Match Preview

Ajax host Benfica at the Johan Cruyff ArenA on Tuesday, 25 November 2025 in a Champions League League Phase Matchday 5 clash that has become a direct battle to avoid finishing bottom of the overall table. Both sides are still searching for their first point of the campaign, turning this into a high-pressure fixture for two proud clubs in crisis. :

The Champions League’s new league-phase format has not been kind to either team. After four games, Ajax and Benfica are the only two clubs yet to pick up a single point. UEFA’s own preview notes that they are the last winless sides in the competition, leaving them stuck near the very bottom of the 36-team table and already effectively out of contention for the top-eight and play-off positions.

For Ajax, it caps a turbulent period. Domestic form has been erratic, and a heavy defeat away to Marseille earlier in the phase underlined how far they have slipped from their recent European standards. Tactically they still aim to dominate the ball with a 4-3-3, but issues in defensive transition and a lack of cutting edge up front have repeatedly been exposed against top-level opposition.

Benfica, under the experienced José Mourinho, have also endured a frustrating campaign. A narrow loss away at Chelsea and a home defeat to Leverkusen – where they struck the woodwork twice before conceding to a defensive mistake – show a team creating chances but failing to convert. Mourinho has tightened the structure in a 4-2-3-1, yet individual errors and missed opportunities have left the Lisbon side empty-handed so far.

Historically, Ajax have the better of this rivalry – they lead the head-to-head with four wins to Benfica’s two from nine meetings. However, Benfica won the most recent knockout tie between the sides, a 1–0 victory in Amsterdam in 2021/22 that sent them through 3–2 on aggregate after a 2–2 draw in Lisbon. That result will give the visitors confidence that they can once again frustrate Ajax on Dutch soil.

With both clubs desperate to salvage some pride and finally get off the mark in this season’s Champions League, expect a tense, cagey game where the psychological weight of recent setbacks could be just as important as tactics or form.

Match Information

UEFA and major broadcasters list this as a home game for Ajax at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, with tickets long since sold out according to Benfica’s official channels and multiple ticketing platforms. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Ajax vs Benfica Odds (1X2)

With both sides winless but Ajax playing at home, bookmakers generally make Ajax very slight favourites, while still giving Benfica significant respect given their stronger recent European pedigree and Mourinho’s presence on the touchline.

Most totals markets set the main line at Over/Under 2.5 goals, with pricing almost evenly split. Model-based previews tend to lean slightly towards Over 2.5, anticipating that both defences may struggle again in a match where neither team has much left to protect in terms of qualification hopes. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

*Odds ranges are illustrative, based on typical market levels for this type of fixture, and will vary between bookmakers. Always check live prices with your preferred operator.

Key Stats & Head-to-Head Snapshot

• League-phase records: Both Ajax and Benfica come into Matchday 5 with 0 wins, 0 draws, 4 defeats. Their negative goal differences and lack of points leave them in the bottom group of the 36-team table.
• Head-to-head: Across nine European meetings, Ajax lead the series with 4 wins to Benfica’s 2, with 3 draws. However, Benfica’s 1–0 win in Amsterdam in March 2022 eliminated Ajax from the Champions League, giving the Portuguese side a psychological edge. 
• Recent European context: Benfica have been competitive in their games – narrow defeats to Chelsea and Leverkusen included – but have failed to turn chances into points. Ajax, meanwhile, have suffered a heavy loss at Marseille and been outclassed in key moments by several opponents.
• Home vs away profiles: The Johan Cruyff ArenA typically provides a strong home advantage, but Ajax’s collapse in last season’s Eredivisie title race and their current position in the Champions League suggest vulnerability even in Amsterdam. Benfica’s away record under Mourinho has been mixed but includes disciplined performances in tight games at Stamford Bridge and Estádio da Luz.
• Motivation factor: Neither side can realistically chase the top eight, but improving their final ranking and avoiding finishing dead last still matters. For players and coach alike, this is also about pride and momentum ahead of domestic commitments.

Ajax vs Benfica Betting Tips

1X2 Market

Considering home advantage and Ajax’s historical edge at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, the market’s default lean towards Ajax to win (1) is understandable. However, their recent European performances and late-game collapses suggest that a more cautious approach may be sensible.

A pragmatic angle is Benfica Draw No Bet – reflecting Mourinho’s ability to set up a compact, counter-attacking side in big away fixtures. This option still allows you to benefit from a Benfica win, while a draw returns your stake.

Goals Market (Over/Under)

Both defences have looked vulnerable throughout the league phase, and neither side has a realistic incentive to settle for a point. That pushes the lean towards Over 2.5 goals, especially if an early goal opens the game up.

For those wanting extra security, Over 2.0 or 2.25 (Asian) goals is a softer option – you still profit in most multi-goal scenarios, but get partial or full refunds if the match finishes with exactly two goals.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS)

Given the attacking talent on both sides and the defensive issues on display so far, BTTS – Yes is a logical selection. Ajax’s home style almost guarantees they will create chances, while Benfica have consistently produced opportunities even in defeat, only to be let down by finishing or final-ball decisions.

Handicap & Combination Options

If you expect a relatively open game with Benfica’s experience ultimately telling, one higher-risk angle is Benfica +0.0 (Draw No Bet) combined with Over 1.5 or Over 2.0 goals. For a more Ajax-leaning view, Ajax -0.25 or Ajax & Over 1.5 goals offers better pricing than the straight home win.

As always, treat betting as entertainment, not a way to make guaranteed profit. Use strict staking limits, compare odds across several bookmakers and never wager more than you can afford to lose. This preview is informational and not financial advice.

Prediction

Correct Score Prediction: Ajax 2–2 Benfica

Balancing Ajax’s home advantage and desire to respond in front of their own fans with Benfica’s experience and Mourinho’s knack for navigating big-stage games, a 2–2 draw looks like a plausible outcome. Both teams are capable of scoring, neither defence inspires full confidence, and with qualification already beyond reach, the game could open up in the second half.

Best basic angle: Cautious bettors may prefer Draw or Benfica Draw No Bet in the 1X2 markets.
Goals angle: Over 2.5 total goals and BTTS – Yes both make statistical and tactical sense.
Long-shot angle: Correct score 2–2, or a score-draw with goals at both ends.

Always re-check line-ups, late injury news and any rotation hints – particularly regarding key attackers – before making any final decisions, as those factors can significantly shift both the match dynamics and the value of individual markets.