Match Overview

The 4th-round group stage match of the 2025/26 between Dutch club Ajax and Turkish side Galatasaray will take place on November 5 at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. This preview covers the prediction, odds, and key statistics for the Ajax vs Galatasaray encounter.

Ajax Team Analysis

Current Form and Standings

Johnny Heitinga’s squad, alongside Benfica, is one of only two clubs that have yet to secure a single point in the group stage. Ajax initially suffered defeats to Inter and Marseille without scoring a goal, followed by a heavy 1-5 loss against Chelsea. Furthermore, the team has conceded a total of 11 goals, marking the worst defensive record in the current Champions League campaign, a statistic shared with Eintracht. The Amsterdam-based club currently sits at the bottom of the tournament table.

Ajax Home Statistics

• The team has lost 4 of their last 5 home matches in the Champions League.
• At least one opponent failed to score in 7 of their previous 9 home games in this European competition.
• At least three goals were scored in 5 of Ajax’s last 7 home Champions League fixtures.

Ajax Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Starting XI

Vítězslav Jaroš – Anton Gaaei, Ko Itakura, Youri Baas, Lucas Rosa – Davy Klaassen, Kenneth Taylor, Oscar Gloukh – Raúl Moro, Mika Godts, Wout Weghorst.

Team News: Injuries and Suspensions

Midfielder Branco van den Boomen, along with forwards Kasper Dolberg and Steven Berghuis, will be unavailable due to injuries. Midfielder Kenneth Taylor is suspended.

Galatasaray Team Analysis

Current Form and Standings

Okan Buruk’s side defeated Bodø/Glimt 3-1 at home in the previous round, securing their second consecutive victory in the Champions League. However, the team once again failed to keep a clean sheet, marking the 12th time in their last 13 matches in this European competition. Galatasaray is currently positioned 14th in the standings with six points.

Galatasaray Away Statistics

• The Turkish side has lost their last four away matches in the Champions League.
• Both teams scored in 5 of the team’s previous 6 away games in this European competition.
• The club conceded at least two goals in 5 of their last 6 away Champions League fixtures.

Galatasaray Predicted Lineup (4-5-1)

Starting XI

Uğurcan Çakır – Roland Sallai, Davinson Sánchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Ismail Jakobs – Lucas Torreira, Mario Lemina, Yunus Akgün, Barış Yılmaz, Leroy Sané – Victor Osimhen.

Team News: Injuries

Midfielder İlkay Gündoğan will not be available for the team due to injury.

Referee Analysis

Head Referee

Benoît Bastien (France)

Referee Statistics (2024/25–2025/26 International Matches)

Matches officiated: 14 (International fixtures, 2024/25–2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows): 65;

Average yellow cards per match: 4.6;

Red cards shown: 4;

Average fouls per match: 25;

Penalties awarded: 29%.

Match Prediction: Ajax vs Galatasaray

Ajax’s Offensive Strength at Home

The Amsterdam side exhibits inconsistency in their home Champions League fixtures; however, they frequently demonstrate strong offensive capabilities. In their last ten home matches in this European competition, Ajax has collectively scored 18 goals. Despite this attacking prowess, the team has only managed to keep one clean sheet in their previous six home Champions League encounters, conceding a total of 14 goals during this period.

Galatasaray’s Away Scoring and Defensive Concerns

The Turkish team is also effective in creating chances and consistently scores, even when playing away. In 8 of their last 9 Champions League away matches, the team found the net, and in five of those instances, Galatasaray managed to score at least two goals against their opponents. Conversely, the club cannot boast a reliable defense: in 10 of their previous 11 away games in this tournament, the Turkish side conceded goals, with at least two goals conceded in nine of those matches.

Final Betting Tip

I anticipate a high number of goals in this match. My prediction is:  Total Goals Over 3 with odds of 1.69.