UTRECHT, Netherlands (Interstat) — In a stunning opening-day upset, FC Utrecht defeated Dutch powerhouse Ajax 2-1 on Sunday, defying pregame projections and handing the visitors a losing start to the new Eredivisie campaign.

The match, played before a raucous crowd at Stadion Galgenwaard, saw the home side capitalize on a rapid response after Ajax had leveled the score, securing a memorable victory to launch their season.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of 2-1 in favor of Ajax, and its ELO system gave the Amsterdam club a 57.10 percent probability of winning. Instead, it was Utrecht who celebrated a hard-fought three points, improving their record to one win and no losses in league play. Ajax begins its season with no wins and one loss.

The first half was a tense, physical affair with neither side able to break through in open play. The deadlock was finally broken in the final moments of the opening period. In the first minute of first-half stoppage time, Utrecht’s Matisse Didden found the back of the net, sending the home supporters into a frenzy and giving his team a 1-0 lead heading into the break.

Ajax emerged from halftime with renewed purpose and found an equalizer in the 54th minute. Veteran striker Sébastien Haller, a key offensive weapon for the visitors, scored to silence the stadium and seemingly shift the momentum in favor of his team.

The revival was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Utrecht delivered a decisive blow. Substitute Mika Godts, who had just entered the match, made an immediate impact by scoring in the 56th minute to restore Utrecht’s lead. The goal, assisted by defender Siebe Horemans, showcased the effectiveness of the home side’s tactical changes and their ability to strike quickly on the counter-attack.

The assist was a key contribution from Horemans, though his involvement was later marred by a disciplinary action. In the 85th minute, Horemans was shown a yellow card as Utrecht worked to see out the match and secure the result.

Ajax pressed for a second equalizer in the dying minutes but could not break down a resolute Utrecht defense a second time. The final whistle confirmed a significant victory for the home team and a disappointing start for an Ajax side with perennial championship aspirations.

The result immediately alters the early Eredivisie table, with Utrecht securing a perfect start and Ajax left to regroup after a defeat few forecasters saw coming.