The match of the eighth round of the Champions League 2025/26 group stage between Ajax (Netherlands) and Olympiacos (Greece) will take place on 28 january at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. Ajax vs Olympiacos: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Ajax
Ajax performed worst of all in the group stage up to the fifth round, 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 play-offs. First the side beat Qarabag (4:2), and in the previous match unexpectedly overcame Villarreal (2:1). The club is two points behind the top-24, so only a victory will do in the final round. It is also worth noting that, together with two other opponents, the team has the worst defense – 19 goals conceded.
- Ajax's run in this European competition stands at 14 matches (4 wins and 10 losses).
- At least three goals were scored in 11 of the club's last 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 Baumann, Owen Wijndal, Yuri Baas – Yuri Regeer, Davy Klaassen, Jorti Mokio – Oscar Gluh, Mika Godts, Kasper Dolberg.
Midfielder Steven Berghuis is injured.
Olympiacos
Olympiacos also secured both of their wins in the Champions League group stage 2025/26 in the last two rounds. After an away triumph over Kairat (1:0) the team then produced an unexpected victory at home against Bayer (2:0). But Olympiacos also has two draws, which helped them reach a qualifying zone in the main stage of the European competition. Currently the team is 24th, but dropping points in the 8th round is not an option, as they could be left out of the play-offs.
- The club has failed to win in 9 of its last 11 Champions League matches (5 draws and 4 losses).
- No more than two goals were scored in 5 of Olympiacos' last 7 matches in this competition.
- The team scored in 6 of its last 7 Champions League away 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.
Due to injuries midfielder Theofanis Bakoulas and goalkeeper Alexandros Paschalakis are out.
Referee
François Letexier (France)
Matches – 18 (International matches, 2024/25 - 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 77;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 39%.
Ajax vs Olympiacos: Match Prediction
Tournament motivation is off the charts for both opponents. Only a win leaves a chance of reaching the play-offs, so there will be no talk of playing for a draw or defending deep. In a matchup between two sides of roughly equal strength, the home arena can be decisive. However, Ajax have lost all five of their previous Champions League home matches. Moreover, in each of those fixtures the home side conceded at least two goals.
We believe the Dutch side will again be unable to keep a clean sheet. Olympiacos, while not often winning away, has in the last six matches of this competition lost only to strong Arsenal and Barcelona. At the same time the Greeks scored in 6 of their last 7 away Champions League matches. Therefore we consider a bet on an exchange of goals in this game to be the optimal option. Both clubs will play the final round on the attack and fight until the final whistle.
Prediction: Both teams to score
