The UEFA Champions League returns with a classic European clash as Ajax hosts Inter Milan at the Johan Cruyff Arena. This highly anticipated match is a repeat of the 1972 European Cup final, and both teams will be eager to make a strong statement in their opening match of the league phase.
Match Details:
CompetitionDateKick-off (GMT)VenueUEFA Champions LeagueSeptember 17, 20257:00 PMJohan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Team Form and Analysis:
Ajax enters this match in strong form, having a perfect record in the Eredivisie with three wins and two draws from five matches. They are coming off a convincing 3-1 home victory over PEC Zwolle and have shown impressive attacking firepower. Under the leadership of their new manager, John Heitinga, Ajax has found stability and will be looking to capitalize on their strong home record, where they have won all three of their domestic matches this season. While they have struggled in the Champions League in recent years, they will be hoping to turn their fortunes around.
Inter Milan, meanwhile, has had a mixed start to their Serie A campaign, with one win and two losses in their first three matches. The visitors are coming off a dramatic 4-3 away defeat to rivals Juventus, a result that highlights their defensive vulnerabilities. While they have a wealth of experience in Europe, having reached the Champions League final last season, their recent domestic form has been a cause for concern. Under the new management of Cristian Chivu, the Nerazzurri will be looking to bounce back and secure a crucial away victory.
Head-to-Head:
The historical head-to-head record between these two clubs is in favor of Inter Milan, who have won three of their four Champions League encounters. However, the most famous encounter between these two sides was in the 1972 European Cup final, where Ajax emerged victorious with a 2-0 win.
Player to Watch:
Ajax: All eyes will be on their key attacking players, particularly Wout Weghorst and Mika Godts. Weghorst has been a prolific goalscorer, while Godts has shown great promise in his recent performances.
Inter Milan: The focus for Inter Milan will be on their in-form strikers Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram, who have both been in excellent goal-scoring form. Martínez, in particular, will be looked upon to lead the line and provide a much-needed attacking spark for the visitors.
Prediction:
Given Ajax’s strong home record and their excellent start to the domestic season, they are the slight favorites to win this match. However, Inter Milan’s impressive European pedigree and the goal-scoring prowess of their strikers suggest that this will be a tight and highly competitive affair. A narrow home victory for Ajax or a high-scoring draw seems like a very plausible outcome.
Live Stream and TV Broadcast:
You can watch the Ajax vs Inter Milan match live on the following platforms, subject to availability in your region:
UK: TNT Sports, DAZN
USA: Paramount+, FuboTV, Sling TV
Canada: DAZN
India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV
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