Ajax will face Real Madrid at Johan Cruijff Arena, in Amsterdam, in the Champions League 1/8-Finals. Ajax against Real Madrid is always the match with big interest, especially during this season. Review our thoughts on this match here below.
Ajax
Ajax started this season very well, however, now they are struggling and lost two times in 3 matches. de Godenzonen have this season unreal statistics by scoring 72 goals in 21 match in Eredivisie. In average Ajax is making 21 shots per game, pass with 85.6% accuracy and play very friendly football with only 18 yellow cards. Hakim Ziyech was named as man of the match already 9 times in Eredivisie. Ajax has 3 players with more than 10 scored goals, Dusan Tadic, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Hakim Ziyech showing great attacking skills.
Home team this season is great at shooting from direct free kicks, finishing scoring chances, attacking set pieces and attacking down the wings. Moreover, they creating long shots opportunities, creating chances using through balls, creating chances through individual skills and creating scoring chances. Very likely that Ajax will attack through the middle, play non-aggressive football and control the ball on the own half. They have troubles at avoiding the offsides, avoiding individual errors, defending counter attacks and stopping opponents from creating chances.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid has gained confidence and great form, after the bad start of the season. Madrid certainly cannot boast such scoring statistics as Ajax, but even so, these teams play at different levels and against different opponents. In the last 5 matches, Real scored 14 goals, conceded only 4 and won all the matches. They are 6 points away from LaLiga leaders and won against Athletico Madrid in the last away match.
Almost all main squad players of Los Blancos are fit and ready to play against Ajax talents. Unfortunately, Isco will miss this match due to injury, however, Mariano Diaz is back from injury and could show up against next opponents.
The Meringues playing weak football especially in defense while playing away, as they conceded in 8 road games in a row in all competitions. Both clubs like to play open football, attack, and counterattack opponents. Real have a great player, moreover, they are at high form right now.
H2H
These teams met two seasons in a row in Champions League at 2011 and 2012 years. Kings club was luckier as they won all 4 matches with 3 goal difference. That was a historical Ajax team with players like Alderweireld, D. Blind, C. Eriksen, C. Poulsen, and J. Cillessen. In Real Madrid plays players K. Benzema, L. Modric, and R. Varane till now.