16 December 2020 at 20:00
Match Summary
Ajax defeated Utrecht 5:4. The match was played in KNVB Beker 2020. Goals were scored by M. Mahi 1′, D. Tadić 8′, Z. Labyad 45′, M. Mahi 47′, T. St. Jago 54′ (o.g.), S. van de Streek 55′, M. Sylla 70′, Z. Labyad 81′, D. Tadić 89′. 6 yellow cards were shown. Ajax had 61% possession while Utrecht held 39%. Ajax had 13 shots (5 on target) compared to 13 (5 on target) for Utrecht. Ajax made 2 substitutions, Utrecht made 3.
Match Events
Key match events between Ajax and Utrecht — 9 goals and 6 cards recorded during the match.
assist: M. van der Maarel
assist: D. Tadić
assist: G. Kerk
Own Goal
assist: J. Ekkelenkamp
assist: D. Blind
Match Statistics
Ajax had 61% possession against Utrecht's 39%. Ajax registered 13 shots (5 on target) while Utrecht managed 13 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 3–5. Fouls committed: 13–12.
Lineups
Ajax lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under E. ten Hag, while Utrecht deployed a 4-3-3 under R. Hake.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Ajax is 6.40, compared to — for Utrecht. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Ajax's highest-rated starter is D. Rensch (6.50), while Utrecht's best-rated player is —.
Defensive Solidity
Ajax deploy 4 defenders rated 6.50 on average, against Utrecht's 4-man backline averaging —. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Ajax field 3 midfielders averaging 6.30, versus Utrecht's 3 rated —. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Ajax start 3 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 3 for Utrecht averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 81% for Ajax and —% for Utrecht. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Age & Experience
The average age of Ajax's starting XI is 27.0 (youngest: D. Rensch (22), oldest: D. Klaassen (32)), while Utrecht average — (youngest: —, oldest: —). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Ajax's starters average 2 league appearances each, versus 0 for Utrecht. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: E. ten Hag
Substitutes
Coach: R. Hake
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Ajax have recorded 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats. Utrecht show 4 wins, 1 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Ajax
Utrecht
Ajax vs Utrecht Head to Head Results
Ajax and Utrecht have met 32 times — Ajax won 13, Utrecht won 11, with 8 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2010. Ajax leads the head-to-head with 13 victories from 32 meetings. A combined 101 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.16 per match (57 for the home side, 44 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 17 matches (53%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 19 games (59%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Utrecht are currently unbeaten in the last 3 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 6–4 in 2011.
13
Ajax
8
Drawn
11
Utrecht
Recent Meetings (32)
API data: 16 Apr 2026