Ajax Outclasses Sparta Rotterdam 5-1, Beroehuis' Future in Question!
Player Ratings | Ajax 4-0 Sparta Rotterdam – Berghuis raises the roof Oscar Garcia kicked off his time at the helm of Ajax in style thanks to goals from Steven Berghuis, Davy Klaassen, and Mika Godts. The win moved the hosts within two points of Feyenoord in second. Story of the match Oscar Garcia’s first game in charge of Ajax threatened to be overshadowed by an eerie atmosphere at the Johan Cruyff Arena tonight as the hosts welcomed Sparta Rotterdam in the Eredivisie.
Both sides arrived out of form. Sparta were winless in five, and Ajax had won just once in their previous seven games. The sides were desperate to mount a late charge for the Champions League places, but the home advantage was negligible as the stadium was largely silent.
Ajax Ultras, the F-side, were banned and their end of the Arena was left empty following the fireworks display that suspended the Eredivisie game against Groningen in November. Cheered on by a buoyant away following, Sparta were first out of the blocks and should have taken the lead in the 12th minute when a delightful cross was met by Norwegian forward, Tobias Lauritsen, but his header fell narrowly wide of the right post. Ajax slowly found their rhythm and nearly took the lead in the 17th minute as former Watford and Feyenoord midfielder, Steven Berguis fired wide from 18 yards.
Ajax did take the lead two minutes later as a Berghuis free-kick was deflected past Joel Drommel by the lazy left foot of Joshua Kitolano. It was cruel on Sparta, but suddenly Ajax had the momentum. Berghuis should have extended the lead in the 28th minute, but sent his effort high and wide from the edge of the box.
Berghuis did extend the lead four minutes later. Sean Steur showed composure to pick out an unmarked Berghuis, six yards out, and the Dutchman couldn’t miss as he drilled his second touch into the roof of the net. Lauritsen had half a chance to halve the deficit in the 37th minute, but Maarten Paes was equal to the header with a fine athletic save high to his left.
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