Ajax v Real Madrid Betting Tips: Can the hosts upset the holders?
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Odds and preview for Champions League last-16 tie
Have Real Madrid hit form just in time for their annual Champions League push?
After a disappointing start to the campaign, they’ve won six of their last seven games, with a draw away to Barcelona the only blip.
They travel away to Ajax for the first leg of their last-16 tie tonight. The Dutch side haven’t lost at home since November 2017. But two of their three losses this term have come in their last three outings.
Can they raise their game against the defending champions? BT Sport 3 will be bringing you the action live from 8:00pm.
Head-to-Head
Real Madrid have won seven and Ajax have won four of the previous 12 meetings between the two sides.
However, the last Ajax victory was back in 1995 when they last held the title. The Spanish giants have won all six clashes during this decade – scoring 20 goals and only conceding two.
Likely XIs
Erik ten Hag will hope that Frenkie de Jong can shake off an injury to start here. The midfielder can endear himself to Barcelona fans ahead of his summer move with a strong showing against their La Liga rivals. The Ajax boss has his strongest XI available otherwise.
Lucas Vazquez is set to keep his place on the right for Madrid, while Vinicius Junior has impressed on the left recently. That means Gareth Bale may be among the substitutes.
Marcelo could miss out too. His shaky performances have given Sergio Reguilon an opportunity at left-back. The 22-year-old has taken full advantage. Sergio Ramos will also make his 600th appearance for the club tonight.
Key Battles
Ajax will need to unsettle the visitors, which might not come naturally to a side used to dictating play in domestic competition.
The host’s best chance could be to target Madrid’s left flank, as Vinicius and Reguilon only have 298 minutes of Champions League football between them.
Daley Blind may be a weak point for Ajax. He’s very composed and assured in possession, but his lack of pace could be exposed. Karim Benzema’s movement and Madrid’s flying wingers could make it a difficult night for the former Manchester United man.
Match Odds
Los Blancos have been the masters of European knockout football in recent years. Our traders have them as 19/20 favourites to get a first-leg victory.
Ajax are back at 13/5, with the draw at 29/10. Fancy Ajax to extend their unbeaten run at home? Ajax or Draw is going for 20/23 in the Double Chance.
Both sides have tended to see a lot of goals in their recent games. They have one clean sheet a piece in their last five outings. We go 11/5 for a Real Madrid win and Both Teams to Score.
As for who’ll get those goals, Karim Benzema leads the way at 4/1 to score first or 23/20 anytime.
Bale is 8/5 to score at any point, with Vinicius Junior a 19/10 shot.
Tadic and Ziyech have been firing in goals for Ajax in domestic action. They’ve got 25 league goals between them this term. The duo are 2/1 and 12/5 respectively to score.
Former Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is also 9/5 to net against his old side.
Click here for the latest Ajax v Real Madrid odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
