Kehrer Scores and Assists on Ajax Debut Start in 5-1 Fortuna Win
Thilo Kehrer marked his first Eredivisie start for Ajax with a goal and an assist as the Amsterdam side swept Fortuna Sittard aside 5-1 on Saturday night.
Kehrer triggers Ajax’s decisive second-half break
Ajax had taken the lead through Julian Brandt, but Fortuna Sittard hit back soon after the restart when Anthony Descotte levelled the contest.
Kehrer then put Ajax back in front in the 62nd minute, powering home a header to ignite the visitors’ late surge. Davy Klaassen, Kasper Dolberg and Youri Baas followed with further goals as Ajax turned a tight game into a four-goal win.
The German defender also created one of Ajax’s goals, becoming the first Ajax defender this century to register two direct goal contributions in his first VriendenLoterij Eredivisie start for the club.
Match timeline
- Julian Brandt gave Ajax the opening goal.
- Anthony Descotte equalised for Fortuna Sittard shortly after half-time.
- Kehrer restored Ajax’s advantage with a 62nd-minute header.
- Klaassen, Dolberg and Baas completed the 5-1 result.
Defender puts team result before individual landmark
Kehrer had played only eight minutes as a substitute in the previous week, making his impact in Sittard even more notable. Despite the goal, assist and record, he placed the emphasis firmly on Ajax’s collective work.
He said he was pleased with his display and contributions, but stressed that the win mattered most. Ajax had to work hard before finding space in the game, he added, even if the final score eventually made the evening appear straightforward.
Kehrer also took a heavy blow late in the first half but said there was no injury concern. He described it as painful rather than serious.
Organisation remains the next test
The 29-year-old said the defensive unit must keep talking through its positioning, with players responsible for directing each other and making adjustments as a group. He sees that communication as a constructive part of improving Ajax’s defending.
Ajax now move into a demanding run of domestic and European fixtures, with Kehrer aiming to build on an immediate impact while helping bring greater stability to the back line.
Key takeaways
- Ajax won 5-1 away at Fortuna Sittard after pulling clear in the second half.
- Kehrer scored once and supplied an assist on his first league start for Ajax.
- His two goal contributions set a club landmark for an Ajax defender making a first Eredivisie start this century.
- The defender dismissed fears over a first-half knock and focused on improving defensive communication.
