Real Madrid vs Ajax - Champions League Round of 16 Preview and Odds

Published on: 05/03/2019

Real Madrid vs Ajax - Champions League Round of 16 Preview and Odds

March 05, 2019 20:00pm - Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid)

Champions League - Round of 16 - Second Leg

Real Madrid have the advantage heading into the home leg of their Champions League tie against Ajax, but the Dutch side will remain hopeful following their impressive performance three weeks ago.

After losing to Barcelona twice in a week, ruling themselves out of the Copa del Rey and La Liga in the process, Real Madrid will now focus all their efforts on retaining their Champions League crown. They kick off Tuesday night`s game against Ajax with a 2-1 advantage after edging the first game in Amsterdam.

Los Blancos have lost three of the four matches they have played since then and will be a little short of confidence heading into this game.

In contrast, the Dutch side have won all three of their games since losing to the Spaniards, scoring 13 and conceding just one in the process. As a result, they have moved to within four points of PSV at the top of the Eredivisie.

Progressing to the next stage remains an uphill task for Erik Ten Hag`s men but they will take heart from the fact they have lost just one of their last 15 Champions League matches and were unbeaten in their seven away from home, their most impressive result a 1-1 draw at Bayern Munich.

Recent form (all competitions)

Real Madrid: LWDLD

Ajax: DLLWW

Betting odds and tips

Ajax have won just four of the two side`s 13 previous meetings, the last victory coming way back in 1996. Since then, Madrid have won seven in a row. However, expect Ajax to make life tough for the Spaniards who are a little short on confidence following three defeats in four matches.

CSKA Moscow came to Madrid and won 3-0 back in December. Ajax might struggle to emulate that scoreline, but they are capable of getting on the scoresheet at the Bernabeu.

Over 2.5 Goals has paid out in 15 of Real Madrid`s last 16 home games in this competition and that looks the best bet again here with the home side coming out on top.

You can back the Home Win/Over 2.5 Goals at 21/20.

By Neil Morris