Ajax v Volendam: Champions League push meets survival fight | OneFootball

Ajax host Volendam in the Eredivisie on Saturday, 24 January 2026 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, with the home side defending third place and the visitors aiming to keep daylight between themselves and the relegation places.

The reverse fixture in August ended 1-1, and Ajax return to Amsterdam after a 2-2 draw with Go Ahead Eagles last weekend that kept them in the top three.

Godenzonen have three wins in their last five across competitions, including away victories at Telstar and Villarreal, while Volendam beat Utrecht 2-1 to halt a four-game league losing run. The visitors' away record is a concern, with two points and no wins on the road this season.

Injuries and bans bite on both sides. Ajax are without Steven Berghuis, Wout Weghorst, Youri Regeer and James McConnell, while Owen Wijndal is suspended. Volendam list Henk Veerman, Gibson Osahumen Yah and Anthony Descotte as injured, with Robin van Cruijsen suspended.

Godenzonen average 57% possession and 86.47% passing accuracy this season, with 211 shots and strong wide supply from 235 open-play crosses. Mika Godts leads their league output with eight goals and seven assists, and could test a Volendam back line that has conceded 33 goals and kept one clean sheet. Given Volendam's winless away record, set pieces and sustained pressure may favour the hosts, though the visitors' recent lift suggests they could threaten on the break.

Godenzonen start on 34 points in third and a win would take them to 37, strengthening their Champions League qualification push. Volendam are 15th on 17 points and a positive result could move them up the table and further away from the relegation play-off and drop zone.