Routine performance. A few arguable decisions.

Pace of the game

Often after Brondby fouls Merk decided to award free kicks, instead of giving Ajax the advantage of play. By doing so he favoured the more defensive team (Brondby) over the offensive team (Ajax). It tended to slow the game down and it strenghtened the impression that Merk could not keep up with the pace of the game.

Second half

In the second half Merk decided not to penalize Sneijder (Ajax) when the ball was unintentionally touched by Sneijders hands in the penalty area. Another disputed action of Merk could be his yellow card given to Rosenberg after a minor emotional outbreak over an incorrect decision of a linesman.

Routine

All in all Merk was refereeing a routinous match. He seemed a little fussy at times about the absolute correct placement of the ball for a free kick. Both teams didn't seem to bother much. They played a fair match. Ten minutes before time Sneijder scoored two goals, making Ajax one of the thirtytwo teams to join the Champions League.