The match of the 8th round of the group stage of the 2025/26 Champions League between Ajax (Netherlands) and Olympiacos (Greece) will take place on january 28 at Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. Ajax vs Olympiacos: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Ajax
Ajax had, until the fifth round, been the worst-performing side in the current group stage, losing all of those matches. But in the last two fixtures the team won, both away, and as a result returned to the fight for a place in the playoffs. First the home side beat Qarabag (4:2), and in the previous match unexpectedly defeated Villarreal (2:1). The squad is two points behind the top-24 club, so only a win in the final round will do. Also note that, together with two other opponents, the side has the worst defence – 19 goals conceded.
- Ajax's uncompromising run in this European competition stands at 14 matches (4 wins and 10 defeats).
- At least three goals were scored in 11 of the club's previous 13 Champions League matches.
- The team conceded two or more goals in 10 of its last 12 matches in this tournament.
Potential Ajax Lineup (4-3-3)
Vitezslav Jaros – Anton Goei, Aaron Bauman, Owen Wijndal, Yuri Bas – Juri Regeer, Davy Klaassen, Djorti Mokio – Oscar Gluh, Mika Godts, Kasper Dolberg.
Midfielder Steven Berghuis and forward Wout Weghorst are injured.
Olympiacos
Olympiacos also secured both of its victories in the group stage of the 2025/26 Champions League in the last two rounds. After an away triumph over Kairat (1:0) the team followed up with an unexpected home win over Bayer (2:0). But Olympiacos also has two draws, which helped it reach the qualifying zone of the main stage of the European competition. Currently the team is 24th, but dropping points in the 8th round could leave them without a place in the playoffs.
- The club has not won in 9 of its previous 11 Champions League matches (5 draws and 4 defeats).
- No more than two goals were scored in 5 of Olympiacos's last 7 games in this European competition.
- The team scored in 6 of its previous 7 away Champions League matches.
Potential Olympiacos Lineup (4-5-1)
Konstantinos Tzolakis – Costinha, Lorenzo Pirola, Panagiotis Retsos, Francisco Ortega – Rodinei, Santiago Esse, Shikinho, Christos Muzakitis, Chiquinho – Mehdi Taremi.
Referee
François Letexier (France)
Matches – 18 (International matches, 2024/25 - 2025/26);
Yellow/Red Cards Shown (including second yellows) – 77;
Average Yellow/Red Cards Per Match – 4.3;
Red Cards Shown – 4;
Average Fouls Per Match – 21;
Penalties – 39%.
Ajax vs Olympiacos: Match Prediction
Tournament motivation runs high for both opponents. Only a victory leaves a chance to advance to the playoffs, so there will be no talk of playing for a draw or defending. In a clash of such, roughly equal, opponents the home arena could be decisive. However, at their stadium Ajax lost all five previous Champions League matches. Moreover, in each of those encounters the home side conceded at least two goals.
We believe that this time the home side will not be able to keep a clean sheet either. Olympiacos, while not often collecting away wins, in the last six matches of this competition lost only to strong Arsenal and Barcelona. At the same time the visitors scored in 6 of their last 7 away Champions League matches. Therefore we consider the optimal option a bet on an exchange of goals in this game. Both sides will play offensively in the final round and will fight until the final whistle.
Prediction: Both teams to score
