Ajax held to 2-2 draw by Excelsior at Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam

Ajax dropped points at home on Saturday after finishing in a 2-2 draw against Excelsior at the Johan Cruijff Arena. The Amsterdam side held possession and the attacking initiative from the opening whistle, though Excelsior goalkeeper Stijn van Gassel saved an early third-minute strike from Oscar Gloukh. Excelsior created its first opportunity from a 20th-minute corner handled by goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen before Aymen Sliti shot wide across goal. Ajax increased pressure as Julian Brandt hit the crossbar, eventually opening the scoring for the hosts after a half hour, while Davy Klaassen was also positioned to shoot. Ajax defender Caio Henrique departed with an injury before Lennard Hartjes leveled the score for Excelsior on the stroke of half-time.

Excelsior took the lead after more than an hour of play when Sliti tapped the ball in from close range. Ajax responded three minutes later when substitute Tolu Arokodare equalized with a finish from a Gloukh cross. Gloukh then struck the post with a long-range shot. With 15 minutes remaining, Excelsior defender David Garden cleared an attempt from Arokodare off the goal line. Van Gassel produced multiple stops as Ajax pushed forward, with Arokodare heading against the post in the closing minutes and curling a final effort over the crossbar in stoppage time.

The draw moves Excelsior to 11 points after a positive start to the campaign, following their first victory in Amsterdam last year. For Ajax, who defeated Willem II 5-1 on Tuesday, the result marks their third league match with dropped points this season, leaving the club at risk of falling five points behind league leaders PSV on Sunday.