The Matchday 2 clash in the 2025/26 Champions League group stage between Marseille (France) and Ajax (Netherlands) will take place on September 30 at the Velodrome Stadium. Marseille vs. Ajax: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Marseille
In the previous Champions League round, the team put up a fight against Real Madrid: the French side took the lead midway through the first half but ultimately lost, conceding the decisive goal shortly before the final whistle. As a result, Marseille has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches in this European competition, with four of those ending in defeat. The club's uncompromising streak in the Champions League now stands at 27 matches (6 wins, 21 losses). In terms of standings, Marseille is in 25th place in the group stage table.
- Both teams scored in regular time in 5 of Marseille's last 7 Champions League games.
- The French side won with a handicap (+1.5) in 8 of their previous matches in this tournament.
- The club has conceded at least one goal in regular time in their last 11 Champions League encounters.
Predicted lineup for Marseille (4-2-3-1)
Geronimo Rulli – Benjamin Pavard, Nayef Aguerd, Facundo Medina, Emerson Palmieri – Matt O'Riley, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – Mason Greenwood, Angel Gomes, Timothy Weah – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Midfielders Geoffrey Kondogbia and Amad Traore are injured. The participation of defender Leonardo Balerdi is questionable.
Ajax
The start of the European season was unsuccessful for the club: Ajax failed to contain Inter, losing without scoring as the Milan side scored twice from set pieces. That defeat marked Ajax's fifth loss in their last six Champions League games. The team has conceded in six consecutive matches in this tournament, with Ajax allowing at least two goals in five of those six games. In the group stage standings, the club is in 31st place.
- Ajax scored in regular time in 12 of their last 15 Champions League matches.
- The Amsterdam club's uncompromising streak in this tournament is 8 games (2 wins, 6 losses).
- Both teams scored in regular time in Ajax's last 7 away Champions League games.
Predicted lineup for Ajax (4-3-3)
Vitezslav Jaros – Anton Goei, Ko Itakura, Josip Sutalo, Owen Wijndal – Davy Klaassen, Kenneth Taylor, Oscar Gloukh – Oliver Edvardsen, Mika Godts, Don-Angelo Konadu.
Midfielders Branco van den Boomen and James McConnell, as well as forwards Wout Weghorst and Kasper Dolberg, are out due to injuries. The participation of defender Jurriën Timber and forward Steven Bergwijn is questionable.
Referee
Anthony Taylor (England)
Matches – 13 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 51;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.9;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 38%.
Marseille vs. Ajax: Match Prediction
Both teams lack consistency in their results, but matches involving these teams regularly feature a high number of goals. For instance, Marseille has won in regular time in only 3 of their last 7 Champions League games, but at least 3 goals were scored in 5 of those 7 matches. The same 3-goal mark was reached in 8 of Marseille's last 10 home games in this European competition.
Looking at Ajax's performance, the pattern is even more evident. At least 3 goals were scored in 6 of Ajax's last 7 Champions League matches. When the club plays away, it is almost a guarantee of a thrilling spectacle. In Ajax's last 7 away games in the Champions League, we saw at least 3 goals, with 4 or more goals scored in 5 of those 7 matches.
My prediction – Total over 2.5 goals
