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The Champions League Round of 16 draw took place on Monday and we have several tasty encounters in store for us.
Lionel Messi’s Barcelona go up against the high-flying Lyon as they seek to end their wait for a Champions League crown since 2015. The other French side in the draw, PSG, were handed a blockbuster clash with Manchester United.
Similarly, other English teams, apart from Manchester City were accorded a tricky draw. While Spurs are paired against the irresistible Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool will have to outwit Bayern Munich if they are to go one better than last term.
On the other hand, two favourites in Juventus and Atletico Madrid will clash swords with the guarantee that only one would emerge from the rubble. Yet, the most intriguing match-up of them all could be between Real Madrid and Ajax.
The Ajax team of yesteryear was a thing of beauty and they haven’t really been able to hit those heights since. However, this season, they have shown massive improvement as they made the knock-out stage. In the process, they emerged from a group also containing Bayern and Benfica.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, have been struggling after the departure of Ronaldo and Zidane. Despite qualifying top of the group, the defending champions had to endure a pair of humiliating losses to CSKA Moscow in the league phase.
Thus, the contrasting fortunes of the two teams makes for an interesting narrative. Through this article, we would look at three reasons why this game could just turn out to be the most enthralling of them all.
#3. Real Madrid’s Champions League pedigree
Real Madrid have endured a sticky spell since the turn of the season. While there are many who would point to the absence of a certain Portuguese on the pitch, it is arguably the Frenchman in the dugout that they’re missing most.
Having tried Lopetegui for a brief period, Real Madrid handed the reins to Solari. The Argentine started off impressively but has recently hit a roadblock. The crushing defeat at Eibar was followed a few days later by a 3-0 humbling at home to CSKA Moscow.
While the latter result came in the Champions League, those expecting Real Madrid to be pushovers in Europe’s premier club competition may do so at their own peril.
Los Blancos are a proud Champions League outfit and always bring their A-Game to the fore when their European counterparts come calling. Real Madrid’s tally of 13 titles speaks volumes of the above fact.
Even though they might be encountering major problems in the La Liga, one can expect them to turn up when Ajax knock at the Bernabeu door. The Champions League music gets some of their biggest stars going and if they are on song, we might just have a classic in store for us.
However, if Real Madrid fail to show up, Ajax have displayed the ability to shred them to pieces.
Thus, these aspects make for a fascinating game.
#2. Real Madrid’s dubious home form
Ajax and Real Madrid will play out the first leg of their tie in Amsterdam with the second leg scheduled to take place at the Bernabeu.
The Santiago Bernabeu was once a fortress for Madrid. However, this season, they haven’t looked as commanding on their home patch. If an indifferent home league form wasn’t enough, Los Blancos contrived to lose 3-0 at home to CSKA Moscow.
Moreover, in recent years, Real Madrid have sometimes failed to capitalise on their home advantage with the losses against Bayern Munich and Schalke quickly springing to mind.
Additionally, they have looked a far cry from the team that has won three Champions League crowns on the trot.
Hence, there lies an opportunity for Ajax to make full use of the lack of confidence in the defending champions’ ranks by ensuring that they go into the second leg with their hopes intact.
In Ajax’s only big European away game, they came away with a commendable 1-1 draw at the daunting Allianz Arena. Thus, there could be a possibility where the Dutch side upsets the apple cart and takes the next big stride in its attempt to recapture past glory.
A Real Madrid victory at home would be a given on most days yet it simply hasn’t happened this season. Thus, their uncertainty at home, coupled with Ajax’s prowess on the road makes their clash as mouth-watering as any.
#1. Ajax’s impressive young breed
Many years ago, Ajax was a genuine force in European football. After all, it was at Ajax where Cruyff first laid the seeds for the ‘Total Football’ which gripped the entire planet. However, years on, Ajax has just looked a side living on it's past exploits.
Yet, all that could be about to change as the Dutch side can finally boast of some talented youngsters in their ranks. The defence is marshalled by the newly crowned Golden Boy, Matthijs De Ligt whereas the midfield is patrolled by the sublime Frenkie De Jong. Despite being 19 and 21 respectively, the duo have established themselves as the heartbeat of this Ajax team.
Up front, they can call upon the likes of Dusan Tadic and Hakim Ziyech. Additionally, the experienced figure of Huntelaar provides a cutting edge to their attacking play.
For years, Ajax has represented an ‘also-ran’ team in the Champions League. However, with the talent at their disposal this term, they can realistically dream of going deep into the tournament.
Moreover, the Dutch side isn’t afraid of taking the game to the opposition. On occasions this season, Real Madrid has been rattled when attacked and that is exactly where Ajax would fancy their chances.
The chance to beat the reigning European champions might not come around very often. And if the Real Madrid juggernaut is to be broken, this tie represents the perfect opportunity.
As for Ajax, the very fact that they can dream again of such an outcome proves how far they’ve come. Now, it is up to their young breed to attack Real Madrid where it hurts most and subsequently, write a new chapter in their chequered history.
