AFC Ajax vs S L Benfica, UEFA Champions League 2025-26, Today Match Prediction

AFC Ajax vs S L Benfica Match Prediction & Analysis

The first match of UEFA Champions League 2025-26 will feature two extreme bottom feeders that have struggled to make a name for themselves. As Ajax are currently in last place during this tournament, their opponents in Benfica are 2nd to last with a little more quality on their side. 

Given that they both have played each other 9 different times, this Ajax unit currently has the lead with 4 wins, while Benfica looks to improve on its two. This match will take place on Tuesday, November 25th at Johan Cruyff Arena of Amsterdam, Netherlands.  

TEAMS PREVIEW

AFC Ajax Preview

Looking at an Ajax unit that has continued to struggle to find any hope or success, this match could prove crucial in helping them get both back. Scoring only 0.25 goals per match in this tournament across four games means they have found the net just once. That’s a major problem, especially with a defense that concedes nearly three goals per match, leaving them very little room for error.

Although they have an 85% pass accuracy, most of it comes in their own defensive third, and they often lose possession when advancing beyond midfield. With an average of just 49% possession, it’s clear their attack lacks the drive needed to keep them competitive, and adjustments will be necessary if they want that to change.

While they do win many of their tackles and can be aggressive at times, they will need to apply that aggression with purpose in this upcoming match. With Wout Weghorst—who has scored their only goal—serving as their main attacking outlet, he will look to form a meaningful partnership with the talented Mika Godts.

Ajax Probable Starting Lineup - Viteslav Jaros (GK), Josip Sutalo(D), Anton Gaaei(D), Ko Itakura(D), Youri Baas(D), Kenneth Taylor(MD), Davy Klaasen(MD), Oscar Gloukh(MD), Steven Berghuis(FW), Wout Weghorst(FW), Mika Godts (FW) 

S L Benfica Preview

For Benfica, problems have surfaced on both sides of the pitch as well, though they are dealing with less than what Ajax is currently facing. Their major issue lies in the attack rather than the defense, which has held down the fort by allowing just two goals per match against top clubs. Looking more specifically at their offense, this unit has averaged only 0.5 goals per match and hasn’t done much to create sustained pressure. Despite having a slightly better passing accuracy at 85.5%, the opportunities they create often fail to develop into meaningful chances.

Although they tend to have less possession in the attacking third, their defensive stability keeps matches close and allows them to push the ball forward for additional opportunities. Having won 33 tackles so far, it’s clear they clear their lines at the right moments and have a strong defensive philosophy in place.

Leading this side will be Vangelis Pavlidis, who is expected to spark the attack and has already scored once in the tournament. Alongside him, Enzo Barrenechea also poses a scoring threat with one goal this year and should play a significant role in this match. 

Benfica Probable Starting Lineup -  Anatoily Trubin (GK), Samuel Dahl (D), Nicolas Otamendi(D), Antonio Silva(D), Amar Dedic(D), Andreas Schjelderup(MD), Richard Rios (MD), Leonardo Barreiro(MD), Enzo Barrenechea (MD), Fredrik Aursunes(MD), Vangelis Pavlidis (FW) 

AFC AJAX vs S L BENFICA
Winning Prediction

With this match being a little more separated than it shows in the standings, it’s clear that Benfica has a more favorable side on both ends and are just waiting for star striker Vangelis Pavlidis to finally break out. Seeing that him and Aursunes are too much for this Ajax defense, Benfica should win 2-0.  

SL Benfica to Win (2-0)

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