Introduction
The UEFA Champions League finally resumes this week after the international break. This means that we’ll be witnessing a plethora of amazing matches once again. One of those clashes is Ajax vs Dortmund, the most anticipated game of Group C. With both teams having won their first two games, this game would possibly decide which team will finish as the group leaders.
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Why Should You be Watching?
It’s always a joy to watch two heavyweights of the game clashing with each other. This game is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated and unpredictable games of the season. With both teams being in good form and netting a lot of goals, there’s a great chance of this game being a goal-fest, making it a joy to watch for even the neutrals. A jam-packed Johan Cruijff Arena would be awaiting the German heavyweights, ready to create an intimidating atmosphere as always.
Build Up
Both of the teams enter this game on the back of some good domestic performance. The team from Amsterdam have regained their form at a good time, beating Heerenveen at their home last weekend. However, they did lose their last home game to Utrecht before the international break, which would definitely add to Dortmund’s confidence.
Dortmund on the other hand has been in better form recently, having won 4 out of their last 5 games. Star player Erling Haaland continues to be in good goalscoring form, having netted twice last weekend against Mainz. The BVB captain Marco Reus was also on the scoresheet last weekend, which is a boost for the team. However, the team has managed only one clean sheet this season and they definitely need to improve that aspect if they wish to grab all 3 points from this game.
AFC Ajax form: WWWLW
Borussia Dortmund form: WLWWW
Head to Head
These teams last faced off back in 2012, in which Dortmund came out on top quite comfortably. They thrashed Ajax 4-1 in Amsterdam, before winning the home leg 1-0. Despite this, it’s pretty fair to say that things will be different this time around. This Ajax team possesses some sensational talent, not to forget that this present Dortmund team is not Klopp’s Dortmund which plays heavy metal football.
Predicted Lineups
AFC Ajax
R. Pasveer
N. Mazraoui, J. Timber, Martinez, Blind
Alvarez, Gravenberch
Antony, Berghuis, Tadic
Haller
Borussia Dortmund
Kobel
Meunier, Hummels, Akanji, Schülz
Emre Can, Bellingham
Brandt, Reus, Malen
Haaland
Players to Watch Out For
Sebastian Haller
The Ajax striker brought in from West Ham United has become a vital part of this team. He has already found the net 16 times for Ajax in 27 appearances. He is the current top scorer in this season’s Champions League, having scored 5 goals in just two games. Just like his counterpart Erling Haaland, he is in a very good goalscoring form and would be looking to cause trouble for this vulnerable Dortmund defense.
Erling Haaland
He is a player who just can’t stop scoring. His stats for this season are ridiculous. The BVB talisman has netted 9 goals already in the Bundesliga this season, in just 6 appearances. He did miss a few games due to a minor injury, but he was back in business last weekend with a brace against Mainz. He’d be definitely looking forward to registering his name among the UCL top scorers for this season too, having won the top-scorer award last season with 10 goals to his name.
Conclusion
A scintillating fixture awaits all of us this Tuesday night in the Champions League. The crowd and ambiance of the Johan Cruijff Arena, the teams, and the attacking talent on display make this game a delight to watch for any football fan. It’s next to impossible to pick out a clear winner in this one before the game, considering the prowess these teams possess. We might well see this ending in a draw but one thing we can be assured of is that the game will be worth the time.
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