Ajax Draws NEC at Johan Cruijff Arena

Ajax drew 1-1 with NEC Nijmegen at the Johan Cruijff Arena on October 10, 2026, in the Eredivisie. According to NOS, Ajax took the lead through Tolu Arokodare before Tjarron Chery restored parity from a penalty for NEC. NOS reported that Ajax entered the match in fifth place with 14 points after seven matches, while NEC were 11th with eight points.

The result kept both teams separated in the standings. Ajax coach Míchel Sánchez made several lineup changes, according to Ajax Showtime. Marc ter Stegen started in goal, while Owen Wijndal and Sofyan Amrabat returned to the starting XI.

Ajax Showtime reported that injuries to Anton Gaaei and Caio Henrique led to defensive adjustments. Lucas Rosa, Thilo Kehrer, Youri Baas and Wijndal formed the defensive line.

Tolu Arokodare led the Ajax attack after Kasper Dolberg was ruled out for the season with a serious knee injury, according to Ajax Showtime. Viktor Tsygankov and Oscar Gloukh supported him in the front line. NOS reported that Arokodare scored the opening goal with a header from Jorthy Mokio's cross. The striker later showed support for Dolberg by displaying a shirt bearing the injured player's name.

NEC responded after Bryan Linssen was fouled in the penalty area, according to NOS. Tjarron Chery converted the spot kick to make the score 1-1 shortly after Ajax had taken the lead. According to NOS, NEC had avoided defeat in their previous three visits to the Johan Cruijff Arena, including a 2-2 draw in 2023/24, a 3-0 win in 2024/25 and a 1-1 draw in 2025/26.