AMSTERDAM – Aron Jóhannsson struck for the only goal of the game with 14 minutes remaining to lift AZ Alkmaar over 10-man Ajax 1-0 for their first Eredivisie win in Amsterdam since 1980.
Though limited to just 20 non-defensive touches during his 85-minute shift, the US forward needed just one to decide the contest. AZ's Danish-American left back Simon Poulsen cleverly worked his way into the Ajax area before crossing low for Jóhannsson to stab home from the doorstep.
Shortly before former AZ skipper Niklas Moisander was sent off, Jóhannsson also set up a good chance with a slip pass for Guus Hupperts, who then missed the target badly from 15 yards out. The American also pitched in with an early shot block right in front of his own goal.
The victory, AZ's third in four league games, moved the fifth-place hosts to within a point of the last automatic Europa League slot and to within five of the second Champions League spot.
