Ajax overtakes PSV and closes on Feyenoord with narrow Sparta win

Ajax beat Sparta 2-1 away to move second in the Eredivisie, one point behind leaders Feyenoord and one ahead of PSV.

Ajax secured a narrow 2-1 victory at Sparta on Sunday to climb to second place in the Eredivisie. Abdellah Ouazane opened the scoring in the first quarter with a well-struck effort from the edge of the box, but Jens Toornstra levelled for Sparta with a header, marking his 500th Eredivisie appearance with a goal. Tolu Arokodare restored Ajax's lead shortly after, slotting past a Sparta defender just before half-time.

Sparta pressed hard in the second half and came close to equalising through chances created by Julian Brandt, but Ajax's defence held firm despite some nervous moments. Daley Blind made his return for Ajax in a match where the visitors dominated possession but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. The win leaves Ajax on 21 points, three behind Feyenoord and one ahead of PSV, though AZ can still overtake them with a win against FC Twente on Sunday evening. Ajax face AZ next Saturday.