Hat-tricks for Blind and Ziyech as Ajax thrash De Graafschap

With hat-tricks from Hakim Ziyech and Daley Blind, plus strikes by Noussair Mazraoui and Dusan Tadic, Ajax thrashed bottom-of-the-table De Graafschap 8-0 in the Eredivisie on Saturday.

The hosts broke the deadlock in the 18th minute with a powerful Tadic shot from Ziyech's assist. Seven minutes later the Amsterdam team doubled their lead through Mazraoui, following Donny van de Beek's backheel.

Ziyech started his personal show in the 32nd minute with an easy volley. He scored again in the second half with two shots from long distance.

Between Ziyech's second and third goals, Blind scored his first of the evening - it was a fine effort. The former Manchester United defender added two more goals - in the 74th and 90th minutes - to complete his trio.