Ajax’s hopes of clinching an away win against FC Groningen were dashed on Wednesday evening after the hosts grabbed a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time.
The 2-2 draw meant Ajax relinquished their hold on the Eredivisie summit, now overtaken by PSV.
The Amsterdam side came close early on when Bertrand Traoré failed to capitalise on a promising opportunity.
However, they eventually broke the deadlock in the 27th minute. Brian Brobbey showcased his strength in possession before releasing Anton Gaaei with a sharp through ball.
The Danish defender didn’t hesitate, blasting the ball into the net from a tight angle with the outside of his foot, 0-1.
Groningen fought back after the break and found their equaliser just seven minutes into the second half.
A well-delivered cross into the box found Thom van Bergen, who made no mistake in levelling the score at 1-1.
Ajax, determined to retake control, found their response through a substitute. With fifteen minutes to go, Wout Weghorst made his presence felt once again.
Steven Berghuis provided a brilliant curling delivery, and Weghorst converted with composure, restoring Ajax’s lead and seemingly securing top spot for another round.
But it wasn’t to be. In the dying moments, specifically the ninth minute of added time, Groningen snatched a point, dealing a blow to Ajax’s title ambitions and allowing PSV to leapfrog them on the table.