Ajax Amsterdam secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Sparta Rotterdam in a recent Eredivisie match, marking a significant milestone for Indonesian goalkeeper Maarten Paes – his first win as a player in the top tier of Dutch football. The match, held at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Sunday, March 15, 2026, saw Ajax deliver a commanding performance, finally breaking a streak of two draws and one loss for Paes since joining the club.
The opening goal came in the 19th minute, albeit an own goal from Sparta Rotterdam’s Joshua Kitolano. Steven Berghuis extended Ajax’s lead in the 32nd minute, sending the home side into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 advantage. This victory is particularly notable as it represents the first win for Ajax under their new manager, John van ‘t Schip, as reported by Flashscore.com.
Ajax continued their dominance after the break, adding two more goals to their tally. Davy Klaassen found the back of the net in the 73rd minute, followed by a goal from Mika Godts just three minutes later, sealing a comprehensive 4-0 win. Paes, who officially joined Ajax from FC Dallas in early February 2026 with a contract extending through June 30, 2029, will undoubtedly relish this first taste of victory with his new team.
Paes’ Journey to Victory
Prior to this match, Paes had experienced a challenging start to his Ajax career. His first three appearances resulted in two draws and a defeat, leaving fans eager for a positive result. The win against Sparta Rotterdam not only provides a boost for the team but also offers a significant confidence lift for the Indonesian international.
Ajax’s Dominant Performance
The match showcased Ajax’s attacking prowess, with Berghuis’s goal adding to Kitolano’s own goal, and the late strikes from Klaassen and Godts solidifying the victory. The team’s performance signals a positive start to the era under van ‘t Schip, who is looking to revitalize the club’s fortunes. The ESPN Singapore live score coverage highlighted the one-sided nature of the contest.
What’s Next for Ajax and Paes?
With this victory under their belt, Ajax will look to build momentum in the Eredivisie. The team’s focus will now shift to their upcoming fixtures as they aim to climb the league table. For Maarten Paes, this win represents a crucial step in establishing himself as a key player for Ajax and continuing his development as a professional footballer. The coming weeks will be vital as he seeks to solidify his position in the starting lineup and contribute to Ajax’s success. Fans will be watching closely to see how Paes continues to perform and integrate into the team.
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