AJAX UP AGAINST THE MIGHT OF REAL
Real Madrid and Ajax Amsterdam could not be more dissimilar when it comes to Champions League. Los Blancos are the most successful club in the competition, while Ajax are playing the CL knock-out matches after 13 years. HT looks at the talking points ahead of their clash:
REAL’S DOMESTIC RESURGENCE
Real Madrid have fought back superbly in La Liga and registered their most impressive victory yet under Santiago Solari, handing Atletico Madrid their first home defeat of the season on Saturday, to move to second spot.
With Barca struggling for form, the Real faithfuls will soon be talking of double crowns.
EASY GOING IN EUROPE
Though Real were struggling in La Liga, they had no trouble in Champions League, topping Group G ahead of Roma. However, they did lose two of
PRESSURE ON BALE
The injury-prone Gareth Bale has struggled to hold down a place in the Real Madrid side since Carlo Ancelotti left in 2015. Bale scored his 100th goal for Real as a substitute against Atletico but it is increasingly clear he is not part of coach Santiago Solari's starting line-up. Bale's dynamism and power useful but only in small measures.
DE JONG DOUBTFUL FOR REAL GAME
Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong is a doubt for the Champions League last-16 first leg against Real Madrid after exacerbating an adductor injury. The 21-year-old, who is heading to Barcelona in an 86-million
VINICIUS TAKES CENTRESTAGE
Real Madrid were struggling for firepower this season. However, they have found a new talisman in 18-year-old Vinicius Junior, who continued his excellent debut season with Real by causing havoc in Atletico’s defence.
His speed and skills have given Real some much needed thrust upfront. their six matches.
Real have always done well in Champions League and the domestic bliss will surely help their confidence.
AJAX’S FORM CONCERN
Ajax Amsterdam's promising start in Champions League seems to be losing steam in the light of poor form at home. Their defeat to Heracles Almelo on Saturday has set the alarm bells ringing.
Since returning from the winter break, Ajax have won only twice in five outings, and slipped six points off the pace in the Dutch championship.
Saturday’s defeat was marked by players arguing with each other in a manner that teenage captain Matthijs de Ligt termed "scandalous". euro deal at the end of the season, was forced off the pitch 10 minutes from time as Ajax lost to Heracles Almelo in the Dutch league on Saturday. He had been struggling before the game with injury but was passed fit to play.