Ajax failed to capitalise on Feyenoord’s defeat earlier on Sunday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Groningen.
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Feyenoord’s defeat at Sparta meant an Ajax win would cut the gap at the top to only two points and they came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half but Amin Younes could only strike against the post after a fine run.
Ten minutes into the second half, Groningen took the lead in controversial circumstances. Andre Onana held onto the ball too long and Bryan Linssen nicked it off him before firing into an empty net. Replays showed that the winger may have fouled Onana to get the ball but the goal stood.
Ajax then pushed for an equaliser and with ten minutes to go they found it when Daley Sinkgraven’s cross was finished into the net by Davy Klaassen, for the midfielder’s 12th goal of the season.
Groningen defender Samir Memisevic saw red late on for a tackle on Sinkgraven, but Ajax could not force the winning goal. The point means Ajax are now four points behind Feyenoord, while Groningen are 11th.