Rotterdam, Nov 9 (IANS): The Dutch Classic between Feyenoord Rotterdam and Ajax Amsterdam ended in a 1-1 draw here.
After losing 0-1 in the Dutch Cup by the end of October Ajax wanted revenge on Sunday in a packed and hostile De Kuip stadium. The league leaders had to miss club topscorer Anwar El Ghazi due to an ankle injury. Ajax coach Frank de Boer surprisingly lined up midfielder and captain Davy Klaassen up front, reports Xinhua.
The first chance of the match was for Feyenoord, with Ajax goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen saving an attempt by Eljero Elia. Daley Sinkgraven missed the first opportunity on behalf of Ajax.
The home team went ahead in the 38th minute when Dirk Kuijt crossed and defender Sven van Beek, who had scored an own goal last week against ADO Den Haag (0-1 loss), scored.
Just before half-time, Ajax suffered another setback when Lasse Schone limped off injured and was replaced by his Danish compatriot Viktor Fischer.
Feyenoord was the better team in the first half, but the second part of the match showed a different face. With striker Arek Milik in for Riechedly Bazoer and Klaassen back on the midfield, Ajax dominated and created chances.
Klaassen produced the equaliser in the 59th minute when his shot was deflected by Feyenoord defender Terence Kongolo. The hosts protested against the goal and had the right to do so, because before Amin Younes had delivered the assist the ball had crossed the line, which was not seen by the referees.
Feyenoord had one major chance to get the lead again, but Ajax goalkeeper Cillessen saved the shot by substitute Colin Kazim-Richards. The Dutch Classic finished without a winner.
Also on Sunday, PSV Eindhoven beat FC Utrecht 3-1 at home. Hector Moreno opened the scoring in the second minute and in the remainder of the first half PSV had major chances to extend the lead.
However, four minutes after half-time, Bart Ramselaar equalised after Nacer Barazite hit the post and PSV goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet saved the rebound from Timo Letschert.
Santiago Arias put the visitors hosts again on an assist by substitute Gaston Pereiro. After Luuk de Jong missed a penalty, the striker secured the 3-1 victory when he tipped in a cross by Jurgen Locadia.
Ajax maintained the first place in the table with 29 points, followed by reigning champions PSV (27), Feyenoord (26) and Heracles Almelo (25).