The second leg of the 2024/25 Europa League playoff between Ajax (Netherlands) and Union (Belgium) will take place on February 20 at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. The first match ended 2-0 in favor of Ajax. Ajax vs. Union: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Ajax
The Dutch team defeated Union 2-0 in the first match. Notably, Francesco Farioli's side kept a clean sheet for the first time in their last five Europa League games. In the second leg, Ajax can even afford a narrow loss. However, during the group stage, the team experienced a series of three defeats, two of which were by a two-goal margin. A similar outcome would lead to extra time.
- At least one opponent failed to score in 5 of Ajax's last 7 Europa League matches.
- At home, the club won 6 of their last 8 games in this tournament (2 losses).
- Ajax has not conceded more than one goal in 7 of their last 8 home matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Ajax (4-3-3)
Remko Pasveer – Juri Baas, Daniele Rugani, Lucas Rosa, Jorrel Hato – Kian Fitz-Jim, Davy Klaassen, Jorrit Mokio – Christian Rasmussen, Oliver Edvardsen, Steven Berghuis.
Injured: Forward Wout Weghorst, midfielders Branco van den Bomen, Juri Regeer, and defender Juri Baas.
Union
Sebastian Pocognoli's side suffered their second consecutive defeat in the Europa League after a four-match unbeaten run in this tournament (3 wins, 1 draw). Before the previous game, the Belgians had scored in six consecutive matches in this tournament. In the second leg, Union needs to win in regular time by at least two goals. However, they have not won by more than one goal in 16 consecutive matches in this tournament.
- In 5 of their last 7 Europa League matches, the Belgians conceded first.
- Away from home, the club has not won in 6 of their last 7 Europa League matches (1 draw, 5 losses).
- Union has not scored more than one goal in their last 9 away matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Union (4-3-3)
Anthony Moris – Fedde Leysen, Kevin Mac Allister, Christian Burgess, Noah Sadiki – Anouar Ait-El-Hadj, Anan Khalaili, Charles Vanhoutte – Promis Akinpelu, Franjo Ivanovic, Ousseynou Niang.
Injured: Midfielder Alessio Castro Montes.
Referee
Chris Kavanagh (England)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 43;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.4;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 0%.
Ajax vs. Union: Match Prediction
The Dutch team secured a comfortable advantage in the first match, which they need to maintain calmly. Considering their home results in the Europa League, this task doesn't seem difficult. Ajax won 6 of their last 8 home matches in this tournament, and one of the defeats was by a minimal margin, which would be sufficient now. However, at home, Francesco Farioli's side will strive to maintain their reputation. Note the club's scoring prowess, netting 15 goals in their last five Europa League games at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
The Belgians need to push forward, exposing their unreliable defense. Union conceded in 5 of their last 7 away Europa League matches. During this period, the team managed only one victory (1 draw, 5 losses). These factors do not favor Sebastian Pocognoli's side. My prediction: Ajax will not lose and total over 1.5 goals
