In late March, Ajax stood on the brink of Eredivisie glory. A 2–0 win over title rivals PSV had seemingly ended the race, extending their lead to nine points with just seven matches left. Dutch media called it done. Pundits declared Ajax champions-elect. But over the next six weeks, in one of the most stunning collapses in European football history, Ajax unraveled. Missed chances, defensive chaos, and late heartbreak saw the Amsterdam giants throw away the unthinkable — and hand the title to PSV in dramatic fashion.
March 30 – Ajax Extend Their Eredivisie Lead
In a pivotal Eredivisie title clash on March 30, 2025, 2nd-placed PSV hosted league leaders Ajax in what many dubbed a six-pointer. Despite PSV dominating possession and xG (2.0 vs. 1.07), Ajax struck clinically through Davy Klaassen and Bertrand Traore, securing a 2-0 win and stretching their lead to nine points with only seven games remaining.
Position | Team | Games Played | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1st | Ajax | 27 | 67 |
2nd | PSV | 27 | 58 |
Ajax looked poised to cruise to the Eredivisie title. But then, the unthinkable happened.
April 5 – PSV Bounce Back at Groningen
PSV responded to their defeat with a dominant 3-1 win over Groningen. First-half goals from Malik Tillman and Ivan Perisic set the tone, while Johan Bakayoko sealed the deal late.
April 6 – Ajax Survive Early Scare
Ajax trailed NAC early but recovered quickly. Kenneth Taylor’s penalty and Steven Berghuis’ goal turned it around before Jorthy Mokio added a third.
Position | Team | Games Played | Points |
1st | Ajax | 28 | 70 |
2nd | PSV | 28 | 61 |
April 12 – PSV Rout Eredivisie Bottom-Club Almere City
A 5-0 hammering, four goals before halftime, and complete dominance. PSV made a statement.
April 13 – Ajax Barely Escape at Willem II
Ajax showed signs of nerves. They trailed at halftime despite outplaying Willem II. It took late goals from Oliver Edvardsen and Wout Weghorst to secure a narrow 2-1 win.
Position | Team | Games Played | Points |
1st | Ajax | 29 | 73 |
2nd | PSV | 29 | 64 |
April 20 – Utrecht Humiliate Ajax
Utrecht exposed Ajax’s vulnerabilities, smashing them 4-0 despite holding just 30% of the ball. Ajax’s unbeaten league run, which stretched back to December, ended in chaos.
April 24 – PSV Close the Gap in Twente
Ricky van Wolfswinkel gave Twente a dream start, but PSV responded strongly, with goals from Perisic and Bakayoko earning a 3-1 win.
Position | Team | Games Played | Points |
1st | Ajax | 30 | 73 |
2nd | PSV | 30 | 67 |
April 27 – Ajax Crack Under Pressure
Against mid-table Sparta, Ajax dominated but couldn’t score. A bizarre error by goalkeeper Matheus gifted Sparta a 1-0 lead in stoppage time. Weghorst salvaged a point seconds later, but damage was done.
May 3 – PSV Punish Fortuna Sittard
Ivan Perisic bagged a hat-trick in a clinical 4-1 win over mid-table Fortuna. PSV edged within four points with three games to go.
Position | Team | Games Played | Points |
1st | Ajax | 31 | 74 |
2nd | PSV | 31 | 70 |
May 11 – PSV Stun Feyenoord, Ajax Implode
Down 2-0 early, PSV roared back. Goals from Perisic and Noa Lang brought them level before Lang won it in the 99th minute after Feyenoord went down to 10 men.
Ajax, kicking off just 30 minutes later, knew a win was vital. But NEC ran riot, scoring three second-half goals in a shocking 3-0 upset.
Position | Team | Games Played | Points |
1st | Ajax | 32 | 74 |
2nd | PSV | 32 | 73 |
May 14 – The Eredivisie Title Turns
PSV demolished Heracles 4-1 by halftime. Ajax, meanwhile, twice led at Groningen but couldn’t hold on. In stoppage time, a chaotic free-kick saw Thijmen Blokzijl’s header trickle in—Ajax had dropped points again.
Position | Team | Games Played | Points |
1st | PSV | 33 | 76 |
2nd | Ajax | 33 | 75 |
May 18 – Final Day Drama
Ajax beat Twente 2-0. Brief hope arrived when Sparta equalized against PSV. But goals from Luuk de Jong and Malik Tillman restored order. PSV sealed the title.
Final Position | Team | Games Played | Points |
1st | PSV | 34 | 79 |
2nd | Ajax | 34 | 78 |
The Collapse By Numbers
In their final five matches, Ajax created an xG of 9.59 but scored only five goals. They conceded 10 from an xG against of 6.5. Meanwhile, PSV won all seven of their closing fixtures.
This season’s tale isn’t about PSV’s brilliance. It’s about how Ajax lost a title that was already theirs.
