Joden hoping against hope
Ajax were natural Champions League contenders in the yesteryears but their fall from grace has been steady and long been completed.
In the recent years, Ajax entered the group stage just to complete the numbers. This season however, Martin Jol had a supremely talented squad and much was expected of the former European Champions.
Martin Jol’s side have only managed to disappoint as they stand third in the group with four points. Jol’s men were taught a footballing lesson by Los Blancos at Stadio Bernabeau on match day one. Ajax drew 1 – 1 against AC Milan on their home turf before
registering a victory over Auxerre. The Dutch Eredivisie outfit was unable to keep momentum and they slumped to a 2 – 1 defeat in France on match day four. Registering a result against fearsome Madrid attack led by impeccable Mourinho would be a momentous
task but any sort of result coupled with a Milan defeat will keep Amsterdam’s chances of progression alive.
Simply put, Amsterdammers must get a result tonight or kiss the Champions League goodbye.
Mourinho magic prevails
Mr. Perez appointed Jose Mourinho in charge of the men in white this summer in a bid to challenge for major honours. Jose Mourinho has not disappointed. Even though there is a significant way to go on both continental and domestic fronts, Jose Mourinho has
won over the white crowds with his aura and has become a fan favourite. Chants of “Jose Mourinho...Jose Mourinho” can be frequently heard around Stadio Santiago Berneabeau.
Mourinho’s major responsibility was off trapping that elusive 10th trophy and the tactician is on track to do just that. Even though Madrid lost their perfect record at San Siro with a draw, Los Merengues have been one of the most impressive sides
in this year’s Champions League and a lot is expected of them.
Los Galacticos have already qualified for the next round with 10 points but we all know Mourinho. One thing that Mourinho doesn’t tolerate is complacency. Madrid will be expected to take to the pitch horns blazing and anything less than three points shall
force the boys in white to face the Jose wrath.
Team News
AFC Ajax
Jol will have to line up his troops without the services of Urby Emanuelson and Oleguer as their inclusion will be subjected to a late fitness test. On a positive note, Vurnon Anita and Siem de Jong will be fit for this game.
Real Madrid
Kaka, Fernando Gago and Ezequiel Garay are long-term injury casualties while Argentine forward and first choice striker Gonzalo Higuain is out of this game with a back problem. Ricardo Carvalho and Sami Khedira have taken knocks recently and will not be
risked ahead of El Clasico.
Key Players
Maarten Stekelenburg
The Netherlands number one is a world class goalkeeper with bundles of abilities and boundless potential. Thus, it comes as a shock that Stekelenburg is still plying his trade for an Eredivisie outfit. Against an outwardly Madrid attack, the custodian will
have to be on his toes at all times and must keep a clean sheet if his side is to register any points.
Cristiano Ronaldo
For all his League exploits, Ronaldo has been relatively quite in the Champions League. Ronaldo has scored just a single goal in the competition so far. The Portuguese skipper will look to translate his domestic form on continental stage and Amsterdam Arena
will be perfect stage to do so.
Prediction
Like an avalanche gaining mass, Jose Mourinho’s men are looking increasingly deadly with each passing game. No doubt Ajax have some gifted individuals playing for them. However, Mourinho might will be simply too hot to handle. Ajax will slump to a home defeat
by a 3 – 1 score line.
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