Weghorst Double and Gloukh’s Late Strike Salvage Dramatic Draw as Ajax Deny Spirited Sparta

ROTTERDAM — In a wild six-goal Eredivisie thriller at Het Kasteel, Ajax clawed back from a two-goal second-half deficit to snatch a dramatic 3-3 draw against Sparta Rotterdam, thanks to a last-gasp equalizer by substitute Oscar Gloukh deep into stoppage time. The pulsating encounter saw momentum swing violently, with both teams delivering big moments under pressure, and left Ajax ruing missed opportunities while Sparta could only lament letting a famous win slip away.

First-Half Drama Sets the Stage

Ajax, boasting 67% possession and dictating much of the tempo, made their breakthrough just before the break. Wout Weghorst, leading the line with trademark physicality, opened his account in the 42nd minute, meeting Mika Godts’ low cross after a fine move initiated by Youri Baas. But in stoppage time of the first half, Sparta struck back in dramatic fashion: a handball by Baas gifted the hosts a penalty, expertly dispatched by Tobias Lauritsen to send the sides in level at halftime.

Sparta Surge Stuns Ajax

Sparta, clearly buoyed by the equalizer, came out of the dressing room with renewed intensity. In rapid succession, Mitchell van Bergen put Sparta ahead in the 52nd minute, and just three minutes later, Joshua Kitolano extended the lead to 3-1 with a precise finish from the edge of the box. The hosts’ clinical counter-attacks repeatedly rattled the Ajax defense, and Sparta appeared poised for a statement victory.

Ajax Rally: Weghorst Leads the Charge

Ajax, stung and facing echoes of their midweek defeat in Marseille, showed resilience. Weghorst reignited their hopes in the 73rd minute with a predatory finish courtesy of Gloukh’s clever assist, reducing the deficit to 3-2. With the clock ticking down and Sparta defending heroically, Ajax poured forward, searching desperately for a leveller.

Gloukh’s Stoppage-Time Heartbreak for Sparta

After relentless pressure and eight minutes of added time, Oscar Gloukh delivered for Ajax, lashing home a dramatic equalizer with virtually the last kick of the match. The goal sent the travelling support into raptures and left Sparta’s players crestfallen at what might have been.

Key Statistics and Implications

Ajax’s dominance is underlined by their 563 completed passes at 88% accuracy and 17 shots, but a lack of clinical finishing left them vulnerable. Sparta, with only a third of the ball, converted five shots on target into three goals. Both sides showed grit, but for Ajax, rescuing a point keeps their unbeaten start alive—even as the defensive frailty continues to raise questions for Johnny Heitinga. Sparta, meanwhile, proved they can trouble large opponents, but closing out big games will be a priority for Maurice Steijn.

Watch the full match highlights and all goals on official Eredivisie partner channels and reputable sports Youtube outlets with over 50,000 subscribers, such as ESPN NL and Fox Sports NL.