Ajax vs Benfica

Ajax’s season has descended into disarray, and their struggles in the UEFA Champions League league phase reflect a team in deep crisis. Rooted to the bottom of the table with zero points from four matches [0W, 0D, 4L], the Dutch giants have scored just once while conceding a staggering 14 goals—by far one of their worst European campaigns in recent memory. Their latest outing, a bruising 3-0 loss to Galatasaray, underlined their mounting problems at both ends of the pitch, as defensive vulnerabilities and a blunt attack continue to haunt them. Their domestic form offers little encouragement. Ajax’s embarrassing 2-1 home defeat to Excelsior at the weekend not only worsened their Eredivisie standing but also represented their fourth home loss in six matches in all competitions [LWLDLL]. That slump extends into Europe, where de Godenzonen have now suffered seven straight defeats in major continental competition [0W, 0D, 7L]—a negative club record—including two home losses without finding the net. Caretaker boss Fred Grim has yet to steady the ship, losing both of his games in charge [LL]. Historically, de Godenzonen have fared better in this matchup, edging the last nine meetings with Benfica [4W, 3D, 2L]. However, the Portuguese side won the most recent clash, a narrow but decisive 1-0 victory in Amsterdam during the second leg of their 2021/22 UCL round of 16 tie. Owen Wijndal and Branco van den Boomen, however, remain doubtful due to injury. Wout Weghorst scored Ajax’s sole UCL goal this season, and he may start up front in a 4—2—3—1 setup.

Despite being on a good run of form since October [5W, 2D, 2L], Benfica will enter this fixture under pressure of their own, having also lost all four of their UCL league-phase matches [0W, 0D, 4L]. Their most recent UCL game—a narrow 1-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen—showed improved defensive structure but lacked attacking sharpness. Playing away might offer some comfort, as As Águias have won five of their last nine UCL road matches [5W, 0D, 4L]. Their confidence should also be boosted by a 2-0 Taça de Portugal win over Atlético CP, part of three wins [WWLDW] in their last five matches. However, they will be without Dodi Lukébakio, who is sidelined. Vangelis Pavlidis is expected to start in the frontline of a 4—2—3—1 setup.