Ajax – On the Road Back to European Glory
After a disappointing Eredivisie season, finishing only in fifth place, Ajax has started to regain its former strength. While they are still not at their peak, “De Godenzonen” have stabilized and practically secured a place among the top 24 teams in the Europa League group stage.
They currently sit in 16th place with 10 points from seven matches, meaning it would take a miracle for them to be eliminated from the competition. However, their shocking defeat in the last round against Rigas FS (1-0) showed that Ajax still struggles with consistency and mental resilience.
At home, though, they are far more reliable. In the Johan Cruyff Arena, they are on a three-game winning streak, including their latest Eredivisie victory against RKC Waalwijk (2-1). They traditionally play attacking football, with Akpom and Godts leading the offense, while Henderson and Taylor control the midfield. However, the absence of Branco van den Boomen due to suspension could be a major problem in their playmaking.
Key Stats for Ajax:
- They have won three consecutive home games.
- They have scored in each of their last seven matches.
- They have lost three of their last four Europa League matches.
- They have scored over 1.5 goals in five of their last six home games.
Galatasaray – An Offensive Powerhouse
The Turkish champions are having a fantastic season, losing only three competitive matches in 2024/25. Although they failed to reach the Champions League group stage after being eliminated by Young Boys, they have been one of the most consistent teams in the Europa League. Alongside Lazio and Manchester United, they are one of only three teams that remain unbeaten in the competition.
However, four draws in seven matches mean that their place in the Round of 16 is not yet guaranteed. Currently sitting in 9th place, just one point behind FCSB, they will be looking to secure all three points in Amsterdam to strengthen their position.
Galatasaray’s biggest strength lies in their attacking play. Victor Osimhen is their key player, with 16 goals in all competitions, making him one of the most dangerous strikers in Europe. Unfortunately, he will not have the support of Hakim Ziyech, who is absent for personal reasons, while Mauro Icardi remains sidelined with a serious knee injury.
Despite this, the Turkish side boasts a strong midfield featuring Mertens and Torreira, while their defense, led by captain Muslera, provides a solid backbone.
Key Stats for Galatasaray:
- Unbeaten in the Europa League this season (3 wins, 4 draws).
- They have scored in each of their last eight matches across all competitions.
- They have drawn four of their last six matches.
- Victor Osimhen has scored four goals in five Europa League games.
Betting Tips
✅ Both teams to score (BTTS) – Both teams have highly attacking setups and consistently find the net. Ajax rarely fails to score at home, while Galatasaray has a strong offense led by Osimhen.
✅ Over 2.5 goals in the match – Given both teams’ attacking styles and defensive vulnerabilities, a high-scoring match is expected.
✅ Victor Osimhen to score – The Nigerian striker is in excellent form and remains the focal point of Galatasaray’s attack.
✅ Ajax over 1.5 goals – The Dutch side is on a three-game home winning streak and regularly scores two or more goals at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
A dynamic match full of chances is expected, with both teams having a realistic chance of securing victory in this crucial encounter.
