WITH THREE GAMES TO SPARE, AJAX EARN 35TH DUTCH TITLE

Ajax Amsterdam clinched their 35th Dutch top-flight league title on Sunday (May 2) with a 4-0 victory over Emmen.

Jurrien Timber, Sebastien Haller, Davy Klaassen and Devyne Rensch scored for Ajax in a game played in front of empty stands due to anti-Covid measures.

Despite calls from the authorities to avoid gatherings, thousands of fans gathered around the stadium, according to Dutch news agency ANP.

Erik ten Hag’s side, who have 79 points, hold a 15-point advantage over second-placed PSV Eindhoven, who have four matches to play including their game later on Sunday against Heerenveen.

Ajax completed the Dutch double two weeks after beating Vitesse Arnhem 2-1 in the cup final.

No champion was crowned last season, which was halted in early March by the Covid-19 pandemic, with Ajax leading the table.

Ajax announced on Friday they had extended the contract of coach ten Hag until 2023, ending rumours that he was headed to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga or Tottenham in the English Premier League.

“I am happy in Amsterdam and the management have assured me that the current squad will be retained and even strengthened in certain positions,” said the coach, who has been at the Johan Cruyff Arena since 2017.

-AFP