Dramatic Comeback Earns Excelsior Point Against Ajax

Excelsior staged a remarkable second-half fightback to claim a 2-2 draw with Ajax at Stadion Woudestein, denying the visitors what appeared to be a routine three points in the Eredivisie.

Mika Godts looked to have put the Amsterdam side firmly in control with a first-half brace, but goals from Mimeirhel Jonathans and Arthur Zagre in the final quarter-hour rescued a vital point for the hosts.

Ajax, sitting fourth in the table with 38 points from 21 matches, dominated the opening 45 minutes against their 13th-placed opponents. Godts opened the scoring on 21 minutes before doubling the advantage five minutes before the break, capitalising on Excelsior’s defensive frailties that have contributed to their negative goal difference of -15.

The statistical picture painted a relatively even contest despite the scoreline disparity. Ajax edged possession 52% to 48% and completed marginally more passes (397 from 488 attempts), whilst Excelsior registered more shots on target (5-3) and created a higher expected goals tally of 0.80 compared to Ajax’s 0.63.

Francesco Farioli’s side appeared comfortable at the interval, but the introduction of three Excelsior substitutes on the hour mark transformed the match’s complexion. Emil Hansson, Derensili Sanches Fernandes, and Jayden Bergraaf injected fresh impetus into the hosts’ attack.

The revival began when Jonathans found the net on 74 minutes, capitalising on improved territorial advantage. Five minutes later, Zagre completed the comeback with a well-taken equaliser that stunned the travelling support.

Ajax attempted to regain control through their own substitutions, bringing on Kasper Dolberg and Rayane Bounida, but Excelsior’s newfound confidence couldn’t be broken. The hosts’ superior corner count (4-1) and willingness to press higher up the pitch disrupted Ajax’s rhythm.

The result maintains Ajax’s fourth position but represents two points dropped in their pursuit of European qualification. For Excelsior, averaging just 1.1 points per game this season, the comeback provides crucial momentum in their battle against relegation, lifting them one point clear of the bottom two with this hard-earned draw.