A goal and an assist from Daley Sinkgraven in the second half ensured ten-man Ajax began the season with a 3-1 win over newcomers Sparta Rotterdam.
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The home side were eager to make an impression on their top flight return but found themselves behind after only five minutes as Davy Klaassen headed in an excellent cross from Anwar El Ghazi. Sparta’s response was perfect with Ryan Sanusi equalising three minutes later with a free kick which took a touch off Nemanja Gudelj before being fumbled into his net by Jasper Cillessen. Another mistake from the Dutch number one already this season after his poor showings in the Champions League.
The goalkeeper did well to deny Sparta Rotterdam the lead from another free kick while at the other end Mateo Cassierra was unlucky to see a header come back off of both posts before rolling to safety.
Daley Sinkgraven was handed a rare start by Peter Bosz on the wing and it was the youngster who inspired Ajax to victory in the second half. Firstly on 56 minutes, Sinkgraven slammed Cassierra’s lay off into the bottom corner before turning provider for the Colombian with a through ball which the striker raced onto before firing in his first Eredivisie goal.
Peter Bosz’s side had to end the game with ten men after Joel Veltman saw his second yellow card, but Sparta Rotterdam couldn’t find a way back into the game and their Eredivisie return ended in defeat. For Ajax, it wasn’t convincing but they get the three points they wanted and keep up with title rivals Feyenoord and PSV.