SL Benfica host Ajax Amsterdam in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday on Paramount+ with both sides aiming to make a strong start in the opening leg ahead of the return clash at Johan Cruyff Arena next month. The Dutch giants have won all their UCL games so far this season while the Portuguese powerhouse needed a win over Dynamo Kyiv to advance at Barcelona’s expense.
Here is how you can watch the match and what to know:
Viewing information
- Date: Wednesday, Feb. 23 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio da Luz — Lisbon, Portugal
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Benfica +320; Draw +280; Ajax -125 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Featured Game | Benfica vs. Ajax
Team news
Benfica: Julian Weigl, Nicolas Otamendi, Joao Mario, Rafa Silva and Alex Grimaldo will be suspended for leg two if they pick up bookings while Haris Seferovic, Rodrigo Pinho and Lucas Verissimo are all injury doubts.
Ajax: Jurien Timber took a knock over the weekend so could be replaced by Perr Schuurs while Brian Brobbey and Maarten Stekelenburg are not in contention. Andre Onana could be reintroduced at the expense of Remko Pasveer. One of Ryan Gravenberch or Davy Klaassen should get the nod in the middle.
Storylines
Benfica: Winners against Dynamo Kyiv last time out, the Portuguese made it through and are now unbeaten in three across all competitions going up against a strong Ajax side. It was a draw last time these two met with Jonas scoring for the hosts and Dusan Tadic on target for the visitors. Darwin Nunez is key and has three Champions League goals and only Bayern Munich have beaten them at home so far.
Ajax: Erik ten Hag’s men have won all their games so far and have been mightily impressive this edition. Sebastien Haller has 10 UCL goals to his name already to lead the overall scoring chart. The Dutch have also scored in each of their six Champions League games so far with a 100% winning record away and home. Across all competitions, Ajax are currently on a 10-game winning run.
Prediction
This one could just be the pick of this week’s games. Both teams have quality players and should produce an attractive spectacle but there is no doubt that the visitors are the team to beat so far this season in Europe.
Pick: Benfica 1-2 Ajax.
