3 March 2022 at 19:00
Match Summary
Ajax defeated AZ Alkmaar 2:0. The match was played in KNVB Beker 2021. Goals were scored by S. Berghuis 11′, D. Klaassen 89′. 4 yellow cards were shown. AZ Alkmaar had 40% possession while Ajax held 60%. AZ Alkmaar had 4 shots (2 on target) compared to 6 (5 on target) for Ajax. AZ Alkmaar made 3 substitutions, Ajax made 3.
Match Events
Key match events between AZ Alkmaar and Ajax — 2 goals and 4 cards recorded during the match.
assist: N. Tagliafico
Match Statistics
AZ Alkmaar had 40% possession against Ajax's 60%. AZ Alkmaar registered 4 shots (2 on target) while Ajax managed 6 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 1–1. Fouls committed: 12–12.
Lineups
AZ Alkmaar lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under P. Jansen, while Ajax deployed a 4-3-3 under E. ten Hag.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for AZ Alkmaar is 6.90, compared to 7.29 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. AZ Alkmaar's highest-rated starter is J. Clasie (6.90), while Ajax's best-rated player is S. Berghuis (7.29).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of AZ Alkmaar have contributed 0 goals and 0 assists this season, led by —. Ajax's starters account for 4 goals and 2 assists, spearheaded by S. Berghuis (4G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
AZ Alkmaar 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
AZ Alkmaar field 4 midfielders averaging 6.90, versus Ajax's 3 rated 7.29. 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
AZ Alkmaar start 2 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 53% for AZ Alkmaar and 85% 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.
Discipline
AZ Alkmaar's starters have collected 1 yellow cards this season, compared to 2 for Ajax. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of AZ Alkmaar's starting XI is 34.0 (youngest: J. Clasie (34), oldest: J. Clasie (34)), while Ajax average 34.0 (youngest: S. Berghuis (34), oldest: S. Berghuis (34)). 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
AZ Alkmaar's starters average 1 league appearances each, versus 15 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: P. Jansen
Substitutes
Coach: E. ten Hag
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, AZ Alkmaar have recorded 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeats. Ajax show 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
AZ Alkmaar
Ajax
AZ Alkmaar vs Ajax Head to Head Results
AZ Alkmaar and Ajax have met 35 times — AZ Alkmaar won 14, Ajax won 13, with 8 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2010. AZ Alkmaar leads the head-to-head with 14 victories from 35 meetings. A combined 107 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.06 per match (48 for the home side, 59 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 17 matches (49%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 22 games (63%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. AZ Alkmaar are currently unbeaten in the last 12 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 6–0 in 2026.
14
AZ Alkmaar
8
Drawn
13
Ajax
Recent Meetings (35)
API data: 16 Apr 2026