Ajax x Benfica: where to watch and likely lineups for the Champions League game By Thiago Lemos
3 min read
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Ajax and Benfica face each other this Tuesday (25), at 2:45 pm (Brasília time), at Johan Cruijff Arena, at Amsterdã, for the fifth round of the league phase of the Champions League 2025/26. The two teams have not yet won in the competition and occupy the last positions in the general table. The confrontation is broadcast live on TNT (closed TV) and on the HBO Max platform.
The Dutch appear at the bottom with zero points, one goal scored and 13 conceded in four games. Já the Portuguese are just above, also without points, with two goals for and eight against. Uma defeat can practically eliminate any chance of advancing to the next stages.
The arbitration will be led by the German Sven Jablonski, with the help of Eduard Beitinger and Rafael Foltyn at the flags. VAR is the responsibility of Sören Storks.
Matchday 5 is here! 😄 #UCL pic.twitter.com/UiLftHyFeb
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 25, 2025
Current status of teams
Ajax is going through a delicate moment in the season. The team has accumulated four consecutive defeats in the Champions League and irregular results in the Campeonato Holandês.
Recently, the Dutch lost to Galatasaray, Utrecht and Excelsior, in addition to drawing with Heerenveen. Interim coach Fred Grim tries to adjust the team after Francesco Farioli leaves.
Benfica, led by José Mourinho, also did not score in the European tournament. No national scenario, performance remains more stable, with a recent victory over Atlético by Taça of Portugal.
Probable lineups
Ajax (4-2-3-1):
- Pasveer
- Wijndal, Sutalo, Baas, Gaaei
- Klaassen, Regeer
- Godts, Gloukh, Mokio
- Weghorst
Coach: Fred Grim
Benfica (4-3-3):
- Trubin
- Aursnes, Tomás Araújo, Otamendi, Dahl
- R. Rios, Barrenechea, Barreiro
- Lukébakio, Sudakov, Pavlidis
Coach: José Mourinho
Recent history between the clubs
Ajax and Benfica have already faced each other six times in European competitions. The Dutch have the advantage with three wins, two draws and just one defeat.
The last clash took place in the round of 16 of the Champions League 2021/22. On Na occasion, Ajax won 1-0 in Lisboa and drew 2-2 in Amsterdã, advancing on the away goal criterion.
League stage numbers so far
Ajax has the worst attack in the competition, with just one goal scored in four matches. The defense conceded 13 goals, the highest number among all participants.
- Goals scored: 1
- Goals conceded: 13
- Yellow cards: 9
- Red cards: 1
Benfica has a negative goal difference of six goals. The Portuguese team converted two goals and conceded eight.
Broadcast and schedules
The game starts at 2:45 pm (from Brasília) and will be broadcast exclusively on TNT on pay television. No streaming, the match is available on HBO Max for subscribers.
Other relevant times:
- 5:45 pm local time on Amsterdã
- 4:45 pm at Lisboa time
- 8:45 pm at Londres time
The Johan Cruijff Arena receives an audience close to full capacity for the match.
Expectations for the confrontation
Both teams come under pressure from the need to score. The winner may maintain mathematical chances of qualifying for the knockout stages.
The draw does little to favor both sides in the table. Qualquer positive result represents the first victory in the current edition of Champions League.
