Rotterdam, Netherlands, NED — Rick Meissen's stoppage-time equalizer completed a remarkable comeback as Excelsior salvaged a point against Ajax Amsterdam in a thrilling Eredivisie encounter at Stadion Woudestein.
Ajax appeared headed for victory after Mika Godts' hat-trick gave the visitors a 3-1 advantage, but the hosts mounted a furious late rally. Arthur Zagré pulled one back in the 79th minute before Meissen's dramatic intervention in the third minute of stoppage time secured a share of the spoils.
Godts opened the scoring in the 21st minute and added two more goals in the 33rd and 40th minutes to complete his treble before halftime. Jerolldino Bergraaf briefly gave Excelsior hope with a 61st-minute strike, but Ajax maintained their two-goal cushion until the final stages.
The hosts edged the possession battle at 51.9% and registered more shots (11-9) and efforts on target (5-3) than their visitors, statistics that reflected their determination to claw back into the contest.
GOALS:- 21' Mika Godts - Ajax Amsterdam- 33' Mika Godts - Ajax Amsterdam- 40' Mika Godts - Ajax Amsterdam- 61' Jerolldino Bergraaf - Excelsior- 79' Arthur Zagré - Excelsior- 90'+3' Rick Meissen - Excelsior
STANDOUT PLAYERS:- Excelsior: Rick Meissen - Stoppage-time equalizer, never-say-die attitude- Ajax Amsterdam: Mika Godts - Hat-trick, clinical finishing
KEY STAT: Excelsior outshot Ajax 11-9 and registered five shots on target compared to Ajax's three, demonstrating their attacking intent throughout.
NEXT: Excelsior travel to face NAC Breda on February 7. Ajax Amsterdam travel to face AZ Alkmaar on February 7.