Ajax have been dealt a fresh blow in their defence of the Eredivisie title with a 1-1 draw at 10-man FC Utrecht.

Both sides exchanged chances early on as Anwar El Ghazi headed wide for the visitors before Sebastien Haller had his shot cleared off the line at the other end.

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Ajax looked the more likely scorer during the remainder of what was a cagey first half, and they came within inches of breaking the deadlock minutes before the break when El Ghazi rattled the crossbar with a free kick.

The away side finally made the breakthrough five minutes into the second half, though they needed some luck as Ramon Leeuwin headed into his own net from a corner.

Utrecht cranked up the pressure during the final half an hour, but Tommy Oar, Rubio Rubin and Haller were all denied by the busy Jasper Cillessen.

However, the hosts managed to secure themselves a share of the spoils with just five minutes remaining when Gevero Markiet hooked the ball in after a scramble inside the penalty area.

Utrecht were forced to finish the match with 10 men after Leeuwin was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Nicolai Boilesen, but they were able to hold on for a share of the spoils.