Real Madrid:
European Champions, Real Madrid will visit the Dutch giants Ajax for a face-off in the first leg of the last-16 Champions League tie. Although Madrid’s side did face quite a lot of issues yet they have won their last three fixtures. They have been unbeaten in their last nine two-legged knockout ties in the competition, hereby leaving a foothold that ensures a stern competition. Their 3-1 victory over Atletico Madrid on Saturday was quite impressive and a draw with Barcelona clearly displayed their agenda to win the title. They are quite confident in picking up the pace ahead of the second league at the Bernabeu on March 5.
Probable Line-ups: Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Reguilon; Casemiro, Modric, Kroos; Lucas, Benzema, Vinicius
Ajax:
While Ajax’s winter arrived last summer after the transfer of Tadic from Southampton, who managed to score 22 times in all competitions. Looks like Ajax’s middle order is in sync with Tadic’s presence. Ajax’s campaign has been quite enthralling as we get to see the Dutch giants competing in the top 16 campaign since 2005-06 but their face-off with Madrid has cost them 6 defeats. Ajax has been unbeaten in Europe this season and they are just two points away from Bayern Munich in Group E. Their form is stable and can call them as worthy contenders for Madrid.
Probable Line-ups: Onana; Mazraoui, Blind, Matthijs De, Tagliafico; Schone, De Jong, Van de Beek; Neres, Tadic, Ziyech
My PlayerzPot XI:
PlayerzPot Prediction:
Real Madrid 2-1 Ajax
Madrid has definitely picked up a pace recently and although Ajax’s form is decent, Santiago Solari’s side is up for a narrow-win.
