Ajax Amsterdam – Sport Lisboa e Benfica prediction & tips 25.11.2025
Ajax Amsterdam and SL Benfica face each other on Tuesday, 25th November 2025, at 18:45 in the Johan Cruijff ArenA for Matchday 5 of the Champions League. Both teams find themselves in precarious positions in the new league phase format, occupying 36th and 35th positions respectively with zero points from four matches. The Dutch giants have endured a torrid campaign with just one goal scored against fourteen conceded, while the Portuguese side has managed two goals but conceded eight. This encounter represents a crucial opportunity for either team to salvage their European aspirations.
Our betting prediction for Ajax Amsterdam vs SL Benfica
Our betting tip for this Champions League encounter strongly favours an away victory for SL Benfica at odds of 1.97 with 1win. Despite both teams’ struggles in European competition this season, Benfica’s superior recent form across all competitions and their more respectable goal difference in the Champions League makes them the preferred selection. The Portuguese outfit has demonstrated greater resilience and tactical cohesion under their experienced management.
Our tips
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 3 of Ajax Amsterdam’s last 4 matches.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 4 of SL Benfica’s last 6 matches.
There have been over 1.5 goals scored in 4 of Ajax Amsterdam’s last 4 matches.
There have been over 1.5 goals scored in 5 of SL Benfica’s last 6 matches.
There have been under 3.5 goals scored in 3 of Ajax Amsterdam’s last 4 matches.
There have been under 3.5 goals scored in 4 of SL Benfica’s last 6 matches.
Our second betting prediction focuses on the both teams to score market, where we recommend backing “Yes” at odds of 1.65 with Paripesa. Given Ajax’s defensive frailties evidenced by conceding fourteen goals in four Champions League matches, coupled with their need to attack desperately for points, goals at both ends appear likely. Benfica’s away record suggests they remain vulnerable defensively, creating opportunities for the hosts despite their poor form.
Ajax Amsterdam Form Check
Ajax Amsterdam have endured a nightmarish Champions League campaign that has left their European ambitions hanging by the thinnest of threads. The Amsterdam club currently occupy 36th position in the league phase table with zero points from four matches, having suffered comprehensive defeats in every encounter. Their goal difference of 1:14 represents one of the worst defensive records in Champions League history for a club of their stature. The most recent European outing saw them capitulate 3-0 at home against Galatasaray, a result that epitomised their struggles on the continental stage.
The home record at the Johan Cruijff ArenA has been particularly disappointing, with two defeats from two matches failing to provide the fortress-like atmosphere that once made Ajax feared across Europe. Their solitary goal scored across four Champions League fixtures highlights significant attacking deficiencies, while the fourteen goals conceded suggests systemic defensive problems that require urgent attention. Looking at their extended Champions League form across seasons, Ajax have managed just one victory in their last five European encounters, demonstrating that their current struggles extend beyond this campaign.
In domestic competition, Ajax’s form has shown marginal improvement but remains inconsistent. Their recent record of one win, one draw, and three defeats from five matches indicates ongoing issues that transcend European competition. The latest fixture saw them suffer a 2-1 defeat away to FC Utrecht, further emphasising their vulnerability away from home and their inability to secure results when under pressure.
Under the guidance of Fred Grim, Ajax have struggled to implement a coherent tactical system that maximises their traditionally attacking philosophy while maintaining defensive solidity. Grim’s appointment came during a turbulent period for the club, and his tactical adjustments have yet to yield the desired improvements in performance levels.
SL Benfica Current Situation
SL Benfica arrive in Amsterdam with their own European struggles but carrying significantly more optimism based on their domestic form and overall team cohesion. The Lisbon club occupy 35th position in the Champions League league phase, sharing Ajax’s predicament of zero points from four matches. However, their goal difference of 2:8 suggests greater defensive organisation and attacking threat compared to their Dutch opponents. Their most recent European encounter resulted in a narrow 1-0 home defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, a result that demonstrated improved defensive resilience despite the disappointing outcome.
Benfica’s away record in the Champions League mirrors Ajax’s home struggles, with two defeats from two matches. However, their overall European form shows concerning trends, with five consecutive defeats across recent Champions League campaigns highlighting their difficulties in adapting to elite-level European competition. The Portuguese side has managed to score twice in four matches, doubling Ajax’s output, while their defensive record, though poor, remains considerably better than their hosts.
The contrast becomes stark when examining domestic form, where Benfica have demonstrated the quality and consistency expected from Portuguese champions. Their recent record of three wins, one draw, and one defeat from five matches across all competitions showcases their ability to compete effectively when not facing Europe’s elite. Their latest fixture saw them secure a 2-2 home draw against Casa Pia AC, maintaining their unbeaten domestic run and highlighting their attacking capabilities.
José Mourinho’s appointment has brought tactical sophistication and European experience that could prove decisive in high-pressure encounters. Mourinho’s pragmatic approach and ability to organise defensively while remaining dangerous on the counter-attack aligns perfectly with Benfica’s current squad composition and their need to secure results in challenging away fixtures.
Last Direct Encounters
The most recent meeting between these European giants resulted in a 1-0 away victory for SL Benfica, establishing a psychological advantage ahead of this crucial encounter. This result demonstrated Benfica’s ability to secure results in hostile environments and suggests they possess the tactical discipline necessary to frustrate Ajax’s attacking ambitions.
Examining the head-to-head record over the last four meetings reveals a closely contested rivalry with one victory for Ajax, two draws, and one victory for Benfica. This balanced record indicates that neither team holds a significant historical advantage, making current form and tactical preparation crucial factors in determining the outcome.
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