Ajax beat Utrecht on penalties after Paes saves two

Ajax defeated FC Utrecht 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Eredivisie. Maarten Paes saved two spot-kicks to secure a Conference League spot. The goalkeeper's heroics came after heavy criticism during the season.

Paes, who conceded 52 goals in 34 league games, faced fan backlash. The 26-year-old addressed the criticism directly after the match. He described the season as a 'rollercoaster' with inconsistent performances.

Ajax manager John Heitinga praised Paes' composure under pressure. He highlighted the goalkeeper's professionalism despite the scrutiny. The win keeps Ajax's European hopes alive.

FC Utrecht's Othman Boussaid scored the opening goal in the 38th minute. Steven Berghuis equalized for Ajax in the 72nd minute. The match went to extra time before penalties decided the outcome.

Paes saved Boussaid's penalty in the shootout. He then stopped a second attempt to secure the victory. The Dutch keeper called the saves 'crucial' in his post-match remarks.

Ajax now sit sixth in the Eredivisie table. The Conference League spot remains their priority for the remaining fixtures.