Ajax face Liverpool at Johan Cruijff ArenA on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Here’s all the info you need to watch.
The group stage of the Champions League begins on Wednesday. In one of the marquee games of the day, Ajax host Liverpool at Johan Cruijff Arena. After reaching the semifinal two years ago, Ajax were knocked out in the final game of the group stage last year. The Reds won two seasons ago but failed to defend their title, losing to Atletico Madrid in the round of 16.
Ajax are in the Champions League for the third straight season. Domestically, Ajax have won two straight Eredivisie titles under Erik ten Hag. However, the club underwent significant changes over the summer. As is the case for every Dutch team, they were forced to sell their players to the bigger clubs in Europe and use the profits to develop new talent. Captain Dusan Tadic remains one of the few key players from Ajax’s run to the semifinal two seasons ago. Tadic leads the club with three goals this season. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Mohammed Kudus appears to be the club’s next big star. The Ghanian midfielder was signed from Nordsjaelland and leads the club with three assists this season.
Liverpool ran away with the Premier League last season. This season, the Reds have gotten off to a good start, picking up 10 points in their first five games to sit third. However, their title shots took a major hit after star center-back Virgil van Dijk suffered a torn ACL against Everton. The loss of van Dijk is a major blow for Liverpool. He is among the best center-backs in the world and his loss creates a significant hole in the Reds’ defense. Liverpool do not have anybody capable of replacing van Dijk, but they could try outscoring their mistakes at the back. Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino each scored at least 10 goals when the club captured the Champions League trophy two seasons ago. If Liverpool get a similar performance from their front three, they can make another deep run.
The Champions League League match between Ajax and Liverpool will be broadcast online. Live streaming is available on CBS All Access, which you can access with a subscription.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21
Start Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Stadium: Johan Cruijff Arena
TV info: Online only
Live Stream: CBS All Access
Despite being two of the most prestigious clubs in Europe, Ajax and Liverpool have only played against each other twice. However, their last game against each other was 54 years ago when Ajax knocked Liverpool out of the European Cup behind Johan Cruyff’s three goals.