AFC Ajax vs AZ Alkmaar

Ajax beat AZ Alkmaar 1-0 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Saturday, and the only goal arrived inside ten minutes. It was a win built on an early header and a lot of defending after that, and it was Ajax's first league victory over AZ since March 2022. Tolu Arokodare scored it in the 9th minute, meeting a cross from the left by Abdellah Ouazane with his head. It was his tenth goal in twelve games in all competitions. Julian Brandt went down without contact just before the half hour mark and was replaced by Oscar Gloukh, a worry for the hosts. AZ had the ball for long spells and pushed harder after the break. Valdemar Byskov, Wesley Hoedt and Mateo Chavez all had moments, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen saved from Mexx Meerdink. The visitors also wanted a penalty for handball by Aaron Bouwman, but the referee waved it away after a VAR check. Steven Berghuis came on for his return from a long injury. Ajax are now second, a point behind Feyenoord. AZ stay fifth.