It's all set for an electrifying first-ever meeting between Ajax and Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16. This clash at Amsterdam’s iconic Johan Cruijff Arena on March 6, 2025, promises to be a thrilling contest between two storied clubs with rich histories in European football. Despite their illustrious pasts, they’ve never faced each other in a competitive setting, making this encounter all the more special.
Team Form and Challenges
Ajax comes into this game with incredible momentum, having won seven of their last eight matches across various competitions. This includes a recent strong performance with a narrow 1-0 victory against Almere City in the Eredivisie. Their record against German teams is particularly impressive, boasting 28 wins out of 39 encounters, and they have historically been tough to beat at home.
The responsibility of leading the attack falls on midfielder Kenneth Taylor, who is having an outstanding season with seven league goals so far. However, they’ve been dealt a blow with the absence of key players like Davy Klaassen, due to suspension, as well as injured stars Wout Weghorst and Christian Rasmussen. On a positive note, their first-choice goalkeeper Remko Pasveer is back from injury, which should bolster their defense.
Meanwhile, Eintracht Frankfurt is eager to turn their fortunes around. They might have celebrated a Europa League triumph in 2021/22, but recent form hasn’t been kind to them. Losing back-to-back Bundesliga matches, including a heavy 4-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, has exposed some vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, the team will pin their hopes on their prolific striker Hugo Ekitiké, who has already netted 18 goals this season, two of which were crucial in the Europa League.
Absentees and Tactical Considerations
Frankfurt’s chances are further affected by some notable absences. Their defense will miss Robin Koch due to a concussion, and Aurèle Amenda owing to a thigh injury. Additionally, Oscar Hojlund and Igor Matanovic will not be featuring in this encounter, forcing the manager to possibly rethink his strategy and lineup.
Historically, Ajax has been a daunting opponent for German clubs, and Frankfurt knows they'll need to bring their A-game to make a mark. Frankfurt has a mixed record against Dutch teams but managed to secure a modest five wins out of eight encounters, which could give them some level of confidence.
Those caught up in the buzz predict a hard-fought match, with many favoring Ajax to edge out a win, citing their exceptional home form. A 2-1 victory for the hosts is the bet for many pundits, but given the unpredictability of football, especially in cup tournaments, anything can happen when these two take the field for the very first time.