A first half strike by Davy Klaassen was enough for Ajax to record a vital win over Vitesse. 

After the Europa League trip to Poland midweek, a tie in Arnhem had the makings of a tricky afternoon for Ajax, who can afford no slip ups in their pursuit of leaders Feyenoord.

However, Ajax dominated the game from the start and took the lead on 25 minutes when Davy Klaassen found the bottom corner from the edge of the box. It was the Ajax captain’s fifteenth goal of the season, matching his record from last year already.

The visitors could have added further goals before the break but Eloy Room denied Kasper Dolberg, while Nick Viergever’s cross came off the post. At the other end, Vitesse barely threatened but just before the break Matt Miazga could only divert a free-kick over the bar.

At the start of the second half the hosts poured forward and Ricky van Wolfswinkel was unlucky to see his header cleared off the line by Klaassen before the striker was denied a penalty after being brought down by Davinson Sanchez. Nathan also came close with a spectacular volley which just flew past the post with Andre Onana beaten.

With fifteen minutes to go, Ajax had the chance to seal their victory when Hakim Ziyech won a penalty, but Klaassen saw his poor effort kept out by Room. Vitesse tried to find the equaliser in the remaining minutes, but Ajax held on to record a vital three points.

Ajax move to within two points of Feyenoord, who face ADO Den Haag in Sunday’s final game. Vitesse sit 8th.

You can watch highlights of the game below…




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