Chelsea vs Ajax Preview

• Chelsea ganará
• Más de 2,5 goles

Two previous multi-time UEFA Champions League winners clash in London, as 2021 champions Chelsea host an Ajax side still searching for their first point and goal of the league phase. Both teams are at opposite ends of the form spectrum heading into this encounter, setting the stage for what could be a defining night in Group E.

Chelsea enter this fixture in buoyant mood after a dominant 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend, their third consecutive victory in all competitions. That run began with a hard-fought 1-0 success against Benfica at Stamford Bridge on matchday two — a result that restored confidence following a patchy start to the campaign.

The Blues’ home record in Europe has been nothing short of outstanding. They are unbeaten in their last 15 home matches in the UCL group or league phase (W11, D4), and remarkably, their last such defeat came over five years ago in September 2019. Now celebrating their 200th match in the Champions League proper, Chelsea look well placed to mark the milestone in style.

Enzo Maresca’s men have tightened up defensively in recent weeks, though it remains to be seen how consistent they can be. While Chelsea have apparent disciplinary issues to sort, another strong display here could solidify Chelsea’s status as group favourites.

Ajax, by contrast, continue to struggle for consistency. Their 2-0 defeat to AZ Alkmaar on Saturday extended a miserable run of one win in six matches (D2, L3). Confidence appears low, and their transition under new management has been far from smooth.

Things are no better on the European front. Ajax have lost both of their UCL league-phase games this season without scoring — including a damaging 4-0 defeat away to Marseille on matchday two. The Dutch giants have now gone five games without a win in major European competition, and they risk equalling an unwanted record by losing six consecutive continental fixtures for the first time since 1989.

Historia del cara a cara

Chelsea and Ajax have met just twice before, with the English side shading the head-to-head record (W1, D1). Their last encounter was a memorable 4-4 draw in 2019, but given Ajax’s current decline, few expect a repeat of that free-flowing contest.

The Dutch side’s record against English opposition makes for grim reading. Ajax are winless in their last 11 major European matches against Premier League clubs (D2, L9), often undone by the physicality and pace of English football.

Estadísticas y rachas

• Only one of Chelsea’s last six UCL games has seen both teams score.
• None of Chelsea’s last 50 European fixtures have ended goalless.
• Ajax have lost only four of their last 20 away games in the UCL proper (W11, D5).
• After matchday two, only Monaco (five) have conceded more first-half goals than Ajax (four).

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

Reece James marked his return to form in style with a goal against Nottingham Forest, and interestingly, all ten of his last club goals have come after half-time.

His attacking contributions from right-back could once again prove decisive.

For Ajax, Israeli playmaker Oscar Gloukh remains a bright spark despite the team’s struggles.

He has scored three times in their last five matches, with two of those coming after the 85th minute to salvage draws. His ability to make late runs into the box could be Ajax’s best hope of a breakthrough.

Team news-wise, Chelsea will be without Cole Palmer and João Pedro following his red card on matchday two, while striker Kasper Dolberg remains sidelined for Ajax due to injury.

Resumen táctico

Pochettino’s Chelsea are expected to maintain their aggressive, possession-based style, with overlapping full-backs and quick interchanges through midfield. Their emphasis on pressing high and recovering the ball quickly has suffocated opponents at home this season, and that intensity could overwhelm Ajax’s uncertain defence.

Ajax are likely to set up cautiously, probably in a 4-2-3-1 formation aimed at maintaining compactness and hitting Chelsea on the break. Mourinho’s influence on their approach has been evident in flashes — disciplined shape, fast transitions — but execution has been lacking. Unless they show far greater resilience and efficiency in both boxes, they could be in for another long night.

Análisis de apuestas

Given the clear contrast in form and confidence, backing Chelsea looks the most logical approach. The Blues have been excellent at home and should have too much quality for an Ajax side struggling at both ends of the pitch.

A Chelsea win with a -1 handicap offers strong value, as the hosts have regularly scored multiple goals at Stamford Bridge while conceding few. With Ajax’s recent defensive vulnerabilities, a 3-0 or 3-1 home win seems entirely plausible.

Prediction: Chelsea 3–0 Ajax

Chelsea’s defensive stability and attacking momentum should see them comfortably extend Ajax’s winless and goalless run in the Champions League. The Blues look poised to mark their 200th match in the competition with a commanding performance at the Bridge.

Para más información sobre este juego, también puedes visitar:
Chelsea vs Ajax | UEFA Champions League 2025/26