Ajax lost further ground in the early stages of the Eredivisie title race when they were held to a draw by Sparta Rotterdam.
Uruguay frontman Luis Suarez hit the post with a curling shot just after the hour mark for Martin Jol's side but the breakthrough was not forthcoming, much to the frustration of the majority of the 49,000 in the Amsterdam ArenA.
The point sees Ajax, who went down 4-3 in a thriller at PSV Eindhoven last weekend, slip three points behind the early pacesetters.
The hosts could have taken the lead in the opening seconds but Siem de Jong failed to connect with Demy de Zeeuw's free-kick when well placed.
De Zeeuw fired over after eight minutes and De Jong drilled a right-footed effort narrowly wide three minutes later.
Ajax continued to make all the running and Sparta goalkeeper Aleksander Seliga was called into action for the first time in the 24th minute, making a comfortable catch from Urby Emanuelson's fierce shot.
De Jong again lashed wide two minutes before half-time as Ajax continued their fruitless pursuit of the opener.
The match continued in the same vein after the interval, with the Amsterdammers dominant but unable to find the breakthrough.
Ismail Aissati drilled a right-footed shot over the bar and then Suarez curled a fine attempt against the right-hand upright in what was to prove the closest Ajax would come.
Eyong Enoh mustered one final attempt for the home team 11 minutes from time but he failed to test the goalkeeper with his 18-yard effort as Jol's troops had to settle for a point.
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