Eredivisie: Ajax Amsterdam 2 De Graafschap 0

Ajax put the departure of star striker Luis Suarez behind them with a comfortable 2-0 win over De Graafschap at Amsterdam Arena on Friday.

With the coffers swelled following Suarez’s 23-million-pound transfer to Liverpool, striker Mounir El Hamdaoui put in his claim for a pay rise when he gave the hosts a 1-0 lead just before half-time.

Dutch international midfielder Siem de Jong doubled their advantage after 79 minutes, when he pounced on a deflected cross at the near post to slot a shot past De Graafschap goalkeeper Boy Waterman from an acute angle.

The win moves Ajax to within two points of second-placed Twente, and just three point behind league leaders PSV Eindhoven, although both those sides have played one fewer game.

Ajax play an away clash with Roda JC next Sunday while De Graafschap, who remain in 12th place after the loss, will play host to fourth-placed Groningen the same day.