Eredivisie: Excelsior Shocks Ajax in Amsterdam

Ajax Crumbles to Excelsior

Record Eredivisie champions suffer surprise defeat, falling to lowly Excelsior. Excelsior Rotterdam beats Ajax 2-1, claiming first-ever win at Johan Cruyff ArenA.

Ajax made a major adjustment, bringing on Kasper Dolberg for the injured Anton Gaaei...

Excelsior Rotterdam pulled off a major upset, beating Ajax 2-1 at the Johan Cruyff ArenA. This was their first-ever win in Amsterdam, and it came against a struggling Ajax side under caretaker boss Fred Grim.

Ajax, the record Eredivisie champions, were expected to breeze past Excelsior, who had scored just 11 goals in their previous 12 league games. However, the visitors proved to be a tough nut to crack, and they took the points with them.

Ajax struggled to get into the game, creating few chances and failing to press Excelsior effectively. Wout Weghorst had a golden opportunity to put them ahead, but he failed to capitalize, and it proved costly.

Excelsior capitalized on Ajax's lethargy, with midfielder Noah Naujoks dribbling through the heart of the defense to score the surprise opener. The goal was a sucker punch for Ajax, and it left them reeling.

FT. pic.twitter.com/RkBJZWZBhU

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) November 22, 2025

Naujoks continued to cause problems for Ajax, scoring his second goal of the game with a calm finish into the bottom corner. Excelsior were on fire, and Ajax were struggling to cope with the pace of the game.

Ajax made a major adjustment, bringing on Kasper Dolberg for the injured Anton Gaaei. The Danish striker made an immediate impact, scoring a convincing goal to give Ajax hope of a comeback.

Excelsior held firm, with substitute Mike van Duinen having a great chance to restore their two-goal lead. However, Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer made a crucial save to keep his team in the game.

Despite a late push, Ajax couldn't find the equalizer, and Excelsior held on for a historic 2-1 win. The result was a massive shock, and it leaves Ajax reeling ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash with Benfica.