Ajax vs Benfica Match Recap - Nov 25, 2025

Benfica Breaks Ajax's Heart in a Must-Win Clash, Leaving Both Teams in Despair

Benfica's 2-0 victory over Ajax at the Johan Cruijff Arena not only secured their first points of the UEFA Champions League group stage but also deepened Ajax's woes, leaving them with zero points from five matches. This result underscores the stark contrast in recent form between the two teams, with Benfica finding a semblance of stability while Ajax continues to spiral into chaos.

Benfica's recent resurgence is highlighted by their last match, a 2-0 win against Atlético CP in the Taça de Portugal. This victory provided a much-needed boost, showcasing their ability to convert chances into goals. Samuel Dahl, who scored in that match, continued his impactful form by netting the opener against Ajax just six minutes in. This early goal set the tone for Benfica, allowing them to play with confidence and control throughout the match.

Ajax's struggles have been well-documented, with four consecutive losses leading into this fixture. Their inability to score has been alarming; they managed only one goal in their last three matches prior to facing Benfica. Despite dominating possession against Excelsior and Utrecht, Ajax failed to translate that control into meaningful scoring opportunities. Their expected goals (xG) against Galatasaray was a mere 0.12, indicating a severe lack of cutting edge in the final third. This trend continued against Benfica, where they registered an xG of 0.00, failing to test goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin even once.

Possession statistics tell a compelling story. Ajax controlled the ball for 66% of the match, reflecting their typical style of play. However, possession without purpose is futile, as evidenced by their total shots tally of zero. Benfica's defense, marshaled by Nicolás Otamendi, effectively neutralized Ajax's attacking threats, allowing them to focus on counter-attacking opportunities. The stark contrast in shot statistics-Benfica's three shots compared to Ajax's none-highlights how effectively Benfica executed their game plan.

Wout Weghorst, Ajax's leading scorer, was expected to be pivotal in this match. Yet, he found himself isolated and starved of service throughout the game. The absence of creativity from midfielders like Kenneth Taylor and Davy Klaassen left Weghorst with little support, rendering him ineffective. Ajax's passing accuracy was commendable at 87%, but it lacked penetration and urgency, often resulting in sideways or backward passes that failed to break down Benfica's organized defense.

Benfica's second goal came late in the match from Leandro Barreiro, sealing the victory and further emphasizing Ajax's struggles. While Ajax had shown flashes of potential in previous matches, they were unable to capitalize on any momentum. The late goal served as a dagger to Ajax's hopes, leaving them with no points and a mountain to climb in their remaining fixtures.

The implications of this match extend beyond just points on the board. For Ajax, this defeat raises questions about the future of coach Johnny Heitinga and the squad's ability to compete at this level. With their next match against Qarabag looming, they must find a way to regain confidence and form quickly or risk further embarrassment in Europe.

Conversely, Benfica can take heart from this performance as they prepare for their next challenge against Napoli. The victory not only boosts morale but also provides a foundation upon which they can build as they seek to escape the bottom of Group A. The emergence of players like Dahl and Barreiro as key contributors could signal a turning point for Benfica as they aim for consistency moving forward.

This match encapsulated the ongoing narratives surrounding both teams: Ajax's desperate search for answers amid a crisis and Benfica's gradual resurgence after a rocky start. The stakes were high, and while Benfica emerged victorious, both teams must now navigate their respective paths with renewed urgency and determination.