Arokodare’s stoppage‑time strike drives Ajax past Sparta in Rotterdam

Ajax clinched a 2‑1 victory at Het Kasteel after Tolu Arokodare struck in first‑half stoppage time, sealing the win over Sparta. Abdellah Ouazane had opened the scoring earlier, giving the Dutch side a crucial edge. The decisive moment turned a tightly contested encounter into a three‑point haul.

Míchel made six changes to the line‑up that faced Sparta on Thursday, reinstating Thilo Kehrer and Viktor Tsygankov alongside Marc ter Stegen. The German defender and the Ukrainian midfielder were named in the starting eleven, while Stegen’s presence between the posts was highlighted as a key factor. Ajax also retained the partnership of Julian Brandt and Davy Klaassen on the flanks.

Early pressure and opening goal

From the first whistle, Les Amstellodamois dominated possession and dictated the tempo in Rotterdam. Abdellah Ouazane broke the deadlock after 22 minutes, capitalising on a swift move inside the box. Meanwhile, Jens Toornstra celebrated his 500th Eredivisie appearance and his birthday, starting the match in the midfield.

Sparta fought back before the interval, with Toornstra heading an early chance that forced Stegen into a reflex save. The Dutch side equalised just before the break, but Brandt’s incisive pass found Arokodare, who netted in added time of the first half to restore Ajax’s lead.

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Second half, tactical tweaks and final standings

At the interval, Davy Klaassen replaced Viktor Tsygankov, allowing Ajax to revert to the system that yielded success against FC Groningen and in the Ligue des Champions against Atalanta. Klaassen took up the right‑wing role, adding width to the attack.

The second half saw Brandt continue to create opportunities, delivering two assists and testing the Sparta defence. Marc ter Stegen produced a vital save from Milan Zonneveld, while Daley Blind made a late return after a long injury lay‑off, reinforcing the back line.

The victory propelled Ajax above PSV in the league table and narrowed the gap to leaders Feyenoord to three points, following a recent 1‑1 draw at Eindhoven. The three points also extended their unbeaten run.

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Sparta remain 14th after the tenth match day. Ajax’s next league fixture is a home clash with AZ, while Sparta will meet Fortuna Sittard in the KNVB Cup before travelling to Groningen for their next Eredivisie encounter.