As we gear up for the Champions League showdown on Wednesday, it’s time to dive into what’s brewing between Chelsea and Ajax. Grab a cup of coffee, kick back, and let’s chat about these two football powerhouses as they prepare to clash at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea is eyeing its fourth straight win when they host Ajax, feeling pretty confident after recent victories over teams like Nottingham Forest and Liverpool in the Premier League. Just a few matches back, they eked out a nail-biting 1-0 win against José Mourinho’s Benfica in Europe. However, with the team sitting in 18th place on a 36-team table, they’re definitely hoping for a lift with this upcoming match.
On the flip side, Ajax is struggling a bit. They’ve faced back-to-back defeats to Inter Milan and Marseille, landing them just above the bottom of the group standings. Their most recent setback was a 2-0 loss at home to AZ Alkmaar in Eredivisie action. So, both teams definitely have a lot to play for on Wednesday!
Now, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and explore how Chelsea and Ajax have fared against each other in the past.
Head-to-Head Record
So, how do these two teams stack up? Well, they’ve gone head-to-head just twice before. In those meetings, Chelsea came out on top once, while the other ended in a draw. It’s a relatively fresh rivalry, with their first competitive showdown taking place during the 2019-20 Champions League group stage.
In that inaugural meeting, Chelsea managed to keep their unbeaten streak against Ajax alive. They celebrated a solid 1-0 victory in Amsterdam, which set the stage for a thrilling return match in London just a couple of weeks later.
In October 2019, under Frank Lampard’s leadership, Chelsea faced Ajax at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The Blues were up against a fearsome Ajax squad that included talents like Lisandro Martínez, Donny van de Beek, André Onana, and Hakim Ziyech. It looked like the match might end in a goalless draw until Chelsea’s substitute, Michy Batshuayi, came through with a last-minute goal, securing a dramatic win.
Fast forward a couple of weeks later to Stamford Bridge, and you’d be forgiven for expecting another low-key showdown. But boy, were we in for a surprise! That match turned into an absolute spectacle, ending in a wild 4-4 draw.
It all kicked off when Tammy Abraham accidentally put the ball into his own net just two minutes in, setting a frantic tone. Fortunately for him, he was quick to redeem himself with a Jorginho penalty that leveled the score. The drama didn’t stop there, though. Kepa Arrizabalaga faced his own struggles, inadvertently scoring an own goal and allowing both Quincy Promes and Van de Beek to contribute to Ajax’s shocking 4-1 lead.
But Chelsea wasn’t ready to throw in the towel just yet. With a response from César Azpilicueta and a red card for Joel Veltman, the momentum shifted. Jorginho scored another penalty, and Reece James hammered in the equalizer, capping off a chaotic and memorable night of football.
Last Two Meetings
- November 5, 2019: Chelsea 4-4 Ajax (Champions League)
- October 23, 2019: Ajax 0-1 Chelsea (Champions League)
As we look ahead to Wednesday’s match, it’s clear that both Chelsea and Ajax have reasons to push hard for a win. With the past history between these clubs, football fans are certainly in for an exciting showdown!
So, whether you’re rooting for the Blues or cheering for the Dutch side, make sure to grab your favorite snacks and settle in for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of Champions League action!
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