This week sees the conclusion of the 2021/22 Champions League round of 16 and we have a second leg to look forward to between Ajax and Benfica. The match will be played at the Johan Cruijff Arena and both teams will believe they have a chance of progressing following a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Lisbon.
Ajax come into the match on the back of a 3-2 victory at Cambuur in the Eredivisie on the weekend. That was enough to see them remain top of the Dutch league but they were forced to work for the 3 points, despite having opened a 2 goal lead in the first half.
Is it Tuesday yet? 🥵#UCL pic.twitter.com/EmptyKr1Zs— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) March 13, 2022
Is it Tuesday yet? 🥵#UCL pic.twitter.com/EmptyKr1Zs
Cambuur struck twice in the second half to level but Ajax had the last laugh as they netted the winner in the 90th minute.
That result means Ajax have won each of their last 3 games, all of which have come in domestic competition. They have lost only 1 of their 14 most recent matches in all competitions but only one of those fixtures came in the Champions League, which was the 2-2 draw in the first leg of this tie with Benfica.
However, Ajax have been excellent in the Champions League this season and they have won 6 and drawn 1 of their 7 matches, winning all their group games.
Ajax have won 4 of their last 5 home Champions League fixtures and have scored 2 or more goals in each of the 4 victories. There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Ajax's last 5 Champions League games.
Benfica make the trip to the Johan Cruijff Arena having been held to a 1-1 draw at home by Vizela in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. Having had a man sent off after only 7 minutes, Benfica fell behind in the first half but managed to score the equaliser with 15 minutes of the match remaining. That result leaves Benfica adrift of Porto who top the table but the draw extended their unbeaten run to 7 games in all competitions.
However, Benfica have been struggling to win matches in the Champions League and they have recorded only 2 wins from their last 8 Champions League fixtures. They are undefeated in 4 of their last 5 away from home in the competition but have won only 1 of their last 11 on the road.
Team news and Ajax are without the injured trio of Remko Pasveer, Jay Gorter, and Maarten Stekelenburg. There are also doubts over the fitness of Sean Klaiber.
Benfica have no major injury or suspension concerns ahead of the game and should be at full strength.
Ajax at home will be a different prospect from the first leg and they must be considered the clear favourites to win the match and the tie. We expect to see Ajax score 3 goals on their way to victory and possibly keep a clean sheet.