Benfica vs Ajax Odds & Prediction – Champions League Round of 16 Leg 1

• Benfica and Ajax matchup in the Champions League on February, 23rd
• The hosts won just two of their group matches, while Ajax boast a 100% record in the competition
• Read below for the latest Benfica vs Ajax odds and our betting preview

Benfica and Ajax matchup in the last 16 of the Champions League on February, 23rd. This is the first meeting between the two sides since the 2018 group stage — Ajax were unbeaten across those two fixtures, including a 1-1 draw when they dueled in Lisbon.

Neither of these teams were Champions League odds favorites heading into the season, but Ajax’s 100% record in their group has made them a popular dark horse pick. Benfica made their way out of a group with Bayern and Barcelona despite winning just two of their six matches in the opening round of the competition.

Benfica vs Ajax Odds

Odds as of Feb 22 at Barstool

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Given their form in continental action, it’s not a surprise to see Ajax odds-on favorites on the moneyline at -129. The books are expecting plenty of goals too, with over 2.5 priced at -152.

Benfica and Ajax Team News

Benfica welcomed back Alejandro Grimaldo for the draw with Boavista this past weekend, though they remain without Haris Seferovic, Lucas Verissimo and Rodrigo Pinho. Assuming there are no tactical surprises for the visit of Ajax, Valentino Lazaro should continue at right-back while Goncalo Ramos will partner Darwin Nunez up front.

Ajax could be missing Jurrien Timber, who picked up a calf injury at the weekend. The front four should remain the same with Steven Berghuis playing alongside Antony and Dusan Tadic in the attacking midfield trio. Brian Brobbey, Maarten Stekelenburg and Sean Klaiber are all sidelined through injury, but Zakaria Labyad and Mohamed Ihattaren are expected to be available after being doubts for their last match.

📸 Morning practice session at Benfica Campus!#EPluribusUnum #SLBAJA pic.twitter.com/LyaE5L7IVW

— SL Benfica (@slbenfica_en) February 22, 2022

With Edson Alvarez and Ryan Gravenberch patrolling the midfield, Ajax will look to control the middle third and could outnumber the hosts when Berghuis or Tadic drop deeper.

Ajax’s Strong Form

Not only did Ajax win their six group stage matches, but they are riding a 10-match winning streak heading into this last 16 clash and they haven’t lost away from home yet this season. Benfica, meanwhile, have dropped further behind in the Liga NOS title race after a draw with Boavista.

🧉 Ready for the next #UCL stop 🇲🇽🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/iP7ZyzQpko

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) February 22, 2022

The Lisbon giants have lost four of their last 11 matches, and they haven’t exactly inspired confidence in the Champions League, having drawn with Dynamo Kyiv in the group stage and twice lost heavily to Bayern Munich. Recent history isn’t on Benfica’s side either, as the club hasn’t reached the last eight of the Champions League since 2015-16. This is their first knockout round appearance since 2016-17.

The form book points firmly in Ajax’s direction. While the squad has experienced a fair bit of overhaul in recent years, there’s still plenty of Champions League knowhow from the team that reached the last four in 2018-19. Their road wins against Besiktas, Borussia Dortmund and Sporting show they can do it away from Amsterdam, too.

Benfica vs Ajax Champions League Statistics

Benfica vs Ajax Best Bet

There are pros and cons to backing Ajax here. They are short odds for a road team, particularly given how Benfica generally perform at home in Europe. On the other hand, they are one of the hottest teams in Europe and look a much better side than Benfica on recent performances.

Ajax are miles clear when it comes to expected goal difference in the Champions League. Of course, Benfica had tougher opponents and it’s only a small sample, but this lines up with their domestic performances. The Dutch side are a ruthless attacking team, and Benfica haven’t kept a clean sheet in six matches. It’s got to be an away win.

Pick: Ajax Moneyline (-129)