Ajax moved another step closer to claiming the Eredivisie title with a 3-1 victory over Groningen.

Erik ten Hag brought Nicolas Tagliafico, David Neres and Mohammed Kudus into the starting line-up with Daley Blind, Antony and Perr Schuurs dropping out. Groningen were without top scorer Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Ajax started brightly and they took the lead after only five minutes with Ryan Gravenberch finding the net.

From that point on, Ajax continued to camp in the Groningen half, but a second goal escaped them with Davy Klaassen missing two big chances.

Groningen got their first big chance in the 38th minute, but Maarten Stekelenburg keeping out a close range header from Mo El Hankouri. Just before the break, Sergio Padt had to make a good save to deny Gravenberch.

Nine minutes into the second half, Ajax got their second goal with Neres getting in behind the defence before squaring for Sebastien Haller to tap-in.

Stekelenburg had to make another good save to deny Tomas Suslov as Ajax failed to kill the game.

In the 74th minute, Ajax were awarded a penalty for handball by Mike Te Wierik. However, Dusan Tadic hit the bar with his spot-kick. VAR spotted encroachment, meaning Tadic got another chance and he made no mistake to make it 3-0.

Five minutes from the end, Groningen did pull one back with Ahmed El Messaoudi heading a free-kick past Stekelenburg.

Ajax are now nine points clear of PSV, who play later on Sunday. On Thursday, Ajax faces Young Boys in the Europa League. Groningen stays in sixth.




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