Where to watch Ajax x Benfica in a decisive Champions League clash at the Johan Cruyff Arena

Ajax faces Benfica this Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 5:45 pm (Brasília time), at Johan Cruyff Arena, at Amsterdã, in the fifth round of the UEFA Champions League league phase. Ambas the teams occupy the last positions in the table, with zero points after four defeats each, and need a triumph to maintain their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages. The game marks the return of José Mourinho to command Benfica, which seeks to reverse the negative sequence in the European competition.

The match takes place at a critical moment for both teams, who have accumulated negative goal difference: Ajax with 1-14 and Benfica with 2-8. The confrontation could define directions in the fight against relegation to Liga Europa.

• Ajax: four consecutive defeats in the UCL, with just one goal scored.
• Benfica: unbeaten in the last three games against Ajax in European competitions.
• Referee: Sven Jablonski, from Alemanha, with a low average number of cards.

History of clashes favors the Dutch

Ajax and Benfica have already faced each other nine times in Champions League, with four wins for the Dutch, three draws and two for the Portuguese. The last meeting, in 2022, ended with a 1-0 victory for Benfica in Amsterdã, guaranteeing qualification to the quarter-finals.

Before that, Ajax dominated recent duels, including a 2-1 victory at Luz, at Lisboa. Esses games total 20 goals in total, with an average of 2.2 per game.

The retrospective shows balance in Amsterdã, where Benfica remained unbeaten in the last two away games against Ajax.

Recent team moments

Ajax comes into the game after a 2-1 defeat to Excelsior in Campeonato Holandês, making it three games without a win. Na Champions League, the Dutch conceded 14 goals in four matches, the worst defensive balance in the competition.

Interim coach Fred Grim adjusts the team after the departure of Francesco Farioli, focusing on strengthening the defense. No However, the attack depends on Wout Weghorst, who scored Ajax’s only goal in the UCL.

Benfica drew 2-2 with Casa Pia in Liga Portuguesa, but won 2-0 against Atlético CP in Taça of Portugal. Na Europa, the Portuguese haven’t scored in three straight games.

Under Mourinho, the team alternates between 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-3, seeking more balance. Vangelis Pavlidis, with recent goals in the national championship, is the offensive hope.

Predicted lineups and absences

Ajax should enter the field with a 4-2-3-1 formation: Pasveer; Alders, Šutalo, Baas, Wijndal; Regeer, Taylor; Edvardsen, Gloukh, Godts; Weghorst. Coach Grim prioritizes youth, with highlights for midfielder Gloukh and striker Weghorst.

Absences include Steven Berghuis and Branco van de Boomen, injured, while Anton Gaaei is doubtful. The defense, with Jorrel Hato and Josip Šutalo, needs to contain Benfica’s attack.

Benfica bets on the same 4-2-3-1: Trubin; Dedić, Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Barrenechea, Ríos; Aursnes, Sudakov, Barreiro; Pavlidis. Mourinho must play Sudakov after rest and Ríos, who scored in the last game.

Captain Otamendi leads the defense, but suspensions such as Alexander Bah and Bruma force changes. Dodi Lukebakio is out due to injury.

Players in focus for the duel

Wout Weghorst represents the attack of Ajax, with experience in big games and the only goal in Champions. The 33-year-old Dutchman created chances in 68% of the minutes played.

Georgiy Sudakov, from Benfica, leads the UCL in assists, with eight chances created. The 22-year-old Ukrainian can be unbalanced in midfield.

Richard Ríos, a 24-year-old Colombian, stands out in decisive passes, with five potential assists. Sua’s gameplay vision complements the style of Mourinho.

Yorrel Baas, defender of Ajax, faces a test against Pavlidis, who has scored in three of the last four visits to Amsterdã.

Stream and match details

The match broadcasts live on TNT and HBO Max on Brasil, with high definition coverage. Fãs can track real-time statistics such as ball possession and shots on goal.

The Johan Cruyff Arena, with a capacity for 55 thousand fans, should be packed with local support. Temperatura forecast in Amsterdã is 8°C, without rain.

Initial statistics point to an open game: Ajax committed 12 fouls per match in the UCL, while Benfica has 55% average possession away from home.

Tactical expectations in the confrontation

Ajax adopts high pressure from the start, aiming to exploit errors in Benfica’s ball release. Grim emphasizes quick transitions, with Gloukh as the creative pivot.

Benfica focuses on counterattacks, using speed of Barreiro and Sudakov. Mourinho plans defensive compaction to neutralize the Dutch attack.

Both teams tested variations in training: Ajax with a line of three defenders in simulations, Benfica with advanced wing-backs.

The midfield duel, between Regeer and Ríos, sets the rhythm. Dados show 2.5 average goals in similar games between the Dutch and Portuguese.