Ajax v NEC Nijmegen: level-on-points clash in Eredivisie top-four race | OneFootball

Ajax host NEC Nijmegen in the Eredivisie at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on 21 February 2026, with both sides level on 42 points in third and fourth and Champions League qualification in sight.

Ajax and NEC Nijmegen drew 2-2 in December's reverse fixture, and the visitors won 3-0 in Amsterdam last May. The stakes are clear with third against fourth meeting head on.

Godenzonen hit form last time out with a 4-1 home win over Fortuna Sittard after draws at AZ and Excelsior. NEC Nijmegen strung together three league wins before a home defeat by Utrecht, then drew at Sparta Rotterdam.

Ajax are without Steven Berghuis, Olexandr Zinchenko and Youri Regeer through injury. NEC Nijmegen list goalkeeper Freek Entius as injured.

Godenzonen average 57% possession with 86.43% pass accuracy and have scored 46 league goals, while NEC Nijmegen are one of the division's most prolific with 58 goals, 57% possession and 79.60% passing. Mika Godts is second in the league scoring chart on 12 and has eight assists, while Koki Ogawa leads for the visitors with eight league goals. Bryan Linssen and Kodai Sano supply chances regularly.

A home win would move Godenzonen to 45 points and could lift them above NEC Nijmegen into third. Victory for the visitors would take them to 45 and strengthen their grip on a Champions League qualification place, while a draw would keep both in the top-four mix.