Ajax enters international break with a hangover: bogey team Excelsior holds Amsterdammers to a draw

Ajax was held to a 2-2 draw by Excelsior at the Johan Cruijff Arena, marking the fourth time in five meetings between the two teams that they have shared the points. Julian Brandt opened the scoring for Ajax, but Excelsior equalized just before halftime through Lennart Hartjes. The visitors briefly took the lead early in the second half when Aymen Sliti converted a cross from Irakli Yegoian.

Ajax responded quickly through substitute Tolu Arokodare, who scored his debut goal just moments after coming onto the pitch. Despite intense pressure in the closing stages, including several efforts that hit the woodwork and a goal-line clearance, Ajax could not find a winner. The draw serves as a setback for the Amsterdam side in their pursuit of the title, as they failed to capitalize on multiple opportunities created in the final twenty minutes of the match.