The Yohan Cruyff Arena hotly anticipates the arrival of Real Madrid for Ajax’s first Champions League knockout game for 13 years.
Ajax fans who were hopeful of a favourable draw in the side’s first Champions League knockout game since 2006 may have been disappointed when Luis Garcia selected them to do battle with the reigning European Champions.
It has been a long wait for knockout Champions League football in Amsterdam, although it may be a little longer before the underdogs see a quarter-final, facing the winners from the previous three seasons. Ajax have also shipped 20 goals in six encounters since 2010 with Real, scoring just twice.
Despite Real being favoured, both teams arrive at the first leg six points adrift of pole position in their respective leagues. Unlike Real, Ajax remain one of only five unbeaten sides in the competition thus far. Santiago Solari’s side lost both group games against CSKA Moscow who finished bottom of Group G.
Worryingly for Ajax, Frenkie De Jong has a slight niggle but can be expected to start. Real have no major injury concerns and in fact have selection problems between starlet Vinicius Junior and Gareth Bale.
What time does it start?
Ajax vs Real Madrid kicks off at 8pm (GMT) on Wednesday February 13.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on BT Sport 3 from 7:30pm. BT Sport subscribers can also watch the match via the website or app.
Predicted line-ups
Ajax: Onana, Kristensen, Blind, De Ligt, Tagliafico, Schone, De Jong, Van de Beek, Tadic, Ziyech, Huntelaar
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Reguilon, Casemiro, Modric, Kroos, Lucas, Benzema, Bale
Form guide…
Ajax: LWLWDW
Real Madrid: WDWWWW
Head-to-head…
Champions League 04/12/12 – Real Madrid 4 (Ronaldo, Callejon x2, Kaka), Ajax 1 (Boerrigter)
Champions League 03/10/12 –Ajax 1 (Moisander), Real Madrid 4 (Ronaldo x3, Benzema)
Champions League 07/12/11 – Ajax 0, Real Madrid 3 (Callejon x2, Higuain)
Champions League 27/09/11 – Real Madrid 3 (Ronaldo, Kaka, Benzema), Ajax 0
Odds…
Ajax to win: 14/5
Real Madrid to win: 10/11
Draw: 3/1
(Odds provided by Betfair)
Prediction…
1-3
