against Atalanta, with Nicolas Viola scoring the decisive goal in the 88th minute.
French Football Highlights
In Ligue 1 action, Monaco managed a narrow 1-0 victory over Rennes thanks to a goal from Maghnes Akliouche, while a thrilling encounter between Brest and Metz ended in a 4-3 win for Brest. The match between Paris St Germain and Clermont ended in a stalemate, with both teams drawing 1-1, adding another intriguing element to the league’s storylines this season.
The weekend across Europe’s football leagues was filled with suspense, excitement, and a fair share of controversy. From Ajax’s historical defeat in De Klassieker to the tension in the Turkish Super Cup and the competitive edge displayed in Serie A and Ligue 1, football fans were treated to a plethora of emotions and unforgettable moments. Each match, whether marred by controversy or celebrated for its competitiveness, contributes to the rich tapestry of global football, simultaneously highlighting the challenges and the thrills of the sport.