Ajax Amsterdam faced a tense afternoon on April 27, 2025, as they drew 1-1 with Sparta Rotterdam at the Johan Cruijff Arena, marking their second consecutive match without a win. The clash came just a week after Ajax suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to FC Utrecht, raising concerns among fans about the team's form as they pursue the Eredivisie title.
Sparta, managed by Maurice Steijn, who was returning to Amsterdam for the first time since his dismissal from Ajax in October 2023, took the lead in the dying moments of the match. Mohamed Nassoh scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time after Ajax goalkeeper Matheus picked up a back pass, leading to an indirect free kick. However, Ajax responded almost immediately, with substitute Youri Regeer finding the net just a minute later to salvage a point for the home side.
The match began with both teams feeling each other out, but it quickly became apparent that Ajax was struggling to create clear chances. Despite enjoying more possession, their play was slow and ineffective, allowing Sparta to capitalize on counter-attacks. Ajax's fans grew increasingly frustrated, especially as Sparta missed several opportunities to score in the first half.
Sparta's Mitchell van Bergen and Shunsuke Mito both came close to breaking the deadlock, forcing Matheus into crucial saves. Ajax's inability to find the back of the net was compounded by their lack of a decisive final pass, leaving them unable to convert their dominance in possession into tangible results.
Ajax coach Francesco Farioli made tactical adjustments at halftime, bringing on Wout Weghorst for Brian Brobbey in a bid to inject some urgency into the team's attack. This substitution seemed to have an immediate impact, as Ajax began to press more effectively, pushing Sparta back into their defensive third.
Weghorst was instrumental in creating chances, hitting the crossbar with a header and helping to set up Kenneth Taylor, who also struck the post. The pressure mounted on Sparta as Ajax's attacking intensity increased, but they still struggled to find the breakthrough.
As the match entered injury time, Ajax's frustrations reached a boiling point. In a dramatic twist, Matheus's mistake led to Sparta's opening goal. After picking up the back pass, the resulting indirect free kick was taken by Nassoh, who made no mistake from close range.
However, Ajax's response was swift. In a frantic finish, Regeer, who had just come on as a substitute, equalized with a well-placed shot from inside the box, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. This equalizer not only salvaged a point for Ajax but also kept their title hopes alive, albeit with a seven-point gap to PSV Eindhoven, who have a game in hand.
The draw means that Ajax will have to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next match against NEC on May 11, 2025, while PSV faces Fortuna Sittard on May 3, 2025, with the chance to close the gap to four points. The pressure is mounting on Ajax as they aim to reclaim their position at the top of the Eredivisie.
In summary, Ajax's failure to secure a win against a resilient Sparta side has intensified the title race, with PSV lurking just behind and ready to capitalize on any further slip-ups from the Amsterdammers. The excitement is palpable as the Eredivisie season heads into its final stretch, and every point will be crucial in the battle for the championship.
