BREDA, Netherlands (Interstat) — A pair of second-half substitute goals propelled Ajax to a 2-0 victory over NAC Breda on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in the season opener for both clubs at Rat Verlegh Stadion.

Ajax struck first in the 20th minute when Oscar Gloukh, an attacking midfielder who entered the match early in the first half, collected a pass inside the penalty area and slotted a low shot past NAC Breda goalkeeper. The goal came against the run of play after the home side had created two early chances, but Ajax’s defense held firm.

The visitors doubled their lead in the 41st minute. Mika Godts, another substitute who came on in the 35th minute, received a through ball on the left flank, cut inside and curled a right-footed shot into the far corner. The goal deflated a NAC Breda side that had pressed for an equalizer after Gloukh’s opener.

NAC Breda’s best scoring opportunity came in the 53rd minute when forward Elías Már Ómarsson volleyed wide from 10 yards. Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer made two routine saves in the second half to preserve the clean sheet.

The match’s two yellow cards were issued in the second half. Ajax defender Kō Itakura was booked in the 78th minute for a tactical foul on NAC Breda midfielder Odysseus Velanas. Wout Weghorst, Ajax’s striker, received a caution in the 85th minute for a late challenge on NAC Breda center back Boyd Lucassen.

Ajax’s victory gave the Amsterdam side a 1-0 record in Eredivisie competition and across all competitions this season. NAC Breda dropped to 0-1 in both the league and overall.

Gloukh, who joined Ajax in the winter transfer window, made an immediate impact with his composed finish. Godts, a 20-year-old Belgian winger, continued his strong preseason form with a well-taken goal that showcased his dribbling ability.

NAC Breda manager Carl Hoefkens made three substitutions in the second half in an attempt to change the game’s momentum, but his team could not break through Ajax’s organized defensive shape. The home side finished with seven shots, only two on target, while Ajax recorded 11 shots, five on goal.

The victory extended Ajax’s recent dominance in the fixture. The clubs had met 78 times before this match, with Ajax winning 54, NAC Breda winning nine and 15 draws.

Ajax’s possession percentage hovered around 62% for most of the match, though NAC Breda showed resilience in midfield through Ezechiel Banzuzi and Boyd Lucassen. Both central midfielders covered significant ground but could not prevent Ajax’s quick transitions.

Godts and Gloukh were the difference off the bench, scoring goals that coach Francesco Farioli likely viewed as a positive sign of squad depth. The two substitutes combined for both goals, with Godts specifically impressing with his work rate in the final third.

NAC Breda’s attack lacked creativity after the interval. Winger Jan Van den Bergh had a penalty appeal waved away in the 66th minute, and striker Thijs Dallinga forced a save from Pasveer in the 73rd minute.

The match was played in front of a crowd announced at 18,521 at Rat Verlegh Stadion, which opened in 1996 and has a capacity of 19,000.

Ajax now turn their attention to a midweek friendly, while NAC Breda will look to rebound in their next Eredivisie fixture.

Interstat’s game simulator projected a final score of Ajax 2, NAC Breda 1, while Interstat’s ELO system gave Ajax a 95.30 percent probability to win.