Ajax and Utrecht battle for Conference League spot in Volendam final
Ajax and FC Utrecht face off this afternoon at 12:15 in Volendam to decide the final playoff berth for the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. The match follows a dispute over fan access, as the original venue, the Johan Cruijff Arena, was unavailable due to a concert series.
Initially, Utrecht supporters were barred from attending the final in Volendam. However, an adjusted kickoff time allowed Utrecht fans to travel to Noord-Holland after all. The shift in policy came as a relief for the away side, who seek their first European qualification in a decade.
For Ajax, securing European football is critical to its rebuilding efforts under new technical director Jordi Cruijff. After a failed season, the club aims to restore competitiveness and improve its appeal to potential managers and players. European competition provides a pathway to regain momentum.
The Conference League offers a second chance for clubs like Ajax. Feyenoord previously demonstrated its value, reaching the final in its first season under Arne Slot and laying the foundation for a league title the following year. Ajax last missed European football in 1990/91 due to disciplinary sanctions.
On sporting grounds, Ajax’s last absence was in 1965/66, when they finished 13th in Johan Cruijff’s debut season. The club has not lost to Utrecht in consecutive league meetings since 2021, with Utrecht winning both fixtures this season by 2-1.
FC Utrecht arrives in Volendam with playoff experience, having reached the final for a record tenth time. Despite recent disappointments—losing to Feyenoord in 2021 and Go Ahead Eagles in 2024—the club enters the decisive match in strong form under Ron Jans, who coaches his 799th and final professional match.
Utrecht overcame a difficult winter slump to regain momentum, highlighted by standout performances from players such as Gjivai Zechiël and Artem Stepanov. The team’s resilience was evident in the semifinal, where they advanced despite limited possession against SC Heerenveen.
Ajax, meanwhile, showed signs of revival after a turbulent regular season. A competitive display against FC Groningen—described by coach Óscar García as a step toward a European final—suggested progress. Jorthy Mokio’s energetic midfield display and goal provided a rare highlight.
Yet Ajax’s track record against Utrecht remains a concern. The teams drew 1-1 in Amsterdam two weeks prior, following a strong first half that ultimately yielded no points. The final in Volendam offers a chance to reverse that trend.