Ajax’s struggles continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday, keeping the Eredivisie title race alive.
The match came a week after Ajax endured a humiliating 4-0 defeat to FC Utrecht. This latest draw leaves Ajax in a vulnerable position, and PSV now have the chance to narrow the gap to four points with a win over Fortuna Sittard on Saturday.
Sparta nearly snatched victory in dramatic fashion when Mohamed Nassoh scored in the 95th minute, capitalizing on a back pass that Ajax goalkeeper Matheus handled.
However, Ajax substitute Youri Regeer responded with a quick equalizer just a minute later.
After next weekend, both Ajax and PSV will have played the same number of games, with Ajax facing NEC and FC Twente at home, while also traveling to FC Groningen.
PSV, meanwhile, will take on Feyenoord, Heracles, and Sparta in their final three fixtures.
Ajax fans showed their frustration, booing the team during the game. Despite dominating possession, the team’s slow and disjointed play meant they struggled to break down Sparta’s defense.
Sparta could have been ahead at halftime if not for some missed chances. Ajax goalkeeper Matheus made key saves against Mitchell van Bergen and Sunsuke Mito, with the latter’s shot narrowly going wide.
Ajax’s attack failed to find any rhythm, especially with Brian Brobbey not involved in the game. Brobbey was once again preferred over Wout Weghorst, who has made an impact as a substitute.
The Italian manager, Francesco Farioli, opted to bench Mika Godts due to disappointing performances, giving Oliver Edvardsen a start.
Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson was suspended, and Daniele Rugani was chosen to replace the injured Youri Baas in defense.
Sparta began to lose control of the game when Weghorst replaced Brobbey, allowing Ajax to create more attacking chances.
However, Weghorst’s header hit the crossbar, Kenneth Taylor’s shot struck the post, and Regeer also found the woodwork.
Sparta looked to have secured all three points when Nassoh scored after Weghorst’s header bounced off the bar. But in the dying moments, Regeer salvaged a point for Ajax with his late equalizer.
This was a bittersweet return for Sparta manager Maurice Steijn, who was sacked by Ajax 18 months ago after a run of poor results, with just one win in his final seven matches at the club.
