Ajax is a step closer to its 36th Eredivisie title after a last-gasp draw against AZ Alkmaar. The hero of the day was Mexican international Edson Álvarez, who scored a fantastic header when hopes and dreams seemed to be shattered.
Edson Álvarez goal vs AZ Alkmaar
Machín rescued Ajax in the 86th minute by heading a corner kick.
El gol de Edson Álvarez al 86’, que le dio el empate a Ajax ante AZ Alkmaar en Eredivisie. El mexicano aprovechó de buena manera su 1.87 m para elevarse y anotar de cabeza. Ajax se encamina al título.⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Xml0QZ1o9j
— Julio Rodríguez (@julioordz10) May 8, 2022
The midfielder celebrated the goal by kissing the club's badge just a few days after completing his 100th game for the squad.
"I feel powerful. Being the first Mexican in this club and getting 100 games makes me very happy," he said when asked about the feat.
Edson Álvarez: 100 games for Ajax ❌❌❌
EL MACHÍN ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9M1Y0HmqqO— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) May 3, 2022
Ajax's visit to AFAS Stadium was challenging. Although the start was very favorable, controlling the ball, having the best chances and getting a 42nd-minute goal from Brian Brobbey, AZ Alkmaar fought back in the second half and flipped the script thanks to Vangelis Pavlidis and Håkon Evjen.
The double blow hit hard, but Ajax didn't surrender. And Álvarez had his moment of glory in the last tick-tocks of the clock.
Disfruta y agradece cada momento. pic.twitter.com/6khJjJ7mMr
— Edson Álvarez (@EdsonAlvarez19) May 8, 2022
"Enjoy and be thankful for every moment," he wrote on Twitter once the game ended.
The goal was Álvarez's second this season and was vital in the title race. With two games left, Ajax now leads the Eredivisie with 79 points, four more than PSV, who screwed a big chance to get closer after drawing its own match against Feyenoord.
Ajax's next game will be at home vs. Heerenveen on Wednesday, May 11 (2 p.m. ET), and a victory will be enough to secure the title. If that doesn't happen, they will have a new chance away vs. Vitesse on Sunday, May 15 (8:30 a.m. ET).