Oscar Gloukh Comes Off Bench as Ajax Beats AZ 1–0

Oscar Gloukh came off the bench as Ajax defeated AZ 1–0 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam on October 31. The Israeli midfielder entered in the 38th minute of the Eredivisie match, replacing Julian Brandt after an injury forced him off. The victory came in the league's 11th round. Ajax had taken the lead before Gloukh's introduction. Tolu headed in a cross from the left in the ninth minute, and that early goal remained the only one of the match. AZ changed its defence at halftime, bringing Wesley Hoedt on for Wouter Goes. In the 49th minute, a Valdemar Byskov effort struck an Ajax defender's arm, but the subsequent review did not lead to a penalty. Ajax made further changes in the second half. Yves Bissouma and Marcos Leonardo replaced Abdellah Ouazane and Davy Klaassen at the hour mark. Daley Blind and Steven Berghuis then came on for Jorthy Mokio and Tolu in the 74th minute. Gloukh remained on the field for the closing stages. Gloukh had chances to add a second goal late on. AZ goalkeeper Jari De Busser saved his attempt in the 88th minute, and another effort in stoppage time went wide toward the near corner. Four additional minutes were announced, with Mexx Meerdink also threatening for AZ before Ajax finished with the 1–0 win.