Eredivisie wrap: Ajax edge closer to title glory

Ajax closed in on back-to-back Eredivisie titles after recording a crucial 2-1 win over Twente on Sunday.

Frank De Boer’s team are almost certain to clinch a 31st league title, sitting six points clear at the top with two matches remaining.

Hosts Twente dominated the opening half-hour and created several chances, but it was Ajax who opened the scoring.

Goalkeeper Nikolay Mihaylov brought down Gregory van der Wiel in the area, and former Twente man Theo Janssen stepped up and coolly converted the penalty.

Emotions boiled over early in the second half when Ola John tried to draw a foul from Jan Vertonghen’s seemingly harmless challenge, sparking a tussle which saw Toby Alderweireld injured by coins thrown from the stands.

Despite creating few opportunities in the second half, Twente found an equaliser in the 70th minute.

Clumsy Ajax defending from a corner saw the ball fall to Leroy Fer, who drew his side level with a thumping finish.

Ajax required only minutes to respond, with Van der Wiel putting Ajax ahead with a powerful strike.

The win means Ajax need just a point to secure the title, though the reigning champions’ superior goal difference means they will likely win the league even if they were to lose their remaining two games.

Feyenoord recorded a precious 1-0 victory at home to AZ Alkmaar, with Otman Bakkal the hero for the hosts.

Ronald Koeman’s men moved into second, the final Champions League place, as Bakkal latched onto a pass from Ron Vlaar before beating Esteban for what was the winner against fourth-placed AZ.

PSV Eindhoven are just a point behind Feyenoord in third after their 3-1 victory at Roda JC.

Dries Mertens, Marcelo and Memphis Depay were all on the scoresheet for Phillip Cocu’s men in an eventful encounter at Parkstad Limburg Stadion.

Roda’s goalkeeper Pawel Kieszek was sent off in the 81st minute, and Jeremain Lens missed the penalty rewarded for the Pole’s foul.

Mid-table sides NEC Nijmegen and RKC Waalwijk played out a 1-1 draw at Stadion de Goffert.