AFC Ajax kicked off their pre-season campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Cypriot side AEK Larnaca on 11 July 2026. The friendly, played at Ajax’s training complex, gave the Eredivisie giants an early look at their squad depth ahead of the new season.

Match Report

Ajax dominated possession from the outset, as expected, but found AEK Larnaca’s well-organised defence hard to break down. The breakthrough came shortly before half-time when an Ajax midfielder collected a pass on the edge of the box and curled a precise shot into the top corner. The second half saw Ajax control the tempo without adding to the scoreline, while AEK threatened on the counter but lacked a final ball.

Tactical Observations

Ajax fielded a mix of first‑team regulars and promising youngsters. The team operated in their classic 4-3-3, with fluid interchanging in attack. AEK Larnaca, preparing for the Cypriot First Division, sat deep and looked to hit on the break. Ajax’s full‑backs pushed high, providing width, but the final pass in the final third was sometimes lacking. The result was a useful workout rather than a spectacle.

Key Players

• Ajax goalscorer: Showed composure and technique with the winning goal.
• Ajax central defender: Kept a clean sheet with calm distribution from the back.
• AEK goalkeeper: Made several saves to keep the score respectable.

Looking Ahead

This friendly marks the start of Ajax’s pre-season schedule, which will include matches against higher‑profile opponents. Manager John van ’t Schip will be pleased with the clean sheet and the chance to evaluate players in match conditions. AEK Larnaca will take positives from their defensive organisation but will need to improve their attacking creativity before their own season begins.