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AMSTERDAM – Maarten Paes, the Indonesian goalkeeper, finally tasted victory as a member of Ajax Amsterdam on Sunday, March 15, 2026, as the Dutch giants defeated Sparta Rotterdam 4-0 in a dominant Eredivisie performance at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The win marked a significant milestone for Paes, coming after a challenging start to his career with the club that saw two draws and a loss in his first three appearances.
The victory wasn’t just significant for Paes; it also represented the first win for Ajax under new manager John van ‘t Schip, signaling a potential turning point for the Amsterdam club. While the result was comprehensive, a closer look reveals areas where Paes, despite the clean sheet, may still be developing within the Ajax system.
Ajax Dominates Sparta in Four-Goal Thrilling
The match began with an own goal from Sparta Rotterdam’s Joshua Kitolano in the 19th minute, giving Ajax an early lead. Steven Berghuis extended the advantage in the 32nd minute, sending the home side into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 cushion. The second half saw further goals from Davy Klaassen (73rd minute) and Mika Godts (76th minute), solidifying a convincing 4-0 win for Ajax.
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. His journey to this point hasn’t been without its hurdles, and the win provides a much-needed confidence boost.
Paes’ Performance Under the Microscope
While the team secured a resounding victory, Paes’ individual performance drew a somewhat mixed assessment. According to statistics from Sofascore, Paes recorded a rating of 6.7 for his performance, lower than Sparta Rotterdam’s goalkeeper, Joel Drommel, who earned a 7.8 despite conceding four goals. Drommel’s higher rating stemmed from making seven saves, six of which were inside the penalty area, highlighting a busier and arguably more impactful performance.
Paes, in contrast, made only one save during the entire match. This suggests a relatively quiet afternoon for the Indonesian international, with Sparta Rotterdam posing limited attacking threats that truly tested his abilities. However, it also raises questions about his involvement in the game and his ability to influence proceedings when called upon. It’s important to note that a goalkeeper’s performance isn’t solely judged on the number of saves made; positioning, command of the area, and distribution also play crucial roles.
The relatively low number of saves could also be attributed to Ajax’s dominant performance, limiting Sparta’s opportunities to create clear-cut chances. However, it does highlight a potential area for improvement for Paes – increasing his active contribution to matches, even when his team is in control.
A Challenging Start to Life at Ajax
Paes’ debut for Ajax came on February 21, 2026. Prior to Sunday’s victory, his first three Eredivisie appearances yielded two draws and one defeat, leading to some scrutiny from fans, and pundits. The pressure to deliver a positive result was mounting, and the win against Sparta Rotterdam provided a welcome release.
The Indonesian international has now recorded two clean sheets in his appearances for Ajax, demonstrating his ability to maintain a solid defensive foundation. However, the statistical comparison with Drommel suggests that there’s still room for growth and a need to consistently demonstrate a higher level of involvement in matches.
What’s Next for Paes and Ajax?
Ajax will look to build on this positive result as they continue their Eredivisie campaign. The team’s next fixture is yet to be announced, but van ‘t Schip will undoubtedly be looking to solidify his starting lineup and build a consistent run of form. For Paes, the focus will be on continuing to adapt to his new surroundings, improving his overall game, and establishing himself as the undisputed number one goalkeeper for Ajax.
The win against Sparta Rotterdam is a significant step in the right direction for both Paes and Ajax. However, the Eredivisie is a competitive league, and consistent performance will be key to achieving long-term success. Fans will be eager to witness how Paes develops and contributes to the team’s fortunes in the weeks and months to come.
Ajax fans can follow the team’s progress and receive official updates through the club’s official website and social media channels. Paes’ individual journey will also be closely watched by supporters in both the Netherlands and Indonesia.
