UEFA Champions League: AC Milan vs. Ajax Preview
Already Qualified:
In the beginning, it seemed like the former Italian and seven times European Champions would not qualify for the knock out stage of UEFA Champions League. However, the Italian outfit now has eight points out of five Champions League matches and has already
qualified for the round of 16. AC Milan secured their spot for the next round in last match against Auxerre, which they won by two goals.
Moreover, AC Milan will finish as runners-up in UEFA Champions League’s Group G as the group leaders, Real Madrid have an unassailable five-point lead. Wednesday’s Champions League fixture against Ajax is pretty much meaningless for AC Milan, although they
will like to stretch their eight-match undefeated streak.
The Italian Giants are in immense form as they went three points clear at the top of Serie A table by defeating Brescia last weekend. AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri, who is just in his first season with Milan, is very pleased with his team’s performance
and wants them to continue their momentum.
Allegri said the game against Ajax is important for his team and even though Milan has qualified for the next round, they will not take this match easily. The new Milan coach insisted: “It is not a vital game, that's true, but we have to give our best
because victories give you confidence and confidence helps you win again."
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The Italian giants will be without the services of their three very crucial players which include the likes of Alexandre Pato, Filippo Inzaghi and Massimo Oddo. Moreover, the Milan boss has decided to rest some key players such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Nesta,
Abat and Thiago Silva.
A New Beginning:
The Dutch Champions had a fantastic start to the Champions League this season and they were favourites to qualify for the next round than their counter-parts of tonight’s match, AC Milan. However, Ajax’s blazing started was hit by a Jose bomb, when Real Madrid
hammered Ajax by four goals last month. Although, they are not qualifying for the next stage of UEFA Champions League; nonetheless they are firm favourites to reach Europa League.
Moreover, Ajax coach, Martin Jol resigned two days and Frank de Boer is now the caretaker coach. Martin Jol resigned the job at Amsterdam stating that Ajax expectations were too high. However, Frank de Boer’s first task will be to ascertain his team’s passage
to Europa League.
De Boer said: "Ajax is what matter. I want to bring the joy back; the players must be happy to play. When it comes to playing football, movement on the field and attacking, I don't want to change too much to begin with, but I have my own ideas and I
want to leave my mark on the team in the future."
Moreover, the Dutch are currently placed third in Group G of UEFA Champions League with four points to their name out of five matches. Hence, Ajax are only a point ahead of Auxerre who will visit Real Madrid for the other game of this group, which means that
Dutch Giants must win against Milan in order seal their place in Europa League.
Nevertheless, Ajax’s Florian Jozefzoon, Evander Sno, Kenneth Vermee and Nicolas Lodeiro did not make a trip to Italy as all of them are out of action due to injuries. Eventually it can be concluded that this will be an interesting match to watch despite
the already predicted results.
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