Excelsior vs Ajax underway in Eredivisie battle, scoreless through early action

Excelsior and Ajax are locked in a tactical battle at Stadion Woudestein on February 1, 2026. Through 19 minutes of intense action, neither team has broken through defensively. Ajax seeks championship credentials while Excelsior looks to replicate their shock 2-1 home victory from November.

Scoreless First Half Shows Defensive Intensity

The opening 19 minutes have revealed a cagey contest between Dutch football’s elite and lower-tier challengers. Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen tested the Excelsior defense early with a left-footed shot from the left side of the box in the 17th minute, but failed to convert. Stijn van Gassel, Excelsior’s goalkeeper, remains composed as the visitors probe for an opening.

Excelsior forward Noah Naujoks committed an early foul in the 7th minute, signaling the hosts’ defensive approach. The Rotterdam side is employing a cautious 4-1-4-1 formation, designed to absorb Ajax’s attacking pressure and exploit counterattack opportunities. Ilias Bronkhorst, Excelsior’s left-back, has earned a match-high 6.8 rating for solid defending.

Ajax’s Champions League Credentials Under Question

Ajax entered as heavy favorites with 81 percent of fan predictions backing their victory. Third in the VriendenLoterij Eredivisie standings, the Amsterdam club aims to climb back into contention. Coach Fred Grim has lined up Kasper Dolberg, a striker with 5 goals against Excelsior historically, alongside dynamic midfielder Davy Klaassen.

Yet the match setup shows Ajax struggling to break through tactically. Josiph Šutalo, the center-back rated 6.8, has been solid in distribution. Youri Baas (6.6 rating) provides midfield coverage. The visitors’ 4-3-3 formation allows width, but Excelsior’s defensive block remains unbroken despite the quality gap.

Matchup Comparison Reveals David vs Goliath Story

“Excelsior’s 2-1 win away at Ajax in November was the first time in their history they defeated Ajax in Amsterdam”

— Sofascore Statistical Analysis, Match Preview Report

What To Watch in the Second Half Assault

Ajax typically dominates possession in second-half performances, particularly after opening tactical consolidation periods. Rayane Bounida provides electric pace on the left wing (6.7 rating). Watch whether Excelsior’s Noah Naujoks, who scored the decisive brace in November, can again exploit space on transitions. Stijn van Gassel (6.5 rating) has faced only minimal shots so far, suggesting Ajax remains building rhythm.

Coach Ruben den Uil at Excelsior has substitutes Chris-Kevin Nadje and Gyan de Regt available for fresh attacking combinations. The bench depth suggests both teams remain flexible tactically. Ko Itakura remains sidelined for Ajax, limiting defensive rotation options.

Can Excelsior Shock Ajax Again, or Will the Favorites Respond?

The narrative centers on whether Excelsior’s historic November victory was a fluke or the beginning of a genuine upset streak. Ajax’s media predictions favor a comeback, with fan voting showing 81 percent confidence in the visitors. Yet 19 minutes of scoreless football suggests the Rotterdam hosts have implemented the same defensive blueprint that worked in the first encounter.

Stadion Woudestein now becomes the stage for either Ajax’s redemption or Excelsior’s confirmation as a serious threat to hierarchy. With both Dolberg’s historic goal-scoring record against this opponent and Naujoks’ proven November form, the second half promises resolution.

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.