There are few moments in football more dramatic than a last-minute twist in a title race—and that’s exactly what unfolded in the Netherlands on Wednesday night.
As Ajax fumbled a golden opportunity, PSV fans found themselves in pure disbelief, quickly turning into jubilation once the final whistle confirmed their new advantage.
Pandemonium Breaks Out in Eindhoven
Inside PSV’s Philips Stadion, the mood flipped like a switch.
Fans jumped onto their seats, players sprinted across the pitch like they’d just won the league, and coaching staff embraced with emotion.
The news had come through—Ajax had conceded a 99th-minute equaliser against Groningen, handing PSV a precious one-point lead at the top of the Eredivisie table with just one game left to play.
A Last-Minute Blow for Henderson’s Ajax
Ajax, captained by former Liverpool star Jordan Henderson, had looked poised to clinch their 37th league title just weeks ago.
But that all came crashing down after Thijmen Blokzijl scored a heartbreaking equaliser deep into stoppage time for Groningen, leaving Ajax with a 2-2 draw and only themselves to blame.
It had started so promisingly. Goals from Anton Gaaei and ex-Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst had given Ajax control, and Groningen had even gone down to ten men.
Yet somehow, it slipped away again—just like it had in recent weeks.
From Clear Favorites to a Dramatic Collapse
At one point, Ajax were flying high—nine points clear with five games to go.
Henderson’s side had beaten top teams like PSV, NAC Breda, and Willem II.
It looked like a comfortable run-in. But the wheels came off quickly.
They were thrashed 4-0 by Utrecht, drew 1-1 with Sparta Rotterdam, then were battered 3-0 by NEC Nijmegen.
Now, with just one match left, they’re sitting second in the table with 75 points—one behind PSV, who also boast a superior goal difference.
PSV Stay Focused Ahead of Final Matchday
While PSV celebrated wildly after Ajax’s dramatic draw, the job isn’t quite done yet.
They still need to beat mid-table Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday to secure the championship.
Meanwhile, Ajax will try to apply pressure as they host sixth-placed Twente.
But right now, the momentum—and the math—are on PSV’s side.
Jordan Henderson’s Season Unravels On and Off the Pitch
For Henderson, it’s been a rough few weeks. After joining Ajax from Saudi side Al-Ettifaq in early 2024, the 34-year-old midfielder took on the captain’s armband with hopes of lifting a trophy.
His last major honor was the FA Cup with Liverpool back in 2022.
But this season hasn’t gone as planned. Not only has Ajax’s form dipped, but Henderson’s off-field situation has also drawn headlines.
Transfer Drama and Public Confrontations
Back in January, rumors swirled that Henderson wanted out.
Reports claimed he was pushing for a move to Monaco and even refused to play in a bid to force the deal.
Ajax reportedly blocked the transfer, but the speculation didn’t die down.
In a tense press conference shortly afterward, Henderson clashed with a Dutch journalist over the reports.
When asked directly why he wanted to leave, Henderson shot back: “Based on what, again?” The exchange lasted nearly two minutes, with Henderson firmly denying he had demanded a move or been tempted by a big-money offer.
Henderson’s Frustrations Boil Over
By the end of the heated press conference, Henderson let out some of the frustration that had clearly been building up.
“There are people sitting in this room who questioned my professionalism, it’s bang out of order,” he said. “My family had to read nonsense from you.”
It was a rare emotional moment from the veteran midfielder, who has faced plenty of scrutiny since leaving the Premier League spotlight.
What Happens Next in the Title Race?
With one match to go, PSV are in the driver’s seat. Henderson’s Ajax will need to win and hope for a miracle slip-up from PSV.
Given recent form, though, it’s clear which team has the wind in their sails.
For Ajax and Henderson, the final weekend could either be a redemption story—or the end of a painful collapse.
A Season Hanging by a Thread
After such a commanding lead, Ajax’s fall from grace has become one of the most dramatic stories of the Eredivisie season.
Whether Henderson and his teammates can regroup—or watch their title hopes officially vanish—will be decided this weekend.