Ajax vs Feyenoord h2h: one of Europe’s fiercest rivalries | OneFootball

According to AjaxDaily, Ajax and Feyenoord contest one of European football’s great rivalries, rooted in city identity as much as results. They are based in the Netherlands’ two largest cities, which have similar population sizes.

Amsterdam is the capital and financial centre, a major draw for visitors. Rotterdam is the industrial hub with the Netherlands’ largest port, often portrayed as tougher, a view many dispute.

On the pitch, Ajax have 36 league titles, 20 KNVB Cups and four European Cups. Feyenoord have 16, 14 and one respectively, and also trail PSV Eindhoven in the all-time honours list.

Since 1921 they have met 209 times in all competitions, Ajax winning 96, with 50 draws and 63 Feyenoord victories, goals 433-326. Ajax legend Sjaak Swart holds the De Klassieker scoring record with 18.

In 1983/84 Johan Cruyff, released by Ajax at 36, joined Feyenoord. The first De Klassieker ended 8-2 to Ajax, Marco van Basten hit a hat-trick and Jesper Olsen scored twice, but Cruyff said on Dutch television that Feyenoord would win the title.

The defeat was followed by a 15-match unbeaten run, a 4-1 league win at De Kuip with a Ruud Gullit free-kick and Cruyff scoring, and a 2-1 cup replay win at De Kuip. Feyenoord completed the double and Cruyff was named Player of the Year, while on-pitch passion remains intense even if past violence is condemned.

Source: AjaxDaily