The second round of the KNVB Cup brings a fascinating clash as Excelsior Maassluis prepare to host Dutch giants Ajax on December 17, 2025. With a place in the third round at stake, the home side face what could be their toughest challenge of the season. Excelsior Maassluis will look to build on their recent 2-0 victory over Barendrecht, while Ajax arrive just days after a convincing win in the Klassieker against Feyenoord. The contrast between the two sides could not be greater, but cup football often delivers surprises, and the hosts will hope to make the most of their opportunity.

Excelsior Maassluis: Recent Form and Key Stats

Excelsior Maassluis enter this encounter with mixed form. Their last five matches have produced one win, three draws, and one defeat, averaging 1.0 goal scored and 1.4 conceded per game. The recent 2-0 triumph over Barendrecht was a much-needed boost after a run of three consecutive 1-1 draws. Despite that win, the team’s attacking consistency remains a concern, while defensive lapses have been evident in earlier losses such as 0-4 and 2-1 in league play.

In the KNVB Cup, however, their record is more encouraging: one win and one draw, with an average of 2.5 goals scored and only 0.5 conceded per match. At home, Excelsior Maassluis tend to start cautiously — under 1.5 goals have been scored in 18 of their last 20 home games. This suggests a pattern of tight first halves, where the team focuses on defensive organization before opening up later in the match.

• Last 5 matches: 1 win, 3 draws, 1 defeat


• Average goals scored: 1.0 | Average conceded: 1.4


• Under 1.5 goals at half time in 18 of last 20 home matches


• KNVB Cup record: W 1 · D 1 · L 0

Facing a top-tier opponent like Ajax, Excelsior Maassluis will need to rely on discipline and efficiency. Their defensive structure will be tested, and any opportunity on the counterattack could prove vital. The home crowd will hope their side can withstand early pressure and perhaps frustrate the visitors long enough to create a memorable upset.

Ajax: Recent Form and Key Stats

Ajax approach this cup tie in strong form, having defeated Feyenoord 2-0 on December 14. Over their last five matches, they have recorded four wins and one defeat, averaging 2.2 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per game. The Amsterdam side have been prolific in attack, with over 1.5 goals scored in each of their last 32 matches and in all of their last 15 away fixtures. This attacking consistency makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the competition.

Ajax’s matches are rarely short of action. They have seen over 0.5 goals at half time in 23 of their last 24 games, and they tend to start strongly — winning at half time in 14 of their last 21 KNVB Cup fixtures. However, their defense has shown some vulnerability, conceding at least one goal in each of their last 13 away matches. This could offer a glimmer of hope for Excelsior Maassluis if they can exploit any defensive lapses.

• Last 5 matches: 4 wins, 0 draws, 1 defeat


• Average goals scored: 2.2 | Average conceded: 1.0


• Over 1.5 goals in last 32 matches


• At least 1 goal conceded in last 13 away matches


• Won at half time in 6 of last 10 away KNVB Cup games

Ajax’s attacking rhythm and depth make them heavy favorites. Their ability to dominate possession and create chances from wide areas often overwhelms lower-division opponents. Even though they have shown occasional defensive fragility, their offensive firepower usually compensates, especially in knockout competitions where intensity is high from the start.

Excelsior Maassluis vs Ajax: Analysis and Prediction

This KNVB Cup tie pits two teams from vastly different levels of Dutch football against each other. Excelsior Maassluis will aim to stay compact and disciplined, hoping to limit Ajax’s attacking flow. Their recent home record suggests a cautious approach, particularly in the first half. Meanwhile, Ajax are expected to take control early, pressing high and looking to break through with their quick transitions and clinical finishing.

Historically, the gap between the sides has been enormous — their last meeting ended in a 9-0 win for Ajax in January 2022. While such a scoreline is unlikely to repeat, the visitors’ superior quality and form make them clear favorites once again. Excelsior Maassluis will need a near-perfect performance to keep the scoreline respectable and dream of an upset.

Given Ajax’s attacking trends and Excelsior Maassluis’s defensive tendencies, the match could follow a familiar pattern: Ajax dominating possession, creating multiple chances, and likely leading by half time. The hosts may find opportunities on the break, but sustaining pressure for 90 minutes against such opposition will be a monumental task.

Excelsior Maassluis vs Ajax prediction by BetMines:
Ajax win (2) with a probability of 58%. The visitors’ attacking form and consistency make them strong favorites to progress to the next round of the KNVB Cup.