Ajax – Benfica : Preview & Prediction
Ajax Amsterdam will have a lot to regret in this first leg of the round of 16 as the Dutch club led twice before being pegged back by a Haller goal and a Yaremchuk strike (2-2). Despite their clear domination (58% possession, 11 shots, 8 shots on target), Ajax still achieved a good result before returning to the Johan Cruijff Arena where they have a perfect record in this competition. The team led by Sebastien Haller, the second highest scorer in the competition with 11 goals in seven games (behind Lewandowski’s 12), beat Besiktas (2-0), Borussia Dortmund (4-0) and Sporting CP (4-0) at home. In February, the Dutch league leaders beat Alkmaar (2-0) in the KNVB Beker semi-final, Waalwijk (3-2) at home and Cambuur (3-2) away this weekend. Victorious over Benfica (1-0) at the Johan Cruijff Arena on 23 October 2018, Ajax Amsterdam would sign for an identical result. Benfica, third in the Liga Sagres and unbeaten since 2 February, have still been forced to share the points three times in their last five games. The Lisbon club, reduced to ten men against Vizela (1-1) in the eighth minute, lost two points at home and are not feeling confident going into their European qualifier in the Netherlands on Tuesday. The Portuguese side have not won away from home in the Champions League for the last four games, including three group stage wins over Dynamo Kiev (0-0), Bayern Munich (5-2) and Barcelona (0-0) this season. Benfica have won only twice since the group stage in the competition with big ears, while Ajax Amsterdam won all their games against Besiktas (2-0 and 2-1), Borussia Dortmund (4-0 and 3-1) and Sporting CP (5-1 and 4-2) before travelling to Portugal to kick off the knockout phase.
Ajax are unbeaten in their last 4 meetings with Benfica (2 wins and 2 draws).
Ajax beat Benfica 1-0 at home in the 2018-2019 season.
Ajax are on a 3-game winning streak, which is ongoing.
Benfica were held 1-1 at home by Vizela on 11 March.
The Dutch club have won all their home games in the group stage of this season’s competition.
The Portuguese side have never won away from home in the Champions League this season.
Ajax have impressed since the start of this European campaign, winning six of their seven games in the Champions League, and have had a perfect record at the Johan Cruijff Arena. This second leg should turn out to be a win for the Dutch club, which should therefore qualify for the quarter-finals.
Ajax – Benfica : Betting Tips
OVER 3.5 GOALS Odds: 2.25
