Amsterdam, Netherlands – Maarten Paes marked a significant milestone in his career on Sunday, March 15, 2026, earning his first victory as a player in the top tier of Dutch football with Ajax Amsterdam. The Indonesian goalkeeper and his team delivered a dominant performance, defeating Sparta Rotterdam 4-0 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
The win was particularly meaningful for Paes, who joined Ajax from FC Dallas in early February 2026 with a contract extending through June 30, 2029. Prior to Sunday’s match, his first three appearances for the club had resulted in two draws and a defeat, leaving fans eager for a positive result. This victory not only provides a boost for the team but likewise offers a significant confidence lift for the Indonesian international.
Ajax Dominates Sparta in Commanding Victory
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 Ajax into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 cushion. The second half saw Ajax continue to press, adding two more goals to their tally.
Davy Klaassen found the back of the net in the 73rd minute, and just three minutes later, Mika Godts sealed the comprehensive 4-0 win. Paes, who was crucial in maintaining a clean sheet, will undoubtedly relish this first taste of victory with his new team. This result also marks the first win for Ajax under their new manager, John van ‘t Schip, as reported by Flashscore.com.
Paes’ Journey to Victory with Ajax
Paes’ arrival at Ajax represented a new chapter in his career, following his time with FC Dallas in Major League Soccer. He officially joined the Dutch giants in early February, signing a contract that will keep him with the club through the 2028-2029 season. The transition to a new league and team presented challenges, as evidenced by the initial results of his first few matches.
However, Paes demonstrated resilience and determination, and his performance against Sparta Rotterdam showcased his potential. Keeping a clean sheet against Sparta was Paes’ second clean sheet with Ajax, having previously achieved one in a 0-0 draw against PEC Zwolle. This latest victory is a testament to his growing confidence and his ability to contribute to the team’s success.
Impact on the Eredivisie Standings
With the win, Ajax currently holds 47 points in the Eredivisie standings. While a title challenge may be beyond reach this season, the team is within striking distance of Feyenoord, trailing by just two points for second place. This victory provides a crucial momentum boost as Ajax looks to secure a strong finish to the season.
The team’s dominant performance against Sparta Rotterdam signals a positive start to the era under van ‘t Schip, who is looking to revitalize the club’s fortunes. The win 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.
Ajax’s next challenge will be a crucial test of their newfound momentum. Details regarding their upcoming fixture will be released by the league in the coming days. Fans will be eager to observe if Paes and his teammates can build on this impressive win and continue their climb up the Eredivisie table.
The victory over Sparta Rotterdam represents a turning point for Maarten Paes and Ajax Amsterdam. It’s a moment to celebrate a hard-fought win and a promising sign of things to arrive. As Paes continues to settle into his role at Ajax, fans can expect to see even more impressive performances from the Indonesian goalkeeper.
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