"Ajax endured a dramatic downfall under Francesco Farioli last season. Having gone nine points clear of PSV at the end of March, they froze under pressure and surrendered the Eredivisie title, compounding disappointment with a Europa League exit at the last-16 stage and another year without the KNVB Beker. It is now three years since the Amsterdammers last lifted a major trophy."
"Now they embark on the Champions League league phase, hoping to better their poor recent record. Since reaching the semi-finals in 2019, Ajax have only progressed past the group stage once in four attempts. Wednesday's opener carries historical weight too, as it repeats the 1972 European Cup final, when Ajax defeated Inter in Rotterdam. However, the Dutch side are winless in four subsequent Champions League meetings with the Nerazzurri, losing three."
Ajax begin their Champions League group campaign hosting Inter Milan at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The Dutch side arrive unbeaten in the early stages of 2025-26 after stabilising under John Heitinga following last season's collapse that cost the Eredivisie title and ended a trophy drought. Ajax have struggled to progress from recent Champions League groups, advancing only once since 2019. Heitinga has nearly a full squad available, with Branco van den Boomen injured and Wout Weghorst expected to lead the attack alongside Mika Godts and Steven Berghuis. Kenneth Taylor and Oscar Gloukh offer midfield threats.
Read at Soccer News
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