Helmond Sport vs Jong Ajax Match Recap - Nov 24, 2025

Helmond Sport's Grit Prevails Over Jong Ajax in Crucial Clash

Helmond Sport's 2-1 victory over Jong Ajax marks a significant turning point for a team that has struggled to find consistency this season. With this win, Helmond Sport moves to 12th place in the Eerste Divisie, showcasing a resilience that has been lacking in recent weeks. The match highlighted the importance of Noah Makanza and Maik Lukowicz, who both contributed to the scoreline, continuing their upward trajectory after a shaky start to the season.

Helmond Sport's recent form has been a rollercoaster ride, with two wins and three losses in their last five matches. The victory against Jong Ajax comes on the heels of a disappointing loss to De Graafschap, where they conceded three goals. This win not only boosts their confidence but also reinforces their ability to capitalize on home advantage. The team displayed a more cohesive unit today, contrasting sharply with their previous performances where defensive lapses were common.

Jong Ajax's struggles continue as they remain rooted at the bottom of the table with just nine points. Despite dominating possession with 59% today, they failed to convert that into meaningful chances, a recurring theme throughout their season. Their inability to finish off opportunities was evident once again, as they managed only six total shots compared to Helmond's eleven. This lack of clinical finishing has haunted them all season, and today's match was no exception.

Kalokoh's late goal for Jong Ajax provided a glimmer of hope but ultimately fell short. His performance, while commendable, underscores the broader issue facing the team: a lack of consistent scoring threats. The young squad has shown flashes of potential but remains plagued by self-doubt and missed opportunities. The pressure is mounting on coach Willem Weijs to find a solution as they prepare for their next match against Vitesse.

Helmond Sport's tactical approach today was effective, utilizing a 4-4-2 formation that allowed them to exploit Jong Ajax's defensive vulnerabilities. The combination of quick counter-attacks and solid midfield play from Amir Absalem and Alen Dizdarević created numerous chances, leading to their two goals. This strategy proved successful against a Jong Ajax side that struggled to adapt defensively.

The statistics reveal a stark contrast between the two teams' performances. Helmond Sport led in shots on goal (4-3) and total shots (11-6), showcasing their ability to create opportunities despite having less possession. Their pass accuracy of 81% indicates a more direct approach that paid off in crucial moments. In contrast, Jong Ajax's impressive pass accuracy of 89% did not translate into effective attacking play, highlighting their struggles in the final third.

The match also served as a reminder of the importance of discipline on the pitch. Helmond Sport committed 13 fouls, compared to Jong Ajax's five, indicating a more aggressive approach that may have disrupted Jong Ajax's rhythm. This physicality can be a double-edged sword; while it can stifle the opponent's flow, it also risks incurring cards and suspensions down the line.

Looking ahead, Helmond Sport will face Cambuur next, where they will aim to build on this momentum. The victory today could be the catalyst they need to push further up the table. For Jong Ajax, the upcoming match against Vitesse is critical; failure to secure points will deepen their relegation fears and put additional pressure on their young squad.

In summary, Helmond Sport's victory over Jong Ajax not only reflects their determination to escape the lower reaches of the table but also highlights the ongoing struggles of Jong Ajax as they search for answers. The contrasting fortunes of these two teams encapsulate the drama of the Eerste Divisie, where every match carries significant weight in the battle for survival.