Ajax – Real M. 03.10.2012

Ajax face an uphill task of reaching the knockout stages after losing to Borussia Dortmund in their opening game, and this defeat basically means the Amsterdammers have got to try and beat Real Madrid. That is easier said than done now that los Blancos appear to have finally hit the ground running.

Ajax continue to rely on talented players from their own youth academy, but the current crop doesn’t appear to be ready to leave their mark in Europe. After key players Jan Vertonghen, Gregory van der Wiel, Theo Janssen and Vurnon Anita all left in the summer, the club chiefs realized the team are short on quality and were forced to make a couple of signings. However, while players like Ryan Babel, Christian Poulsen and Tobias Sana can make a real impact in Dutch Eredivisie, they are not nearly good enough to help the team record notable results in the Champions League. Following the dismal showing in the 1-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund, Ajax cannot be expected to fare any better against mighty Real Madrid.

For the third season running Ajax have been placed in the same Champions League group as Real Madrid, and it is fair to say los Blancos have become real bogeymen for the Dutch giants. Having won the same fixture 4-0 and 3-0 two seasons ago and last season respectively, the Spanish giants go into this game full of confidence. Some people doubt Jose Mourinho will take this game seriously seeing that the clash with Barcelona is due just four days later, but the Portuguese presence at the Amsterdam ArenA in the match against Twente clearly suggest otherwise.

Seeing that los Merengues have won their last three games in style, there is every chance they will make it four in a row. Clear away win.