Ajax Draws 1-1 With NEC in Amsterdam

Ajax missed another opportunity to strengthen their position in the Eredivisie after drawing 1-1 with NEC Nijmegen at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam on October 10, 2026. The eighth-round encounter saw both teams score in the first half, while NEC extended its unbeaten record at Ajax's home ground to four consecutive seasons. According to NOS, Tolu Arokodare scored for Ajax, while NEC captain Tjaronn Chery converted a penalty to put the visitors on the scoreboard.

Despite creating several opportunities, the Amsterdam side could not find a winning goal before the final whistle. The result continued a difficult recent sequence for Ajax against NEC at home. The previous three meetings in Amsterdam ended in a 2-2 draw during the 2023-24 season, a 3-0 NEC victory in 2024-25, and a 1-1 draw in 2025-26, according to the match history published by NOS.

Ajax began the match on the front foot, with both sides adopting attacking approaches that left space behind their defensive lines. NOS reported that Jorthy Mokio struck the crossbar, while NEC earned its penalty in the 17th minute after Bryan Linssen was pulled by his shirt.

Ajax continued to seek a breakthrough after the interval, but NEC remained competitive and threatened on the counterattack. Chery appeared to score a second goal in the 58th minute, only for the assistant referee to correctly flag him offside. Ajax coach Míchel Sánchez introduced Simon Adingra and Abdellah Ouazane in the 60th minute as he sought greater attacking penetration. Adingra made his Ajax debut after recovering from a foot injury, while Ouazane later tested NEC goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz with a close-range attempt.

NEC also made changes during the second half, including the introduction of Mitchel Bakker in the 72nd minute. The left-back made his debut for the Nijmegen club after progressing through Ajax's youth system, while Ahmetcan Kaplan also entered the match. According to NOS, NEC appeared physically stronger as the contest approached its closing stages. Crettaz denied Ouazane in the 79th minute, and Julian Brandt failed to convert another opportunity, allowing the visitors to preserve the draw.

Ajax entered the fixture after drawing 2-2 with Excelsior before the international break. Sports Mole reported that Ajax had registered 33 shots in that match but conceded twice from Excelsior's four attempts, highlighting the defensive problems facing Sánchez's team. In other Eredivisie action on October 10, Feyenoord defeated AZ Alkmaar 2-0 to move into first place, according to NOS.

Fortuna Sittard and FC Twente shared the points after a 1-1 draw, leaving the day's matches without a victory for either Ajax or Twente. Ajax's schedule was set to become increasingly demanding, with a UEFA Conference League meeting against Hajduk Split approaching after the NEC match. The draw left Sánchez's side needing to improve their results as the season's October fixtures continued.