The eternal rivals clashed in the Netherlands curtain-raiser ahead of the new campaign, but it turned out to be a near one-man show
Chukwunonso Tristan Madueke delivered a man-of-the-match performance as PSV Eindhoven defeated Ajax 4-0 to lift the Johan Cruyff Shield.
Noni Madueke continued his fine start to the new season by smashing two first-half goals, which shot down the reigning Eredivisie champions.
The 19-year-old striker had found the back of the net twice and provided an assist for PSV in three UEFA Champions League qualifying matches.
And the England youth international needed only two minutes to make his impact felt when he dribbled past a couple of defenders to hand PSV the lead.
Sebastien Haller had a goal ruled out by VAR in the 13th minute before Madueke seized the initiative once more, netting his second on the half-hour mark.
Ajax’s cause was not helped by Nicolas Tagliafico’s straight red five minutes before the interval for a rough foul on Andre Silva.
Yorbe Vertessen and Mario Goetze added fine second-half finishes to seal a convincing victory over the league champions.
Ajax are still the team to beat in the race for the Eredivisie title this season, but Roger Schmidt’s men have sent the right message that they are ready to match the former European champions stride for stride.
This post was last modified on August 7, 2021 9:26 pm