La Liga
Ajax To Face Madrid In Last 16
Monday morning’s UEFA Champions League’s last sixteen draw saw four-time winners Ajax paired up with the Spanish giants. Madrid, who have won the trophy thirteen times including last year will no doubt be pleased to face the Dutch club as it sees them avoid some of the competition’s other heavy hitters.
Nevertheless, Ajax will be a difficult challenge for the holders. The side coached by Erik ten Hag are undefeated so far and nearly topped group E. Barely conceding top spot to Bayern Munich in their last group game. Among others, their squad consists of young stars Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt.
De Ligt is the 2018 Golden Boy winner whereas De Jong is one of Europe’s most sought after young mid-field talents. Interestingly, Real’s eternal rivals Barcelona could do them a huge favor by signing one or both in the January transfer window. In effect, weakening the Dutch team’s chances.
History
All in all, the two sides have met thirteen times. ‘Los Blancos’ prevailing seven times, Ajax four and one ending in a draw. However, in the previous six meetings, the Spaniards have dominated their opponents 20 goals to 2.
As a matter of fact, one would have to go back to the 1990’s to find a win for the Amsterdam club. Their last meeting took place in 2012. Jose Mourinho’s Madrid severely outclassing them with an aggregate score of 8-2.
Current State
Currently, the Dutch club is the strongest its been in many years. Perhaps best known for footballing legend Johan Cruyff, Ajax will seek to re-establish its name among Europe’s elite. Defeating the reigning champions would be a huge step in accomplishing that goal.
Madrid have had it’s fair share of problems this season. The side coached by Santiago Solari also look unlikely to win the competition for a fourth consecutive time. Regardless, the whites are known for lifting the trophy after everyone has decided to write them off and cannot be underestimated.
The first leg will take place on February 13th in Amsterdam with the return leg on March 5th in the Spanish capital.
Photo credit to Real Madrid via Flickr
