Ajax entered the weekend 16 points behind leaders PSV and just three behind second-placed Feyenoord. Their 6-0 midweek Cup loss to AZ - the joint-biggest in club history - made their home game against Go Ahead Eagles a classic bounce-back game, however.
Ajax's intentions were clear from the start, with interim manager Fred Grim sending his men forward to quickly make a statement. Captain Davy Klaassen set the example in the 15th minute, capping off a good attack with a fine finish in the top corner to put the hosts up one.
Mika Godts squandered a huge chance after dribbling through the entire heart of the Eagles defence, but was redeemed by striker Kasper Dolberg, who emphatically doubled Ajax's lead with a powerful shot from up close.
The Amsterdam side should have probably entered halftime with a three-goal lead, but 18-year-old midfield talent Sean Steur missed another big chance as Ajax were already starting to rue their missed chances.
Go Ahead Eagles hadn't created a chance in the first half, but bounced back quickly in the second half to reduce Ajax's lead to just one goal. Thibo Baeten received the ball after a quick combination helped Go Ahead Eagles easily slice through the Ajax defence, and the Belgian easily placed it past Liverpool loanee Vitezslav Jaros.
Kasper Dolberg was given a golden opportunity to complete a vital brace in a one-on-one with Jari De Busser, but couldn't finish another big Ajax chance.
It became the next source of frustration for the hosts as Milan Smit equalised for Go Ahead Eagles not long after, rewarding a smart pass from Jakob Breum with a clinical finish in the 66th minute.
A relatively long period without much urgency began for Ajax, who'd attempt just one shot on De Busser's goal between Smit's goal and the 85th minute. Dolberg was the only Ajacied to come close during that period, and with another huge chance. The Dane failed to convert again, however.
Ajax's last big chance came in injury time, when Oscar Gloukh expertly dribbled deep into the Eagles' box and passed the ball in front of the goal, where Lucas Rosa managed to get to it, but could only manage to hit the post from close range.
Ajax kept Go Ahead Eagles quiet for most of the afternoon, but had only one point to show for it, as the record champions will now head to Spain for their meeting with Villarreal, which looks like their second-to-last UEFA Champions League game of the season.
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