AFC Ajax fell 1-3 to Greek side Panathinaikos on August 3, 2026 in the season‑opening friendly, a surprising setback for the Amsterdam club. The match, held in Ermelo, left the team with a shaky start while supporters had hoped for a smooth preparation.

What happened?

Panathinaikos struck early, scoring a header in the 12th minute. Ajax replied only in the 27th minute through a free‑kick by Quincy Promes, but the lead was short‑lived. The Greeks added two more goals in the second half, sealing a 1-3 defeat. Ajax’s defence, coached by Alfred Schreuder, struggled against the opponent’s quick passing.

How does this affect Ajax’s preparation?

A loss in a friendly can dent a squad’s confidence, yet it also highlights areas needing work. Schreuder noted after the game that the focus now is on improving possession and finishing. With the Eredivisie fixtures looming, Ajax must bounce back quickly.

What does this mean for upcoming competitive matches?

Ajax currently sits fifth in the Eredivisie with 56 points, 14 wins, 14 draws and 6 losses from 34 games, recent form DLDWW. The club has already scored 62 goals and conceded 41 this season (+21 goal difference), but trails league leaders PSV Eindhoven by 28 points. These figures show there is still a lot to do to challenge for the title.

Historical view of friendly matches

Ajax has traditionally used friendlies to test new tactics. A defeat to a foreign side isn’t unheard of, but the club aims to treat every game as a learning opportunity. The next test will be against a Dutch opponent, offering a better chance to apply the lessons learned.