Ajax vs Benfica prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 25 November 2025
In the fifth round of the UEFA Champions League group stage, Ajax will face Benfica. The clash will take place in Amsterdam on Tuesday, November 25, with kick-off scheduled for 18:45 Central European Time. I'm backing a bet on goals in this encounter.
- Also read: Manchester City — Bayer Leverkusen prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 25 November 2025
Match preview
Ajax are enduring the 2025/26 season amidst yet another rebuild, a process that has traditionally impacted their results. The team lost several key players over the summer, and the new signings are still struggling to fully adapt to the club’s high-intensity style.
This has led to an inconsistent start for the Amsterdam side: a string of wins was followed by unexpected slip-ups, especially against Eredivisie’s lower-table teams. Ajax have often failed to maintain their tempo throughout the full 90 minutes and have frequently faltered in the closing stages.
By November, things took a further turn for the worse. After a heavy Champions League defeat to Galatasaray, Heitinga was sacked. The reins were handed to Fred Grim, who will serve as caretaker until the winter transfer window.
Under his guidance, things have deteriorated even further. Ajax first suffered a surprise loss to Utrecht, and then were sensationally beaten at home by Excelsior. In the Eredivisie, the team sits outside the top three and already trails leaders PSV by 14 points.
The arrival of José Mourinho at the Benfica helm hasn’t fundamentally changed their fortunes. The Eagles still lack consistency over long stretches, with victories regularly giving way to unexpected setbacks.
In the Primeira Liga, Benfica sit third, behind both Porto and Sporting—a situation far from ideal for their fans. The Special One, in his typical fashion, has been criticizing everyone, including his own players, and, frankly, has yet to live up to the expectations placed upon him.
Benfica’s Champions League form has been less than inspiring—if anything, it’s been outright disappointing. They’ve lost all four group stage matches so far, and hopes of reaching the knockout rounds are fading with every game.
After a shock defeat to Qarabag in the opener, Benfica went on to lose to Newcastle, Chelsea, and Bayer. Following Ajax, they still have to face Napoli, Juventus, and Real Madrid—fixtures that hardly inspire confidence in Mourinho or his squad. As last season showed, a top-24 finish typically requires at least 11–12 points, so there’s no more margin for error.
Match facts
- Ajax have lost three matches in a row.
- The Amsterdam side have failed to win any of their last four home games.
- Benfica have suffered just one defeat in their previous six matches.
- Ajax average 0.85 goals per home game, while Benfica average 1.5 goals per away match.
Probable lineups
- Ajax: Pasveer, Gaaei, Sutalo, Baas, Alders, Taylor, Regeer, Gloukh, Godts, Edvardsen, Dolberg.
- Benfica: Trubin, Dahl, Silva, Otamendi, Dedic, Rios, Barrenechea, Sudakov, Aursnes, Schjelderup, Pavlidis.
H2H
- Ajax have failed to beat Benfica in their last three meetings.
- In Amsterdam, the teams have played four times, with two wins each.
Prediction
Both teams favor attacking football, pressing high and almost always playing open games. Ajax create plenty of chances at home but regularly leave space for their opponents. Benfica will look to exploit their rival’s poor form, so I suggest betting on both teams to score.
