Ajax and AEK Athens face each other this week in the Champions League Group E. Both will want to put on a good show having not been involved in the competition’s group stages for several years. For Ajax, this is their first time in the groups for four years. Athens have not featured since the 2006/07 season.
This will be the first time since Ajax’s victorious campaign in 1995 that the two giants of their countries have met. On that occasion, Ajax won both meetings, 2-1 away and 2-0 in Amsterdam. Athens fans with long memories will be wanting revenge in a game that has the potential to be a free-flowing, attacking match.
Ajax v AEK Athens
How They Qualified
Ajax finished second in the league last season, meaning that had to go through qualifying to reach the group stage. They had to negotiate their way through three qualifying rounds to get here. A 3-1 aggregate win over Dynamo Kyiv secured their place.
AEK won their league title last season, winning 21 of their 30 games. Even so, they still had to play two qualifying rounds to get to the group stage. They defeated Celtic in the third qualifying round and then overcame Hungarian side MOL Vidi FC to advance to the group stages.
Last Season in the Champions League
Both sides did feature in the competition last season. However, both failed to negotiate their way past the qualifying rounds. Ajax were defeated by French side Nice in the third qualifying round. They lost on away goals having drawn 3-3 on aggregate. AEK suffered a 3-0 aggregate defeat at the hands of CSKA Moscow in the same round.
Champions League History
Ajax have won the competition on four occasions. The latest was in 1995. Since that victory, the Dutch side have struggled, appearing in the final once more one year later. Their most recent success was a quarter-final appearance in 2003. Athens have not had the best of experiences in the competition. By far their best showing was a quarter-final appearance in 1969.
Current Form
Ajax are currently undefeated in both league and European competition. They currently lie second in Eredivisie, winning four of their five games. They have scored 14 league goals so far, conceding just one. Their last two home games have seen them score eight goals. Fans will be expecting more of the same from their free-scoring side.
AEK, like Ajax, are also unbeaten. They lie second in their table after three games, winning all three. They warmed up for this match with a convincing 4-0 victory. Athens are currently on a 14 game unbeaten run in European competitions.
Team News
Ajax could have a full-strength squad to choose from. Forward Kasper Dolberg is expected to play for the reserves ahead of the Champions League tie and could feature. AEK finished their victory over Panionios without any injury concerns and should have a fully fit side heading to Holland.
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