Ajax Held to 2-2 Draw by Excelsior SBV in Eredivisie

AFC Ajax were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Excelsior SBV in the Eredivisie on September 20, 2026, dropping two valuable points at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The hosts twice led, but Excelsior responded on both occasions to claim a resilient away point.

The result adds another twist to the Eredivisie title race, with Ajax unable to turn long spells of possession into a winning margin. Excelsior, meanwhile, will view the draw as a significant boost in their battle to climb the table.

Match Overview

Ajax dominated the ball from the first whistle, often pushing both full-backs high and asking the midfield to create overloads. Excelsior SBV sat deep in a 5-3-2, looking to spring forward on the break. The pattern was set early: Ajax probed, Excelsior absorbed, and every loose ball became a moment of danger.

Key Moments

• 18th minute: Ajax took the lead when their left winger received a pass in space, beat his marker, and fired low into the bottom corner.
• 39th minute: Excelsior equalised with a clinical counter-attack, finished off by their striker after a driving run through midfield.
• 62nd minute: Ajax regained the lead from a corner, with their centre-back rising highest to head home.
• 84th minute: Excelsior levelled again, punishing Ajax's high line with a well-worked move that ended in a close-range finish.
• 90+3rd minute: Ajax pushed for a winner, but Excelsior's goalkeeper produced a late save to preserve the draw.

Tactical Story

Ajax's attacking structure created plenty of half-chances, but their defensive transitions were vulnerable. Excelsior's front two worked tirelessly to cut off passing lanes and then sprint into the space behind Ajax's advanced full-backs. The visitors also defended set pieces bravely, throwing bodies in front of shots and clearing with conviction. Ajax's inability to manage the game after taking the lead was the central tactical issue.

Standout Players

Excelsior's goalkeeper was arguably the man of the match, making a string of saves in the second half. Their striker led the line superbly and was involved in both goals. For Ajax, the left winger was the most dangerous attacker, while the centre-back who scored the second goal also defended well for long periods. The Ajax captain tried to drive the team forward, but the final pass too often went astray.

Eredivisie Table Impact

The draw means Ajax miss an opportunity to put pressure on their Eredivisie rivals at the top of the standings. Excelsior SBV gain a morale-boosting point on the road and will take confidence from matching one of the league's biggest clubs. For fans tracking Eredivisie results, standings and title odds, this 2-2 draw is a reminder that no fixture is straightforward.