Ajax vs Benfica Prediction & Betting Tips (25 November)

Ajax Amsterdam should not go far this year in this Champions League. Much too disappointing, this Dutch team has still not taken a single point this year in this competition and therefore brings up the rear in the standings with a terrible record of only one goal scored for 14 conceded over the first 4 days. Not at the level against Inter 0-2, OM 4-0 or Chelsea 5-1 , the Lancers were severely beaten by Galatasaray 0-3 on the last day, thus seeing all their chances of qualification practically disappear. Faced with this observation, the leaders decided to dismiss coach John Heitinga and they are still looking for a new technician. On the national scene, Ajacides only occupy 4th place in the standings, already 11 points behind the leader, PSV. Beaten in Utrecht, the Amsterdam players will want to restart the machine against Excelsior.

The situation is not much better for Benfica who, like their opponent of the day, still displays a blank points counter after the first 4 days. Just like the Ajax players, José Mourinho's men have been defeated 4 times in this competition, by Qarabag 2-3, Chelsea 1-0, Newcastle 3-0 and finally by Bayer Leverkusen 0-1 at the start of the month. As a result, the Portuguese should not be able to hope to enter the top 24 at the end of the regular season either. In the league, the Lisbon side are not at the top either since they remain stuck in 3rd place in the standings, quite far from FC Porto who are 6 points ahead. Before this trip to Amsterdam, Benfica will face Atletico CP in the Portuguese Cup. 

Ajax is far from complete at the moment. Moreover, the two former Ligue 1 players, Toulouse midfielder Van den Boomen and former Nice striker Dolberg, have not recovered. Dutch international winger Berghuis (1 goal and 2 assists in the league) should also throw in the towel this week. On the other hand, captain Taylor (2 goals and 2 assists in the league) will be back after being suspended on the last day. At the forefront, we could find the Dutch international Weghorst (6 goals in the league) who scored Ajax's only goal in this competition for the moment. At his side, we could find the interesting Godts (4 goals and 4 assists in the league) and the Israeli international Gloukh (4 goals, 2 assists).

 On the Benfica side, the long-term injured are the full-back Bah, the midfielders Manu Silva and Nuno Felix and the striker Bruma will not be able to appear in the group which will go to the Netherlands. Otherwise, José Mourinho should still be able to count on most of his usual strong men who are clearly not numerous to stand out for the moment in the Champions League. It is still necessary to highlight the presence of Greek striker Pavlidis who has scored 9 goals and provided 2 assists in the league so far. He also scored one of the 2 goals scored by the Lisbon team in this C1. Ukrainian midfielder Sudakov (2 goals), striker Franjo Ivanovic (3 goals) and Belgian winger Lukebakio (3 assists) are expected at a better level. 

• Summary: Ajax U19 is going head to head with Benfica U19 starting on 25 Nov 2025 at 12:00 UTC . The match is a part of the UEFA Youth League .