Ajax vs Benfica Champions League Preview – All You Need to Know

Ajax vs Benfica meet on 25 November 2025 at the Johan Cruijff Arena in a Champions League match that could decide the fate of both clubs in this year’s group stage. With neither side managing a win so far, the stakes are unusually high, and the pressure is mounting. This fixture now stands as a must-win for Ajax and a vital opportunity for Benfica to revive their campaign.

Ajax: Grim’s Demand for Intensity

Ajax’s interim coach Fred Grim has stressed the importance of response and urgency in training. Grim recently said,

“We are on the right track … We are working hard … I have confidence.” (Ajax)
He added that he wants his players to be dominant, especially in front of their home fans, urging a high tempo, pressing approach:
“Play at a high tempo … give [the opponent] no space.” (Ajax)

This intensity has been reflected in recent sessions, where Ajax ran pressing drills, transition exercises, and high-possession routines. Grim’s focus is clear: his side must seize the moment if they hope to turn their Champions League campaign around.

Benfica: Mourinho’s Mix of Criticism and Belief

On the Benfica side, José Mourinho has not shied away from public criticism in his most recent remarks, even as he backs his players to deliver. In a post-match interview after a cup game, he reflected on the club’s training efforts, saying:

“We trained really well, with a good attitude, with intensity, with concentration.” (SL Benfica)

Yet his challenge to the squad remains firm. Speaking about some players’ performances, he warned:

“Some players did … behave like we did … the giant cannot play around … the giant has a huge fan base … the giant cannot fall asleep.” (SL Benfica)

Mourinho’s tone is a mix of accountability — “When I criticize the players, I am implicitly criticizing myself … the responsibility is mine.” (SL Benfica) — and insistence on professionalism. In a separate interview, he reflected on his return to Benfica:

“At the end … 25 years … have not changed my nature, … my passion … that’s what brought me here.” (ESPN)
He also emphasized a more selfless side of his leadership:
“I think more about what I can do for others … I think more about the club, I think more about the fans’ joy … than about me.” (KSAT)

Training Mood And Player Involvement

Benfica’s training before the Ajax trip has seen a blend of intensity and reflection. Mourinho’s remarks suggest that the team has been earnest in their training, but he remains concerned about consistency and battle spirit. His mention of “sleeping giants” hints at a warning: complacency is not an option for a club with Benfica’s stature.

Ajax, for their part, seem galvanized by Grim’s urgency. The coach’s public calls for a strong response could be a motivational anchor for players who know that a win is crucial for their European hopes.

On the player front, while there are no widely reported new direct quotes from individual Ajax or Benfica players ahead of the match, the training coverage underscores strong squad engagement. Mourinho’s praise for their intensity and Grim’s expression of confidence suggest that both squads are mentally invested.

What the Quotes Reveal About Strategy

• Ajax’s plan: Grim is cultivating aggression, pressing, and fast transitions — his training tone signals a side ready to take risks and dominate.
• Benfica’s mindset: Mourinho’s remarks blend criticism with belief. He holds his players accountable but insists they deserve credit for their work. The “giant cannot fall asleep” message shows he expects disciplined focus.
• Leadership style: Grim leads by demanding intensity and toughness; Mourinho balances emotional leadership with tactical rigor, calling out underperformance while underlining collective responsibility.

Ajax have struggled badly in this season’s Champions League. According to analysts, they have managed only a single goal from their first four group matches, leaving them at the bottom of the group with a poor goal difference. (Daily Sports) Their defensive frailties have been particularly exposed – recent form shows sustained problems at the back. (MatchdayAI) At home, Ajax are under pressure: their last few matches at the Johan Cruijff Arena have not inspired confidence, and their attacking output has failed to match expectations. (Daily Sports)

On the other side, Benfica arrive in Amsterdam with a clearer edge. Under José Mourinho, they have shown resilience despite a difficult start in Europe. (Daily Sports) Their recent form is stronger than Ajax’s, and many betting models give them nearly a 50 percent chance to win. (Ratingbet) Benfica’s ability to exploit space and transition quickly could be decisive, especially against an Ajax side prone to defensive lapses. (BetClan)

Predictions from several sources lean toward a Benfica victory, with many expecting a 1–2 final scoreline in their favor. (Khel Now) Moreover, the consensus is that both teams are likely to score. (Daily Sports) The expectation of a lively, open game is backed by work from betting analysts: BetClan’s model gives a 61 percent probability for “both teams to score,” while also projecting over 2.5 goals in total. (BetClan)

Tactically, Ajax are expected to stick to their possession-based, attacking philosophy, but recent performances suggest they may need to be more cautious given their defensive instability. (MatchdayAI) Key players to watch include Ajax’s forward Wout Weghorst, who remains one of their most reliable goal threats. (Khel Now) On Benfica’s side, their transition play and disciplined structure under Mourinho could allow them to absorb pressure and strike decisively.

If Benfica triumphs, it could revive their hopes of advancing in the group, while Ajax, with their backs against the wall, must deliver at home to avoid an early exit. For fans and neutral observers, this match holds real drama – two historically big clubs, currently underperforming in Europe, both desperate for something to build on.

Good question. There’s no single link that works for all countries, because broadcasting rights for the UEFA Champions League (including the Ajax vs Benfica match) differ by region. But here’s a breakdown of key platforms by country / region, with links you can check. Use the links to go to the official broadcaster in your country and verify if they’re streaming that match.

Where to Watch Champions League (2025/26) Around the World

In summary, Ajax vs Benfica on 25 November 2025 may turn out to be a turning point for both teams. Benfica seem marginal favorites, but given Ajax’s attacking ambition and the high stakes, expect a fierce, end-to-end contest with goals at both ends.