Ajax beats AZ 1-0 on Tolu's early header, one point behind Feyenoord

Early header decides the match

Ajax beat AZ 1-0 in the Johan Cruijff Arena on Saturday, 31 October 2026, with Toluwalase Arokodare (Tolu) heading in during the ninth minute. Abdellah Ouazane sent the ball across from the left, and the 1.97-metre striker rose above Mees de Wit to direct his header past the AZ defence. NOS counted it as his sixth league goal, while Telegraaf put it at his eleventh for Ajax in 16 appearances. Before the match Ajax sat second in the table, and Feyenoord had dropped points in a 1-1 draw at Fortuna Sittard.

A long run broken

Ajax had gone eleven consecutive meetings with AZ without a win. Telegraaf reports that AZ had taken seven of the last eleven competitive duels, with four draws. Het Parool described the result as Ajax's first win over AZ in more than four years. The victory followed Ajax's recent wins over Atalanta Bergamo (2-0, Conference League) and Sparta (1-2), although Het Parool noted that no further goals followed in this match.

AZ wins7

Draws4

AZ wins

7 matches

Draws

4 matches

Data from the article text

A poor match, with AZ controlling possession

Ajax played poorly and grew less composed as the first half went on, according to Het Parool and NOS. Julian Brandt went off injured before half-time and was replaced by Oscar Gloukh. AZ had most of the ball for long stretches but created few clear chances. Shortly after the restart AZ believed it deserved a penalty, when a weak shot from Valdemar Byskov struck Aaron Bouwman's arm. Referee Allard Lindhout and the VAR saw no offence. NOS reported that Mexx Meerdink could not get a clean touch when Calvin Stengs found him, and Telegraaf said he failed to release Weslley Patati in an overload.

Late pressure and five at the back

AZ pushed in the closing stages. Wesley Hoedt headed a Patati free kick straight into Marc ter Stegen's hands, and another Hoedt header was ruled out because he had been offside at the cross. With the lead at risk, Míchel moved Ajax to a five-man defence, bringing on Daley Blind for Jorthy Mokio and adding Steven Berghuis. Ajax held on to the 1-0 scoreline until the final whistle.

What it means for the table

Feyenoord is now one point ahead of Ajax after dropping points at Fortuna Sittard. AZ, which led the league after seven rounds according to NOS, has taken one point from its last four matches and sits fifth. Het Parool reports that AZ, coached by Leeroy Echteld, host Juventus on Thursday, 5 November 2026. Ajax's next matches are tough away trips to Midtjylland and FC Twente.