Ajax Cruise to 4-0 Win in García's Debut Match

Ajax Vs Rotterdam

Ajax beat Sparta Rotterdam 4-0 in Óscar García's debut match. Ajax score four in García's debut, next up Klassieker derby vs Feyenoord.

García wins Ajax debut with 4-0 victory, biggest since 2001...

Ajax got off to a great start under Óscar García, thrashing Sparta Rotterdam 4-0.

García, 52, made a winning debut as interim manager, replacing Fred Grim who was let go last Sunday.

Oscar García had to make do without suspended Wout Weghorst and ailing Kasper Dolberg, who started on the bench due to stomach issues.

Youngster Don-Angelo Konadu got the start as Ajax's striker, with Steven Berghuis on his right. In the back, former Arsenal man Takehiro Tomiyasu made his first competitive start since May 19th, 2024.

The lower South side of the stadium was empty due to a reprimand from the KNVB, but that didn't stop Sparta from creating the first big chance of the game. Tobias Lauritsen headed the ball towards Maarten Paes' goal, but the Norwegian striker's effort flew just past the post.

Ajax took control after the initial 15 minutes, with Steven Berghuis coming close to scoring the opener. The Dutchman hit a low shot that rolled narrowly past Joël Drommel's goal, setting the tone for a dominant Ajax performance.

Berghuis was Ajax's most dangerous factor and made his second start since September worthwhile by creating the 1-0 - the winger's free kick was deflected into Sparta's goal by Joshua Kitolano, who gave Ajax the lead in the 19th minute.

Oscar García was handed a tough hand quickly, however, with midfielder Youri Regeer seemingly picking up a severe hamstring injury in the first half. After limping off with support from a physical coach, Jorthy Mokio replaced the 22-year-old.

Takehiro Tomiyasu also made a positive impact and made his forward runs count by creating the 2-0, which Steven Berghuis scored with a rocket from close range.

Young Konadu got a dream chance to put the game beyond any doubt for Ajax, but the striker missed in front of an open goal.

Time was running out for Ajax, but García's side scored the 3-0 after Mika Godts launched captain Davy Klaassen into Sparta's half. The veteran calmly slotted the ball past Drommel to effectively close out the game.

Solid team performance 📈 pic.twitter.com/5bCmFb129C

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) March 14, 2026

The Amsterdam giants weren't done there, as the recovery under García took further shape with the 4-0 - Mika Godts took on Shurandy Sambo in a one-on-one and dribbled his way past the former Burnley defender to easily put the ball in the bottom left corner in the 76th minute.

Ajax wrapped up the match with ease, securing a 4-0 win in Óscar García's debut as Ajax manager.

This win marks the biggest for a debuting Ajax manager since 2001. Ajax take this momentum to next week's Klassieker derby away at Feyenoord.