Excelsior Maassluis vs Ajax Match Recap - Dec 17, 2025

Ajax's Dominance Shines Bright in 7-2 Rout of Excelsior Maassluis

Ajax's offensive juggernaut overwhelmed Excelsior Maassluis, scoring seven goals in a commanding display that showcased their attacking prowess and tactical superiority. This match was a stark reminder of the gulf in class between the Eredivisie giants and their Tweede Divisie opponents, as Ajax's relentless pressure and clinical finishing left Excelsior reeling.

Ajax has been on a roll, winning their last five matches leading into this fixture, including a recent 2-0 victory over Feyenoord. The confidence from those performances translated seamlessly onto the pitch at Sportpark Dijkpolder. The team maintained an astonishing 78% possession, suffocating Excelsior's attempts to build any momentum. This level of control is not just a statistic; it reflects Ajax's ability to dictate the tempo and rhythm of the game, leaving their opponents chasing shadows.

Mokio emerged as a standout performer, continuing his impressive form with two goals today. His contributions have been pivotal in Ajax's recent successes, and this match further solidified his status as a key player. With Klaassen and Gaaei also contributing to the scoreline, Ajax's depth in attacking options was on full display. The team's ability to rotate players while maintaining high performance levels is a testament to their squad depth and tactical flexibility.

Excelsior's recent form had shown some promise, including a solid 2-0 win against Barendrecht just days before this match. However, they struggled to replicate that success against Ajax. Their defensive frailties were exposed early on, as Ajax scored four goals before halftime. The lack of cohesion in defense was evident, with players like Plank and Verbont unable to stem the tide of Ajax's attacks. Despite their efforts, Excelsior could not find a way to contain the relentless wave of Ajax's offensive play.

The statistics tell a compelling story. Ajax outshot Excelsior significantly, with 99 total passes compared to Excelsior's mere 27. This disparity highlights not only Ajax's dominance in possession but also their ability to create scoring opportunities at will. The accuracy of Ajax's passing was also noteworthy, with a staggering 92% pass accuracy, which allowed them to maintain control and build attacks effectively.

Excelsior managed to score two goals, which is a small consolation in an otherwise lopsided affair. Their first goal came from Plank, who capitalized on a rare defensive lapse from Ajax. This momentary lapse in concentration serves as a reminder that even dominant teams can be vulnerable if not fully focused. However, it was too little too late, as Ajax responded swiftly with another goal from Bounida, re-establishing their commanding lead.

The match also highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both teams in terms of discipline and fouls. Excelsior led in fouls committed, reflecting their frustration and desperation as they attempted to disrupt Ajax's flow. This lack of composure under pressure is indicative of a team struggling to cope with the demands of facing a top-tier opponent.

Looking ahead, Ajax's performance today reinforces their status as serious contenders in the KNVB Beker. Their ability to score freely while maintaining defensive solidity will serve them well as they progress through the tournament. The confidence gained from such a decisive victory could be crucial as they face tougher challenges ahead.

For Excelsior Maassluis, this match serves as a harsh reality check. While they have shown resilience in their league matches, facing a team like Ajax exposes the gaps that need addressing if they hope to compete at higher levels. The lessons learned today will be vital for their development moving forward.

Ajax's victory not only advances them in the KNVB Beker but also sends a message to other teams about their intent this season. With players like Mokio, Klaassen, and Gaaei firing on all cylinders, they are poised for continued success both domestically and in European competitions. The road ahead looks bright for Ajax, while Excelsior must regroup and refocus on their league campaign after this humbling defeat.