Maarten Paes was not fielded when Ajax Amsterdam defeated Atalanta 2-0.

Ajax Amsterdam secured their first victory in the 2026/2027 Conference League after beating Atalanta 2-0 at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Friday WIB. This positive result however brought no good news for Indonesia National Team Goalkeeper Maarten Paes, who was once again overlooked for playing time.

Paes could only watch the full match from the substitute bench as Ajax claimed all three points through Tolu Arokodare's 87th minute strike followed by Abdellah Ouazane's stoppage time goal at exactly 90+3 minutes. Marc-André ter Stegen was trusted to guard Ajax's goal and completed the full 90 minutes.

This win lifted Ajax to 13th position in the temporary Standings with three points. Atalanta hold the exact same points tally but sit one place below in 15th.

For Ajax, this result is vital momentum after disappointing performances earlier in the competition. For Paes meanwhile, the lack of match minutes remains his core challenge as he fights for the first choice goalkeeper spot at the Dutch club.

Ajax Dominated Possession But Failed To Find The Net In The First Half

Ajax took control of attacking play from kickoff. Backed by their home supporters, the hosts constantly pressured Atalanta's backline searching for an opening goal.

Lucas Rosa created the closest chance, but his shot deflected off Gianluca Gaetano before crashing against Atalanta's crossbar. Ajax continued probing the opposition defence for the rest of the half, but went into the break still goalless.

Tolu Arokodare Breaks The Deadlock Late In The Tie

Ajax ramped up their attacking intensity after halftime, but continued to waste final third opportunities. Just as the match looked set to end level, the deadlock was finally broken in the 87th minute. Tolu Arokodare put the hosts ahead 1-0 after connecting perfectly with Youri Baas' long clearance.

Arokodare won the aerial duel to bring the ball under control before firing a low shot past the keeper. Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi could not react fast enough to stop the effort, giving Ajax a crucial lead late in the game.

This goal was the deserved reward for Ajax's consistent pressure across the entire match.

Abdellah Ouazane Confirms 2-0 Ajax Victory

With only minutes of normal time remaining, Atalanta committed players forward desperately searching for an equaliser. This open play left gaps at the back which Ajax exploited to extend their lead.

Ajax sealed all three points with Abdellah Ouazane's 90+3rd minute goal. The play started with a long switching pass from Arokodare out to the left wing.

Ouazane collected the ball, cut inside the penalty box, and unleashed a shot from an acute angle. The ball bounced off the underside of the crossbar before crossing the goal line, making the final score 2-0.

This goal officially marked Ajax's first Conference League win of the season.

Even amid the team's celebrations, the situation surrounding Maarten Paes remains a major point of concern for Indonesia National Team supporters. The 28-year old goalkeeper once again received zero playing minutes, with ter Stegen retaining his place for the full match.

Paes has only registered five total appearances for the club so far this season.

The battle for the starting goalkeeper position remains a major barrier for Paes, especially with ter Stegen continuing to be selected consistently. Ajax's victory over Atalanta did nothing to shift this dynamic.