- Both Ajax and Benfica are bottom of the group with 0 points after four games.
- Ajax have lost both of their home matches in the Champions League so far.
- Benfica have won both of their last two away games.
European heavyweights have work to do
This Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League 2025-2026 clash between Ajax and Benfica is a huge game for both clubs’ faltering continental campaigns. The AFC Ajax vs SL Benfica prediction is particularly interesting given that the two clubs currently occupy 36th and 35th positions respectively after four match-days, each with 0 points, and already look to be playing for pride in Europe’s top club competition.
Ajax have been dreadful in this season’s Champions League and have failed to score a single goal at home in the group stage, while Benfica are also yet to notch a point on the road in this competition, conceding an average of 2 goals per match without scoring.
This classic AFC Ajax vs SL Benfica preview should have both teams keen to stamp their authority and prove their worth, but neither side have been able to assert themselves over their opponents so far in this group.
Pragmatism vs possession
Ajax are a classic 4-3-3 side, with their attacking style of play built on high-pressing and the ability to play sharp one-touch football when they have the ball. However, their style of play has been exposed recently by a period of instability at the top, with new manager Fred Grim yet to settle on a consistent line-up or balance since his appointment in November 2025.
Benfica are a much more pragmatic option under José Mourinho, who has overseen a back-to-basics approach since his arrival in September 2025. Mourinho’s men look to maintain a compact structure and be disciplined in their transitions in order to hit the opposition with speed on the counter-attack.
Georgiy Sudakov has been Benfica’s engine in these matches and has provided two assists in his four appearances in this Champions League campaign, but it’s Vangelis Pavlidis who comes into this game in top form with three goals in his last five appearances in all competitions. Wout Weghorst leads the line for Ajax and is their top scorer in the Champions League this season, netting once in three appearances, while Mika Godts has been in sharp form for Ajax, scoring half of their last five goals across all competitions. The AFC Ajax vs SL Benfica prediction will hinge on these players' forms and the tactical battle between both sides.
A tale of the two managers
Both teams will be keen to bounce back to winning ways in Europe and give themselves a better chance of making it through to the knockout stages, but we’re tipping Benfica for this one. Our AFC Ajax vs SL Benfica betting tips favour Mourinho’s side, as they have won three of their last five in all competitions, losing once, while Ajax have failed to win in their last three home games, drawing once and losing twice.
The AFC Ajax vs SL Benfica odds seem to be favouring Benfica here with the home side at 1.92 and Ajax listed as 4.22 underdogs, while the draw is priced at 3.88. Benfica have had strong recent form and have been impressive away from home, winning their last two road games, but we think that both sides’ struggles in the Champions League this season may see this one remain close, so we’re backing Benfica to snatch the win.
The ‘Both Teams To Score’ market is at 1.63, which looks short given Ajax have failed to score a Champions League goal at home and Benfica are yet to find the net on the road. However, both sides should be keen to end their blanks this week, so this AFC Ajax vs SL Benfica prediction could see at least one side finally get off the mark.
