Ajax 0-2 Benfica: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments
Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Ajax 0-2 Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.
Ajax 0-2 Benfica Post-Match Review
Benfica took an early lead when S. Dahl scored, assisted by R. Rios, in the 6th minute, catching Ajax off guard despite the hosts’ possession dominance. The game settled into a pattern with Ajax pushing forward but failing to break through, as a substitution saw J. Mokio replace O. Wijndal at 60’. W. Weghorst picked up a yellow card for Ajax at 69’, adding to their frustration in a match where they held the ball but lacked cutting edge.
Ajax made a triple change at 74’, with K. Fitz-Jim replacing D. Klaassen, O. Gloukh coming on for R. Bounida, and K. Dolberg substituting for M. Godts, while S. Dahl received a yellow for Benfica in the same minute. Benfica made their first sub at 81’, T. Araujo replacing G. Sudakov, before L. Barreiro sealed the win with a goal assisted by F. Aursnes at 90’. Late Benfica substitutions followed, with Manu coming on for V. Pavlidis at 90+2’ and R. Rego replacing L. Barreiro at 90+3’, as Ajax’s final change saw R. Moro replace Y. Regeer at 83’.
Ajax 0-2 Benfica Statistics
Ajax controlled 62% of possession and racked up 10 corners compared to Benfica’s 4, suggesting they dictated the tempo but couldn’t convert pressure into goals, while their 70 successful dribbles highlighted individual flair that ultimately went unrewarded. Benfica, with just 38% possession and 30 successful dribbles, were more clinical, recording 1.0 assists that contributed to their efficiency despite fewer opportunities.
Both sides picked up one yellow card each, with no reds, and Ajax used all five substitutions to try shifting momentum, compared to Benfica’s three, which helped them manage the closing stages effectively without injury-time goals influencing the outcome.
The lack of penalties taken by either team kept things straightforward, and while Ajax’s higher substitution count reflected their chase for an equaliser, it didn’t pay off against a resolute Benfica defence.
Key Moments from Ajax 0-2 Benfica
The match turned early with S. Dahl’s goal assisted by R. Rios at 6’ for Benfica, setting a defensive tone that Ajax struggled to overcome despite their possession edge. A key spell around 74’ saw Ajax’s triple substitution – K. Fitz-Jim on for D. Klaassen, O. Gloukh for R. Bounida, and K. Dolberg for M. Godts – aiming to inject energy, but it coincided with yellow cards for W. Weghorst at 69’ and S. Dahl at 74’, heightening tensions without altering the scoreboard. The decisive moment came at 90’ when L. Barreiro scored, assisted by F. Aursnes, securing Benfica’s victory before their late subs at 90+2’ and 90+3’ locked things down.
Ajax 0-2 Benfica Lineups
Ajax
Ajax deployed a 4-1-4-1 formation, relying on a solid defensive base with a holding midfielder to support attacking forays, where partnerships like those involving W. Weghorst up front and creative outlets in midfield aimed to exploit spaces but fell short against Benfica’s organisation.
Benfica
Benfica set up in a 4-2-3-1 shape, featuring a double pivot in midfield for stability that allowed attacking players like S. Dahl and L. Barreiro to make impactful runs, with F. Aursnes providing key support in build-up play that proved effective on the counter.
Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match
L. Barreiro earns Man of the Match for his composed performance, capped by the crucial goal at 90’ assisted by F. Aursnes that clinched the points for Benfica; despite being substituted at 90+3’ for R. Rego, his timing and contribution in midfield stood out in a game where efficiency trumped possession.
Updated Form Guide
Ajax
Recent Champions League matches:
- Loss: 0-2 vs Benfica (H)
- Loss: 0-3 vs Galatasaray (H)
- Loss: 1-5 vs Chelsea (A)
- Loss: 0-4 vs Olympique Marseille (A)
- Loss: 0-2 vs Inter (H)
Benfica
Recent Champions League matches:
- Win: 2-0 vs Ajax (A)
- Loss: 0-1 vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen (H)
- Loss: 0-3 vs Newcastle United (A)
- Loss: 0-1 vs Chelsea (A)
- Loss: 2-3 vs Qarabağ (H)
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Ajax
Ajax will be disappointed with this home defeat, having dominated possession but lacking the finishing touch, and they’ll aim to regroup quickly for their next fixture to climb the standings and restore confidence in their attacking setup.
Benfica
Benfica can build on this solid away win, showcasing clinical finishing despite being second-best in possession, and their next fixture offers a chance to maintain momentum in their domestic campaign.
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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.
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