3 March 2021 at 20:00
Match Summary
Ajax defeated Heerenveen 3:0. The match was played in KNVB Beker 2020. Goals were scored by D. Klaassen 19′, D. Tadić 63′ (pen.), David Neres 77′. Heerenveen had 38% possession while Ajax held 62%. Heerenveen had 8 shots (1 on target) compared to 14 (5 on target) for Ajax. Heerenveen made 3 substitutions, Ajax made 5. VAR was involved: Goal cancelled (Davy Klaassen 43′).
Match Events
Key match events between Heerenveen and Ajax — 3 goals and 0 cards recorded during the match.
assist: Antony
Penalty
assist: S. Haller
Match Statistics
Heerenveen had 38% possession against Ajax's 62%. Heerenveen registered 8 shots (1 on target) while Ajax managed 14 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 1–4. Fouls committed: 6–7.
Lineups
Heerenveen lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under J. Jansen, while Ajax deployed a 4-3-3 under E. ten Hag.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Heerenveen is —, compared to 6.30 for Ajax. 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. Heerenveen's highest-rated starter is —, while Ajax's best-rated player is D. Klaassen (6.30).
Defensive Solidity
Heerenveen deploy 4 defenders rated — on average, against Ajax'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
Heerenveen field 5 midfielders averaging —, versus Ajax's 3 rated 6.30. 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
Heerenveen start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 3 for Ajax 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 —% for Heerenveen and 81% for Ajax. 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 Heerenveen's starting XI is 29.0 (youngest: P. Bochniewicz (29), oldest: P. Bochniewicz (29)), while Ajax average 32.0 (youngest: D. Klaassen (32), oldest: D. Klaassen (32)). 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
Heerenveen's starters average 1 league appearances each, versus 2 for Ajax. 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: J. Jansen
Substitutes
Coach: E. ten Hag
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Heerenveen have recorded 4 wins, 1 draws and 1 defeats. Ajax show 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Heerenveen
Ajax
Heerenveen vs Ajax Head to Head Results
Heerenveen and Ajax have met 32 times — Heerenveen won 1, Ajax won 26, with 5 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2010. Ajax leads the head-to-head with 26 victories from 32 meetings. A combined 135 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 4.22 per match (31 for the home side, 104 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 21 matches (66%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 25 games (78%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Ajax are currently unbeaten in the last 3 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 4–4 in 2019.
1
Heerenveen
5
Drawn
26
Ajax
Recent Meetings (32)
API data: 16 Apr 2026