PEC Zwolle vs AFC Ajax

Ajax opened their Eredivisie campaign with a hard-fought 0-2 win at PEC Zwolle, needing a red card and a burst of substitute quality to finally break down a stubborn home side. For long stretches it looked like frustration would define the afternoon, with keeper Marc ter Stegen even called into action to deny a first-half header from Tobias Sommer as the sides went in level at the break. The turning point came in the 57th minute when Sherel Floranus was sent off for a rough challenge on Lucas Rosa, leaving Zwolle to defend the rest of the match a man down. Ajax dominated possession and shots throughout but couldn't find a way through until a triple substitution changed the picture. Jorthy Mokio finally broke the deadlock in the 76th minute, finishing off a Tolu Arokodare assist, before Julian Brandt added a second deep into stoppage time, combining with fellow substitute Mika Godts to seal it. For Ajax, it's a case of job done despite the sluggish start, with Míchel's bench proving decisive on day one. For PEC Zwolle, there's little to take from a winless opener that turned on a costly red card, though their resistance for over an hour will offer some encouragement heading into the rest of the season.