PEC Zwolle reduced to 10 men as Ajax opener remains goalless

Ajax were still searching for a breakthrough against 10-man PEC Zwolle with the Eredivisie season opener goalless after 74 minutes. Michel Sanchez’s side had enjoyed more possession, but the hosts remained a threat and created the clearest opportunity of the first half.

Tobias Sommer was presented with a major headed chance in the 34th minute, only for Ajax goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen to make the save. Oscar Gloukh later tested PEC goalkeeper Jasper Schendelaar with a low shot in first-half stoppage time, but neither side managed to score before the interval.

The game was briefly halted shortly before half-time because of a medical emergency in the stands. Play resumed after a few minutes with the score still 0-0. PEC’s task then became considerably harder in the 57th minute, when Sherel Floranus was shown a straight red card for a challenge from behind on Ajax defender Lucas Rosa.

Mika Godts, who had initially been expected to start before withdrawing shortly before kick-off, entered for Steven Berghuis in the 61st minute and soon fired over. Ajax continued to change their attack, with Kasper Dolberg and Tolu Arokodare also introduced as the visitors attempted to capitalise on their numerical advantage.