Ajax edge Sparta Rotterdam as Tolu Arokodare and Abdellah Ouazane strike again

Ajax extended their strong run with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sparta Rotterdam at Het Kasteel, with Tolu Arokodare and Abdellah Ouazane scoring for the second successive match.

The pair had also found the net in Thursday’s 2-0 Champions League win against Atalanta and were both selected in Michel’s starting XI in Rotterdam. Thilo Kehrer and Viktor Tsygankov also came into the team, with the Ajax manager making six changes from the side that began the midweek match.

The occasion was particularly significant for Sparta’s Jens Toornstra, who made his 500th Eredivisie appearance. He marked the milestone by scoring the equaliser, but Ajax responded before half-time to take all three points.

Ajax controlled the opening stages and went ahead after 22 minutes. Ouazane produced another impressive finish, scoring a superb goal for the second time in a week.

The visitors continued to dictate possession, although Sparta grew into the contest towards the end of the first half. The home side became more threatening and drew level when Toornstra headed home one of their first clear chances, beating Marc ter Stegen on his birthday.

Ajax’s response was immediate. In added time at the end of the first half, Julian Brandt released Arokodare on the counter-attack and the Nigeria forward finished to restore the visitors’ lead.

Davy Klaassen replaced Tsygankov at the interval, with Ajax returning to the system used against FC Groningen and Atalanta. The experienced Klaassen moved into the role of right winger.

Ajax again started the half positively and moved the ball effectively around Het Kasteel. Arokodare struck the post shortly after the restart, while Brandt continued to influence the game.

The German provided both of Ajax’s assists but also created a major opportunity for Mitchell van Bergen after making a serious mistake earlier in the move. Ter Stegen, however, rescued his compatriot with an important save.

That chance gave Sparta renewed confidence and Rogier Meijer’s side became more involved. Ter Stegen was called into action again to keep out a shot from Milan Zonneveld, an intervention that proved decisive in securing the three points.

Daley Blind returned to the pitch shortly before the final whistle after a lengthy injury absence.

The win moved Ajax above PSV in the table and reduced their gap to the leaders to three points. Feyenoord’s 1-1 draw at Eindhoven helped Ajax close the distance.

Sparta finish the tenth matchday in 14th place. Ajax will host AZ in their next league fixture, while Sparta face Fortuna Sittard in midweek in the first round of the KNVB Cup before travelling to Groningen for an Eredivisie match.