Sparta fail to capitalise against 10-man Ajax

PRAGUE, Nov 23 (Reuters) Ajax Amsterdam today battled to a 0-0 draw at Sparta Prague in their UEFA Cup group match after playing over half the game with only 10 players.

Sparta started aggressively, nearly scoring with two early chances before Ajax defender Urby Emanuelson was sent off after receiving his second yellow card just 39 minutes into the match.

The Czech side, looking for their first points in the group stage after two losses, continued to dominate in the second half but failed to capitalise.

''We're happy to come out with the point given the situation,'' said Ajax defender Zdenek Grygera, a former Sparta stalwart.

Ajax have four points after two games in Group F while Sparta have a single point from three games.

Reuters SBA VP0207