A late Riechedly Bazoer volley spared Ajax’s blushes as they overcame bottom side De Graafschap 2-1 in the Amsterdam Arena.
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The game at the Amsterdam Arena appeared to be a mismatch with De Graafschap rooted firmly to the bottom of the table with only one win all season, while Ajax had the chance to firm up their hold on top spot after Feyenoord’s loss to NEC Nijmegen. The points difference between the two sides was 33 points going into the game.
However De Graafschap frustrated the hosts from the beginning with Vincent Vermeij and Andrew Driver’s energy unsettling the Ajax back four early on. Eventually after 26 minutes a piece of quality from Nemanja Gudelj put Ajax in front as the Serbian’s perfect free-kick was headed in from close range by Arkaduisz Milik.
The goal didn’t unsettle De Graafschap though and before the break they were level with Kristopher Vida beating Jasper Cillessen with a low strike.
Ajax went looking for the lead again in the second half and the introduction of Vaclav Cerny for Anwar El Ghazi injected much needed pace into Frank de Boer’s side. The winger was involved immediately but after racing in on goal he was denied by Hidde Jurjus.
With 25 minutes to go Ajax found a deserved winner with Riechedly Bazoer arrowing an excellent volleyed strike into the bottom corner. Milik, Klaassen, and Lasse Schone all wasted chances to wrap up the win late on, while Vida forced Cillessen into a good save as Ajax saw out the victory.
Ajax now go into the winter break leading second placed PSV by three points, while De Graafschap are 11th points adrift of safety.
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