Real Madrid will face Ajax at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, in the Champions League 1/8-Finals second leg. Real Madrid against Ajax is always the match with big interest, especially during this season and last match. Review our thoughts on this match here below.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid has encountered many difficulties at different stages of this season. In the Champions League group stage, also in LaLiga and in the Copa Del Rey. Unfortunately, after losing to Barcelona with a 3:0 result at the Santiago Bernabéu team dropped out of the Copa Del Rey. Real Madrid are searching for their best football and it seems they need big changes in the club. Even in the group stage of the Champions League, the team played not the most confident football. They lost 2 of 6 matches against CSKA in both matches, but they still won the first place.
Real Madrid is still missing the Isco, however, his return is expected on 4th of March. Hope, that this one of the leading team persons will be ready for the match for 100%. All other main squad players are fit and ready for the match. Moreover, Sergio Ramos will miss the next match and get a two-match ban in Europe for deliberate booking. They need to prepare strongly, although a few days before this game, they played twice with Barcelona, which always takes a lot of energy.
In the Champions League Real on average scores 2 goals per match, pass with 89.6% accuracy. Moreover, they control the game with 60% of possession and shoots 19 times per game. They collected 11 yellow cards. Los Blancos are very strong at creating scoring chances through individual skills, defending set pieces and attacking down the wings. However, they are showing weaknesses at stopping opponents from creating chances, avoiding offside and defending counter attacks. Very likely, that at Santiago Bernabeu they will play non-aggressive and possessional football by short passes.
Ajax
Ajax this season looks great. They play strongly in Netherlands Eredivisie and now stand at the second place behind the PSV with 2 points difference. Moreover, they passed Feyernoord in KNVB Beker and took the place in the Final where they will face Willem II. In the Champions League group stage, they were unbeaten even against Bayern Munich as they were drawn twice. They as always have a strong, young and talented team with big perspectives. One of the most valuable players Barcelona bought already and he will join Barca this summer. Frankie De Jong joins Barcelona for 75m € as he called one of the most prospective players in the world. More other players are linked to super Europe clubs, however, we should wait for the summer transfer window.
The most important players of the squad are fit and ready for the match. We can note that the team leaders Tadic, Ziyech and Frenkie de Jong will play at full strength and show all their abilities. Moreover, ex-player of Real Madrid Klaas Jan-Huntelaar may appear on the field, since this season he has already scored 10 goals in spite of his age.
In Champions League Ajax on average scores, 1.7 goals per match, pass with 85.7% accuracy. Moreover, they control the game by 60.9% possession and shoots 21.4 times per match. They collected 18 yellow and 1 red card. This season team is really strong at shooting from direct free kicks, finishing scoring chances and attacking down the wings. Moreover, they are great at creating scoring chances, long shot opportunities and play dangerously through individual skills. However, they are weak at defending counter-attacks, stopping opponents from creating chances and avoiding offside. Very likely that the Lancers will try to play by short passes, attack through the middle and try to counter-attack very often.
H2H
The first leg between these teams finished by Real winning 2:1 at Johan Cruijff Arena. M. Asensio scored the winning goal in 87th minute of the game. Teams posses the ball equally, however, Ajax had more dangerous moments but did not implement them. In general, the teams played at a very equable level, so the next game will be no less interesting.
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