The upcoming clash between AFC Ajax and Galatasaray SK in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League league phase carries significant weight for both clubs. Ajax find themselves in a precarious position after a poor start, while Galatasaray travel to Amsterdam with momentum and ambitions of progression.
The Dutch giants will be desperate to stop the bleeding at home, and the Turkish champions will look to capitalise.
Ajax find themselves in a dire situation, sitting rock bottom of the 36-team Champions League standings with zero points from three matches.
The Dutch side has endured a nightmare start to their European campaign, suffering heavy defeats including a humiliating 5-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their previous Champions League outing.
Galatasaray, in stark contrast, occupy 14th position with six points from three matches following back-to-back home victories. After suffering a 5-1 opening defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt, the Turkish champions have rebounded impressively with a 1-0 triumph over Liverpool and a 3-1 victory against Bodo/Glimt.
Both wins came at their fortress, the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex RAMS Park, where they defeated Liverpool thanks to Victor Osimhen’s penalty.
Ajax vs Galatasaray – Date, Time, Predictions, and More
- Tournament: UEFA Champions League (2025-26)
- Match Date: Wednesday, 5 November 2025
- Time: (to be updated when confirmed)
- Stadium: Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam
- Past 5 Matches (All Competitions):
- Ajax Form: L D L L W D
- Galatasaray Form: W D W W W D
Team News & Injuries – Ajax vs Galatasaray
Ajax
Ajax have been struggling in Europe, losing all three group games in the UCL so far, conceding 11 goals and scoring just once. Their recent 1-1 home draw in the Eredivisie highlights deeper problems within the team.
Ajax face significant personnel issues heading into this crucial fixture. Midfielder Kenneth Taylor is suspended after receiving a red card in the Chelsea defeat for a reckless challenge on Facundo Buonanotte in the 17th minute. Taylor’s dismissal proved a turning point in that match, and his absence will be keenly felt in midfield.
Galatasaray
Galatasaray are enjoying good form, unbeaten in several consecutive matches. They’ve secured two wins from their first three UCL games and look confident.
Their attacking threat is formidable: Victor Osimhen has scored in back-to-back European games, continuing a streak of seven consecutive European matches with goals. Ilkay Gündoğan is sidelined with a calf injury, but the rest of the squad seems to be in good shape.
Last 5 Matches & Results Summary
| Team | Last 5 Matches | Results Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Ajax | e.g. vs Heerenveen (D)… | ~1 Win, … |
| Galatasaray | e.g. vs Bodo/Glimt (W)… | ~2 Wins, … |
Head-to-Head Record – Ajax vs Galatasaray
These two teams don’t have much history together. Their most recent encounter saw Ajax defeating Galatasaray 2-1 at home in a friendly or minor competition.
Overall Record
| Matches | Ajax Wins | Galatasaray Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1+ | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Recent Meetings (Last 5)
| Date | Competition | Fixture | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earlier 2025 | Friendly/Other | Ajax vs Galatasaray | 2-1 |
Possible Starting Lineups – Ajax vs Galatasaray
Based on current form and available information:
Ajax Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
- Pasveer (GK); Itakura, Sutalo, Baas, Moro; McConnell, Gloukh; Godts, Mokio, Weghorst; – (pending final selection)
Galatasaray Starting XI (4-3-3):
- Çakır (GK); Sallai, Sánchez, Bardakçı, Jakobs; Lemina, Sara, Sane; Yılmaz, Osimhen, Akgün (or similar)
Key Players to Watch
Ajax
- Mika Godts – A young attacker who might offer fresh impetus in the offensive phase at home.
- Ko Itakura – Central defender challenged to shore up a leaky back line.
- Oscar Gloukh – Midfield creative option who needs to step up amid poor output.
Galatasaray
- Victor Osimhen – The prolific striker in form, already scoring in European games.
- Leroy Sane – Offers pace and experience, key in disrupting Ajax’s defence.
- Gabriel Sara – Works the midfield and links defence to attack, important to Galatasaray’s transitions.
Match Prediction Ajax vs Galatasaray
Ajax are at risk of falling further behind in this group due to defensive weaknesses and struggles in front of goal. Meanwhile, Galatasaray come in with confidence and strong attacking form, looking better positioned to secure points in this matchup.
The match is likely to be a tightly contested one with goals on both sides. Both teams have displayed defensive weaknesses Ajax consistently throughout their campaign and Galatasaray especially in away games.
Considering Ajax’s urgent need for points and home advantage, along with Galatasaray’s stronger form but weak away performances, a narrow away win or a draw seems most likely.
Prediction: Ajax 1-2 Galatasaray
This perspective suggests that Galatasaray capitalize on Ajax’s vulnerabilities to achieve an away victory.
How to Watch Ajax vs Galatasaray
Here’s how you can watch the Ajax vs Galatasaray match live around the world:
| Country | TV Broadcasting / Streaming |
|---|---|
| USA | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo |
| UK | TNT Sports 1 / Discovery+ |
| Europe | UEFA.tv, local broadcasters |
| Turkey | Exxen, TV8 |
| Netherlands | Ziggo Sport, RTL7 |