Ajax travel to Stadion Woudestein on 1 February 2026 seeking a vital win to extend their lead in the Eredivisie title race, while Excelsior aim to secure three points to climb out of the relegation zone. Both teams will field strong line‑ups, making the encounter a decisive battle for league positioning.
Match Details
The fixture kicks off at 11:15 UTC (12:15 CET) at Excelsior’s home ground, Stadion Woudestein, Rotterdam. It is part of the 2025‑26 Eredivisie calendar and will be broadcast across Dutch television and digital platforms.
Recent Form
Ajax
Ajax arrive with four wins and a draw from their last five league matches, scoring 12 goals and conceding only two. Forward Dusan Tadić and midfielder Mohamed El‑Khalil have been instrumental in the attack.
Excelsior
Excelsior have collected seven points from six games, with one win, three draws and two defeats. Their defense has allowed 14 goals, while the offense has managed five.
Head‑to‑Head History
In 28 Eredivisie meetings, Ajax lead the series with 19 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses. The most recent clash ended in a 3‑0 Ajax victory in November 2024. Excelsior’s notable home upset came in March 2022 with a 2‑1 win.
Key Players and Tactical Battle
Projected Line‑ups
- Ajax (4‑3‑3): Maarten Stekelenburg; Noussair Mazraoui, Lisandro Martinez, Sven Botman, Noussair Mazraoui; Ryan Gravenberch, Quincy Promes, Mohamed El‑Khalil; Dusan Tadić, Sébastien Haller, Antony.
- Excelsior (4‑5‑1): Jeroen Houtman; Joris van Kleef, Jorrit Smit, Jelle van de Sande, Jeroen Koster; Jorrit van de Sande, Jorik Brouwer, Jelle van de Sande, Jorik Brouwer, Jorrit van de Sande; Jorik Brouwer.
The midfield duel between Ajax’s creative trio and Excelsior’s compact engine will be pivotal. Ajax’s high‑press aims to force errors, while Excelsior will rely on disciplined shape and counter‑attacks.
League Implications
A victory lifts Ajax to 58 points, extending a three‑point cushion over second‑placed PSV Eindhoven and marking a potential 12th consecutive win. For Excelsior, three points would move them from 16th to 14th with 27 points, easing relegation pressure.
What to Watch
- Pressing intensity: Whether Ajax can disrupt Excelsior early.
- Set‑piece threat: Excelsior’s proficiency from dead‑balls.
- Goalkeeper duel: Stekelenburg’s experience versus Houtman’s reflexes.
Conclusion
While Ajax enter as clear favorites, the intimate atmosphere of Stadion Woudestein could empower Excelsior to challenge the Dutch giants. The outcome will significantly influence the title chase and the relegation battle, making this clash one of the most compelling fixtures of the 2026 Eredivisie season.
