Ajax missed the opportunity to move to the top of the Dutch Eredivisie after being held to a 2-2 draw by FC Twente, with Wout Weghorst scoring a late penalty in a controversial encounter on Sunday.
Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare gave Ajax an early advantage in the third minute, rising above his marker to head home and put the visitors ahead.
Twente responded with sustained pressure, creating several opportunities to equalise.
Daan Rots, Sondre Orjasaeter and Younes Taha all threatened, but Ajax goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen produced a series of saves to preserve his side’s lead before the break.
Twente continued their attacking efforts after the restart, but Ajax doubled their advantage in the 66th minute through substitute Rayane Bounida, who fired a long-range effort past goalkeeper Joël Drommel.
However, the hosts quickly reduced the deficit when Dies Janse inadvertently headed a corner kick into his own net two minutes later, making it 2-1.
The match was subsequently overshadowed by contentious decisions from referee Joey Kooij.
Ajax were denied a potential penalty after Sofyan Amrabat lost possession in his own box, with the referee reviewing an alleged handball by Weghorst before deciding against awarding the visitors a spot-kick.
Twente eventually secured a late equaliser in stoppage time after Lucas Rosa was penalised for holding Ramiz Zerrouki in the penalty area.
Following a VAR review, Kooij awarded a penalty, which Weghorst converted to make it 2-2.
The result denied Ajax the chance to claim the Eredivisie leadership, while Twente earned a point after a spirited comeback.
