Villarreal vs Ajax prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups - 20 January 2026
One of the matches of the 7th round of the 2025/26 Champions League group stage will take place on Tuesday at the Estadio de la Cerámica in Villarreal, where the home side Villarreal will take on Amsterdam's Ajax. Here’s a look at the best bet for this clash, where both teams have already lost their shot at the playoffs, but are still capable of serving up an entertaining spectacle.
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Match preview
Villarreal are having a mixed season—while they’re comfortably holding onto a Champions League spot in La Liga, their performances in other competitions have been underwhelming. After crashing out of the Copa del Rey and enduring a string of failures in Europe, the “Yellow Submarine” have effectively wrapped up their continental campaign, collecting just a single point from six Champions League games. Still, the team’s attacking output is on the rise, with the partnership of Moleiro and Mikautadze hitting their stride and regularly contributing to the scoresheet.
The main absence remains Pape Gueye, who is away on international duty with Senegal, but in his stead, the experienced Parejo has taken charge of orchestrating the midfield. With no mathematical chance left for the playoffs, Marcelino may use this match to rotate his squad and prepare for a crucial fixture against Real Madrid. Yet, in front of their home fans, Villarreal will be highly motivated to deliver at least their first group-stage win.
Ajax have been inconsistent across all competitions this season: they’re struggling in the Eredivisie, trailing runaway leaders PSV by 18 points, and recently suffered a humiliating 0-6 exit from the Dutch Cup at the hands of AZ. Their Champions League campaign has been only marginally better than Villarreal’s—three points from six games leave the Amsterdam side with virtually no hope, even for a playoff spot.
There are, however, some bright spots in attack—notably Mikki Godts, who’s been regularly finding the back of the net, along with Glukh and Dolberg. Away matches remain a major headache: Ajax have been conceding heavily and rarely winning outside of Amsterdam. Still, facing a rival who’s also out of the running, Ajax will be eager to make the most of this opportunity and at least secure a respectable draw for their supporters.
Probable lineups
- Villarreal: Júnior, Pedraza, Foyth, Veiga, Mourinho, Moleiro, Parejo, Partey, Pepe, Moreno, Pérez
- Ajax: Jaros, Goei, Itakura, Baas, Rosa, Reger, Klaassen, Steur, Glukh, Dolberg, Godts
Match facts and head-to-head
- Villarreal have not won a single match in their six Champions League games this season.
- Ajax have conceded at least two goals in each of their last five away matches.
- The two sides have never met in official European competition.
Prediction
Both teams have underperformed in this season's Champions League and are already out of the running, which could free the players from pressure and lead to an open, attacking contest. Villarreal will want to avoid disappointing their home crowd, while Ajax will be looking to redeem themselves after their humiliating cup exit. All signs point to a high-scoring affair.
