Ajax and Valencia both claimed victories on Champions League matchday 1. Now, the two clubs aim to take command of Group H with a victory on Wednesday night.
Host team Valencia defeated reigning Europa League champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, 1-0, on matchday 1 thanks to a second half Rodrigo Moreno goal. Los Che weathered a late Chelsea storm which saw the English team miss a late penalty.
Ajax also claimed victory on matchday 1, however, it was in less dramatic fashion. The Dutch side defeated France’s Lille 3-0 with goals from Quincy Promes, Edson Alvarez, and Nicolas Tagliafico.
On paper, Ajax and Valencia should fight for the top spot in Group H. Chelsea have been erratic in both the Champions League and Premier League. However, a Blues’ win over Lille on matchday 2 will make things interesting in Group H. Any team can win this group.
Although Ajax sold several key players over the summer, they have re-built and could once again progress deep into the Champions League tournament. Erik ten Hag’s team has not tasted defeat in the Eredivisie and go into midweek on the back of 2-0 win over Groningen.
🌧 Final training in ✖️✖️✖️!🔜✈️#UCL #valaja pic.twitter.com/8KVkCRMZWh— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) October 1, 2019
🌧 Final training in ✖️✖️✖️!🔜✈️#UCL #valaja pic.twitter.com/8KVkCRMZWh
Since Valencia sacked manager Marcelino after losing to Barcelona 5-2 in mid-September, Los Che are undefeated in four matches in all competitions. Head coach Albert Celades has led a rejuvenated Valencia to two wins and two draws.
The Spanish club head into Champions League matchday 2 following a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao. They are now four points behind the top six in La Liga.
Ajax’s attack has been on fire this season. They average 3.4 goals in the Eredivisie and easily put three strikes past a Lille team that will most likely come last in Group H.
Dusan Tadic continues to be Ajax’s main goal threat. He has tallied five goals in the Eredivisie this season. Promes’ addition in the offseason has given Ajax another layer to their attack. Promes has six goals in all competitions.
Valencia average just 1.4 goals per La Liga match. Los Che have good attacking players such as Rodrigo and Dani Parejo, however, their attack isn’t as fluid as Ajax’s offence. Parejo leads Valencia in goals with three. Summer signing Maxi Gomez has also tallied three goals for Valencia.
The Spanish team will have its home support behind them on Wednesday night. Valencia do not have the same attack that Ajax possess, but they will be able to offset the Dutch side at the Mestalla.
The two Group H rivals will play out a draw with over 2.5 goals scored on Wednesday night. Expect both teams to score in an entertaining fixture.