ALMELO, Netherlands (Interstat) — Ajax opened its Eredivisie season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Heracles on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Erve Asito, a result that exceeded pregame projections and was powered by a decisive burst of two goals in two minutes.

The visitors from Amsterdam, heavily favored pregame, delivered a performance that justified the odds. Statistical firm Interstat had given Ajax an 89.40 percent probability to win and projected a closer 2-1 scoreline, but the clinical finishing of the Ajax attack rendered those forecasts conservative.

After a controlled but goalless opening quarter-hour, the match turned decisively in a stunning sequence just past the quarter-hour mark. Substitute Mika Godts broke the deadlock in the 16th minute, finishing a move to give Ajax the lead. Before the home supporters could settle, fellow substitute Steven Berghuis doubled the advantage just a minute later, in the 17th, sending Ajax into a rapid 2-0 lead that effectively subdued the contest before the first half reached its midpoint.

Ajax continued to dictate play and sealed the three points before halftime. Berghuis struck again in the 47th minute, completing his brace and extending the lead to 3-0. The assists on the afternoon came from defender Alèc Van Hoorenbeeck and forward Walid Ould-Chikh, each credited with one.

The second half saw the game grow increasingly fractious as Heracles struggled to find a response. Ould-Chikh received a yellow card in the 74th minute, and Van Hoorenbeeck was booked two minutes later in the 76th. The disciplinary proceedings culminated in the 79th minute when Ajax defender Takehiro Tomiyasu was shown a red card, forcing the visitors to play the final 11 minutes plus stoppage time with 10 men. The numerical disadvantage did little to alter the outcome, as Heracles failed to capitalize or find a consolation goal.

With the result, Ajax begins its Eredivisie campaign with a perfect record of one win and no losses, while Heracles starts with one loss and no wins. The records across all competitions for both clubs mirror their league starts following this season-opening fixture.

The comprehensive away victory, achieved despite a late red card, immediately establishes Ajax as a force in the early Eredivisie table and delivers a sobering start to the season for a Heracles side that will need to regroup quickly after being shut out at home.