Hello everyone, Welkom!
My name is George Williams, I am here at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam bringing you live coverage of Ajax vs Sparta Rotterdam. The home side looks to bounce back from a disappointing 4-0 loss to Utrecht and extend their lead at the top of the Eredivisie, which currently sits at six points over defending champions PSV. In contrast, Sparta look to add to their three-match winning streak and continue their fine form as they hunt for a potential UEFA Conference League spot.
Lineups to follow shortly:
1′ And we are underway here at the Johan Cruyff Arena
5′ Early pressure from Sparta as a shot from distance by Kristian Hlynsson is blocked by Ajax captain Davy Klaassen, which results in an early corner for the away side.
7′ Ajax attack down the right with winger Bertrand Traore swinging in an inviting cross that striker Brian Brobbey cant quite reach. An Ajax corner is then saved by Sparta keeper Nick Olij.
11′ Ajax start to find their rhythm in the game, increasing the intensity and pressure on Sparta.
15′ The first chance of the game falls to the league leaders as Danish full-back Anton Gaaei cuts the ball back to Traore on the edge of the 18-yard box, but the shot is blocked by Sparta’s Gjivai Zechiel.
21′ With over 20 minutes played here in Amsterdam, the game is still at a deadlock, despite having nearly 70% possession as per ESPN, Ajax have yet to form a real clear-cut chance as the away side defence stands resolute.
27′ Yellow card for Sparta full-back Patrick van Aanholt
Embed from Getty Images30′ Ajax have goalkeeper Matheus to thank as a quick break from Sparta sees the visitors create a three-on-two opportunity, resulting in Mitchell van Bergen’s deflected strike being palmed away by the Brazilian. The best chance of the game so far!
31′ Another chance for Sparta. Shunsuke Mito shoots wide from a promising position on the left flank. The visitors are slowly penning the 36-time league champions back.
36′ Yellow card for Sparta midfielder Joshua Kitolano
Embed from Getty Images45′ Matheus is the hero again for Ajax as he makes a vital save from Mito. The Brazilian rushes out to meet the Japanese attacker, who had broken free after a counter. Mito’s attempted chip is thwarted.
The halftime whistle sounds shortly after with the score tied at 0-0, despite Ajax’s possession and control, Sparta have had the better chances here.
46′ The second half starts at the Johan Cruyff Arena for another 45 minutes of action in the Eredivise.
52′ Yellow card to Ajax centre-back Danielle Rugani, the Italian illegally halts a Sparta counter-attack.
55′ Double substitution for Ajax. Wout Weghorst and Jorthy Mokio are on for Brobbey and Traore.
Embed from Getty ImagesSparta are having a lot of space and time on the ball early on in the second half. Ajax will need to up their game if they want a result here.
60′ First chance of the second half for Ajax. Wout Weghorst makes an instant impact running in behind and around Olij. He crosses the ball into a dangerous area, but it doesn’t fall for an Ajax player and is cleared by Sparta’s defence. The home side is pushing for the opener now!
63′ Third Ajax substitute sees Mika Godts replace Oliver Edvardsen
Embed from Getty ImagesThe substitutes look to have changed the game for Ajax as they pile the pressure onto Sparta with several dangerous attacks in the last few minutes
67′ Double substitution as Mohammed Nassoh and Carel Eiting enter the fray for Sparta Rotterdam. Mito and Kitolano depart.
68′ The atmosphere in here is starting to ramp up, the Ajax fans let their voices be heard as Olij and the Sparta defence try to run down the clock.
71′ The closest there has been to a goal! Weghorst hits the crossbar with a header from a corner. Incredibly close from Ajax, who are really chasing that opener now.
74′ Still 0-0 in the Johan Cruyff Arena as Ajax create another opportunity, Davy Klaassen’s backheel sets up top scorer Kenneth Taylor, but his shot from the edge of the box is narrowly wide.
79′ Huge chance for Taylor as he breaks into the Sparta box but strikes the post. What a chance to put the home side 1-0 up. Unbelievable!
The tension in the stadium is at an all-time high. Will there be a winner?
82′ Triple sub for Sparta see’s Pelle Clement, Rick Meissen and Joel Ideho enter and Van Bergen, Marvin Young and Zechiel depart
87′ Substitution for Ajax. Kenneth Taylor is replaced by Youri Regeer.
90′ There will be a further eight minutes of added time to play here in Amsterdam.
90+2′ How has that not gone in? Ajax hit the crossbar for the second time as Weghorst’s strike rebounds into the path of Regeer, but he can only smash his effort off the crossbar from close range. it should be 1-0 to Ajax!
90+5′ GOAL! Unbelievable! Sparta take the lead as Nassoah strikes a free kick past Matheus, and the Johan Cruyff Arena is stunned. Poor keeping from Matheus, who should have saved it.
90+7′ GOAL! An equaliser at the death! Ajax strike back immediately as Youri Regeer finds the bottom corner from inside the box. What a crazy finish we have on our hands here!
Full time: Ajax 1-1 Sparta Rotterdam.
The final whistle blows on what has been a chaotic ending to todays game, Sparta thought they had won it with Nassoh’s free kick late into stoppage time, However the league leaders equalised almost immediatly after with Regeers low strike. A chaotic ending to the game which means that Ajax pick up just a point in their hunt for the Eredivise title, for Sparta Rotterdam this draw extends their unbeaten streak to seven games.
That has been everything from me here at the Johan Cruyff Arena, I hope you have enjoyed the action, bedankt en tot ziens!