Match report

Excelsior Stuns Ajax with 2-2 Draw in Eredivisie

Excelsior
Excelsior
2–2
FT
Ajax
Ajax
Feb 1, 2026

Excelsior managed to hold off the formidable Ajax team to secure an impressive 2-2 draw in their Eredivisie match. The game was a rollercoaster with Ajax taking an early two-goal lead before Excelsior mounted a comeback. Key goalscorers for Ajax were M. Godts, while M. Jonathans and Arthur Zagre scored crucial equalizers for Excelsior.

Key Facts

  • • Ajax took an early 2-0 lead with goals from M. Godts (21', 40')
  • • Excelsior's comeback was spearheaded by M. Jonathans (74') and Arthur Zagre (79')
  • • L. Schouten received a yellow card for Excelsior at the 70th minute
  • • Multiple substitutions impacted both teams, with Ajax making three changes from the bench

Lineups

Excelsior

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Starting XI

  • 1 S. van Gassel (G)
  • 2 I. Bronkhorst (D)
  • 4 C. Widell (D)
  • 3 R. Meissen (D)
  • 12 A. Zagre (D)
  • 20 L. Hartjes (M)
  • 30 D. Sanches Fernandes (M)
  • 23 I. Yegoian (M)
  • 10 N. Naujoks (M)
  • 7 E. Hansson (M)
  • 33 J. Bergraaf (F)

Substitutes

  • 16 C. Raatsie
  • 5 S. Henderikx
  • 6 A. Carlen
  • 11 G. de Regt
  • 14 L. Schouten
  • 15 S. Janssen
  • 17 N. Martens
  • 18 C. Nadje
  • 26 M. Jonathans
  • 29 M. van Duinen

Ajax

Starting XI

  • 1 V. Jaros (G)
  • 3 A. Gaaei (D)
  • 37 J. Sutalo (D)
  • 15 Y. Baas (D)
  • 24 J. Mokio (D)
  • 18 D. Klaassen (M)
  • 6 Y. Regeer (M)
  • 48 S. Steur (M)
  • 43 R. Bounida (F)
  • 9 K. Dolberg (F)
  • 11 M. Godts (F)

Substitutes

  • 12 J. Heerkens
  • 52 P. Reverson
  • 17 O. Edvardsen
  • 23 S. Berghuis
  • 25 W. Weghorst
  • 30 A. Bouwman
  • 32 T. Tomiyasu
  • 41 G. Alders
  • 55 T. Peters
  • 16 J. Johnson
  • 68 A. Ouazane

Timeline

  1. Ajax
    21' Ajax Goal · Normal Goal
    M. Godts · Assist: R. Bounida
  2. Ajax
    40' Ajax Goal · Normal Goal
    M. Godts · Assist: K. Dolberg
  3. Excelsior
    62' Excelsior subst · Substitution 1
    Off: E. Hansson · On: G. de Regt
  4. Excelsior
    63' Excelsior subst · Substitution 2
    Off: J. Bergraaf · On: L. Schouten
  5. Excelsior
    63' Excelsior subst · Substitution 3
    Off: D. Sanches Fernandes · On: M. Jonathans
  6. Ajax
    67' Ajax subst · Substitution 1
    Off: R. Bounida · On: O. Edvardsen
  7. Ajax
    67' Ajax subst · Substitution 2
    Off: K. Dolberg · On: W. Weghorst
  8. Excelsior
    70' Excelsior Card · Yellow Card
    L. Schouten

    Foul

  9. Excelsior
    74' Excelsior Goal · Normal Goal
    M. Jonathans · Assist: G. de Regt
  10. Excelsior
    79' Excelsior Goal · Normal Goal
    Arthur Zagre · Assist: G. de Regt
  11. Ajax
    80' Ajax subst · Substitution 3
    Off: J. Mokio · On: T. Tomiyasu
  12. Ajax
    80' Ajax subst · Substitution 4
    Off: S. Steur · On: Jinairo Johnson
  13. Excelsior
    89' Excelsior subst · Substitution 4
    Off: L. Hartjes · On: M. van Duinen

Match Stats

Stat Excelsior Ajax
Fouls 12 5
Pass Accuracy 80% 81%
Offsides 3 2
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 11 9
Corners 4 1
Total Passes 442 488
Yellow Cards 1 0
Blocked Shots 2 1
Shots on Target 5 3
xG 0.80 0.63
Shots off Target 4 5
Possession 48% 52%
Goals Prevented 0 0
Accurate Passes 355 397
Shots Inside Box 6 6
Saves 1 3
Shots Outside Box 5 3

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Ajax's quick two-goal lead in the first half set them on course for victory until Excelsior found their rhythm
  • ▸ Excelsior’s substitution of G. de Regt (62') and others proved pivotal as they scored twice within five minutes to level the score