Chuba Akpom marked the start of 2025 with a crucial goal as Ajax fought back to draw 2-2 against VfB Stuttgart in a gripping friendly match at the Robert-Schlienz-Stadion, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Arsenal forward, introduced in the second half, rescued the Dutch side with a composed finish for the equaliser five minutes from time.
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The sold-out crowd of 3,000 witnessed Stuttgart’s electric start, with the Bundesliga side racing into a 2-0 lead within 20 minutes.
Angelo Stiller opened the scoring in the 13th minute, calmly finishing after a perfectly weighted pass from Chris Führich. Moments later, Führich turned scorer, slotting home a clever team move to double the advantage.
Ajax struggled to impose themselves early on, managing only a single first-half chance through Bertrand Traoré.
The game shifted after the break as Ajax made wholesale changes, leaving Daniele Rugani as the only starter to remain on the pitch. Rugani capitalised on a 52nd-minute free-kick to halve the deficit, though the goal was ultimately credited as an own goal by Stuttgart’s Julian Chabot.
The match was briefly marred by controversy when Ajax’s Davy Klaassen received a red card for a late tackle on Atakan Karazor.
However, after discussions between the managers, Klaassen was allowed to remain on the field.
As the game progressed, Stuttgart’s intensity waned, allowing Ajax to grow in confidence.
Akpom, who has been linked with a move to France, showed his poise in the 85th minute. Left unmarked, he converted Owen Wijndal’s low cross to level the score.
The match extended into an additional 15 minutes to give players extra game time, but neither side could find a winner.
Reflecting on the game, Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß said,
“We played very well in the first 45 minutes, were very proactive and created some chances… Overall, I’m satisfied with this friendly, especially in terms of the boys’ intensity and attitude.”
Ajax manager Francesco Farioli will be buoyed by his side’s resilience as they look to build on this spirited performance ahead of their domestic campaign resumption.