Ajax vs Benfica Predictions

• Ajax have scored four goals in back-to-back home European games
• Benfica have lost five of their last six knockout round trips in this competition
• The Portuguese side have seen BTTS in nine of their last 10
• Ajax’s last four European games have seen both teams score

Ajax out to get the job done

Having led twice in Lisbon, it was a bit of a blow for Ajax to come away with only a 2-2 draw in their first leg clash with Benfica. That shows the progress the Dutch side have made this term, having surged to top spot in their group.

The Eredivisie leaders have emerged as a serious threat in this competition, which isn’t good news for Benfica. Their bid for a first quarter-final berth in six years looks unlikely, especially given they’ve only won one of their last 10 away games against Dutch sides in European competition.

Fearsome Ajax forward line

The Dutch giants blitzed their group – no mean feat given it included Borussia Dortmund and Portuguese champions Sporting. They won all six group games, while they’ve been clinical going forward in every game.

Ajax have scored at least two goals in all seven of their Champions League games this season, netting 22 times in total. That’s no fluke, as they have four different players in double figures for chances created from open play in the competition this season (Tadic 16, Haller 13, Berghuis 12, Antony 10).

In their last two home games in Europe they racked up four goals in each, which doesn’t bode well for a Benfica side who aren’t great European travellers.

Travel trouble for Benfica

On top of their issues at Dutch sides, Benfica have only won one of their last 14 away games in the Champions League (D4 L9). They’ve also lost five of their last six knockout round trips, so I have little confidence in them in this trip.

However, Benfica have seen both teams score in nine of their last 10 games. While they suffered a comprehensive loss at Bayern in the last round, they did score twice in Munich.

Ajax have seen BTTS land in four straight European games and in four of their last five overall, so a home win and both teams to score is my first prediction. However, I can’t see this being close, as I’m backing Ajax to hit four once again in a 4-1 victory.