Ajax's David Neres (center) celebrates scoring the decisive 2-1 goal in extra time during the TOTO KNVB Cup final soccer match between Ajax and Vitesse at De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam, Netherlands on April 18, 2021. (AP PHOTO / PETER DEJONG, POOL)

THE HAGUE - An injury-time goal by substitute David Neres earned Ajax a 2-1 win in the Dutch Cup final against Vitesse Arnhem in Rotterdam on Sunday.

In an empty De Kuip stadium due to COVID-19 measures, 2017 Dutch Cup winners Vitesse began the match strongly, but it was Ajax who took the lead when Ryan Gravenberch volleyed home a deflected cross by Davy Klaassen.

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In an empty De Kuip stadium due to COVID-19 measures, 2017 Dutch Cup winners Vitesse began the match strongly, but it was Ajax who took the lead when Ryan Gravenberch volleyed home a deflected cross by Davy Klaassen

Vitesse rallied and equalized on the half-hour mark after Armando Broja profited from a mistake by Lisandro Martinez to feed Lois Openda who slotted home.

In the second half, Ajax took control but was unable to find a way past Vitesse goalkeeper Remko Pasveer. The match turned in the final minutes when Vitesse defender Jacob Rasmussen saw red for a bad tackle on Antony, who had to be taken off.

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Neres, the substitute for Antony, produced the winner in injury-time, when Sebastien Haller found him at the far corner, allowing Ajax to win the Dutch Cup for the 20th time in its history, extending the national record