AFC Ajax secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Sparta Rotterdam in Eredivisie matchday 27 of the 2025/26 season. The Amsterdam side moved up the table with three points and kept their top-four hopes alive. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 5th in Eredivisie, 51 pts, 13W-12D-5L from 30 games, recent form WLDWL.
What happened in the match?
Ajax started brightly and took the lead after just 12 minutes through Steven Bergwijn. Sparta Rotterdam fought back and equalised before half-time when Danzell Gravenberch levelled the scores in the 34th minute. The turning point came in the 78th minute when Brian Brobbey struck the winner, sending Heitinga’s side home with all three points.
Why this win matters for Ajax
This victory is vital for Ajax’s push to stay in the top four. With 51 points from 30 games, they sit fifth in the Eredivisie, but the gap to the leaders is still significant. PSV Eindhoven top the table with 74 points, while Ajax trail by 23 points. Goals this season: 57 scored, 37 conceded (+20 goal difference). The win over Sparta Rotterdam proves the Amsterdam club can still grind out results even without Kasper Dolberg currently sidelined.
What’s next for Ajax?
Ajax now turns its focus to the remaining seven fixtures to secure a top-four finish. Direct rivals AZ Alkmaar and FC Twente lie in wait, and every point will count. Currently sidelined: Kasper Dolberg. The absence of the Danish striker adds pressure on the attack, but the team appears capable of finding the net regardless. The coming weeks will define their final Eredivisie standing and European ambitions for next season.
