Ajax Vs Frankfurt

Eintracht Frankfurt is set to travel to the iconic Amsterdam Arena for the first leg of their Europa League last-16 encounter against Ajax on Thursday. This highly anticipated clash brings together two historic clubs eager to make a deep run in the competition. Frankfurt, who secured a direct place in the last 16 by finishing fifth in the league phase, will face an Ajax side that had to battle past Union Saint-Gilloise in the knockout round playoffs.

As Ajax prepares for this crucial fixture, the Dutch giants are looking to build on their momentum. Their league phase campaign was a rollercoaster, finishing in 12th place, just a point short of the top eight. Despite some inconsistency, Ajax displayed resilience when it mattered most, winning four, drawing one, and losing three of their eight matches. Their journey to this stage of the Europa League was anything but straightforward. The playoff tie against Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise initially seemed to be going in Ajax’s favor after a commanding 2-0 victory away from home. However, the return leg proved to be far more dramatic than anticipated.

The Amsterdam-based club found themselves under immediate pressure as their two-goal advantage was quickly erased within the first 30 minutes of the second leg. Union Saint-Gilloise capitalized on the chaos, scoring twice on either side of a Davy Klaassen red card, leaving Ajax in a precarious position. Down to ten men and facing elimination, the team had to summon all its resilience to force extra time. It was in this crucial period that Kenneth Taylor stepped up to convert a penalty, securing Ajax’s passage to the last 16. This hard-fought victory not only reinforced Ajax’s determination but also set up an enticing showdown with Frankfurt, with a quarter-final berth against either AZ Alkmaar or Tottenham Hotspur on the line.

Heading into this pivotal first-leg encounter, Ajax has enjoyed a solid run of domestic form. Under the guidance of Francesco Farioli, they have registered consecutive league victories over Go Ahead Eagles and Almere City. These wins have strengthened their hold at the top of the Eredivisie standings, where they now sit comfortably with an eight-point lead. Such a position allows Ajax to focus fully on their European campaign without the distraction of domestic struggles.

One major source of confidence for the home side is their strong track record against German opponents in UEFA competitions. Ajax has suffered just one defeat in their last 21 home fixtures against German clubs, winning 17 and drawing three. This formidable record suggests that the Dutch side has a psychological edge when facing Bundesliga opposition in European tournaments. With the home crowd behind them, Ajax will look to extend this dominance and gain a crucial advantage before the return leg in Germany.

On the other hand, Eintracht Frankfurt enters this fixture with ambitions of rekindling their past Europa League glory. Having triumphed in the 2021-22 edition of the tournament under Oliver Glasner, Frankfurt is determined to replicate that success. The club, known for its passionate supporters and aggressive playing style, has once again demonstrated its capability in European competitions. Their league phase performance was commendable, as they secured five wins, one draw, and two losses to finish in fifth place, thus earning direct entry into the last 16.

However, despite their promising start to the campaign, Frankfurt’s recent form has raised some concerns. The team is coming off a difficult spell in the Bundesliga, where they suffered consecutive heavy defeats. A 4-0 loss away to league leaders Bayern Munich was followed by a 4-1 home defeat against second-placed Bayer Leverkusen. These setbacks have highlighted certain vulnerabilities within the squad, particularly in defense, which Ajax may look to exploit.

Frankfurt’s domestic struggles are in stark contrast to their strong early-season performances. At one point, they were flying high in the Bundesliga, even occupying third place. However, since the start of 2025, their form has fluctuated. After kicking off the year with four consecutive wins, the German side has now managed just one victory in their last seven competitive outings, drawing three and losing three. This dip in form may be a cause for concern, but it also presents an opportunity for the team to reset and refocus ahead of a crucial European tie.

Dino Toppmöller, the head coach of Frankfurt, will be particularly mindful of his side’s away form in the league phase. Despite their overall solid performance in the tournament, Frankfurt ended the group stage with back-to-back away defeats against Lyon and Roma. These losses underscored their struggles when playing away from home, a factor that could be significant as they prepare to take on Ajax in Amsterdam. Playing in a high-pressure environment against a club with a rich European pedigree will be a stern test for Toppmöller’s men.

Nevertheless, Frankfurt’s European pedigree cannot be overlooked. Historically, they have performed well in knockout rounds, having advanced from six of their previous last-16 ties in UEFA competitions. A notable example of their resilience came in the 2021-22 Europa League campaign when they secured a dramatic 3-2 aggregate victory over Real Betis after extra time, en route to winning the trophy. Such experiences have instilled a sense of belief within the squad, and they will look to draw upon this history as they take on Ajax.

Despite the recent setbacks, Frankfurt possesses a squad filled with talent and experience. Players like Hugo Ekitike, Mario Götze, and Ellyes Skhiri have the ability to turn the game in their favor. The attacking threat posed by Ekitike will be crucial if Frankfurt aims to breach Ajax’s defense, while the midfield presence of Götze could provide the creative spark needed to unlock the opposition. Defensively, the team will need to tighten up and avoid the lapses that led to their heavy defeats against Bayern and Leverkusen.

As both teams prepare for this exciting showdown, several key battles on the pitch will likely determine the outcome. Ajax’s attacking unit, spearheaded by Brian Brobbey and Steven Bergwijn, will look to exploit Frankfurt’s recent defensive frailties. On the other side, Frankfurt will aim to counteract Ajax’s possession-based style with quick transitions and high pressing. Midfield duels will be crucial, with Ajax’s Kenneth Taylor and Branco van den Boomen set to go head-to-head against Frankfurt’s Skhiri and Götze.

Ultimately, this last-16 first-leg tie promises to be an enthralling contest between two clubs with rich histories and high ambitions. Ajax, buoyed by their strong home record against German teams, will seek to take a commanding lead before heading to Germany for the second leg. Meanwhile, Frankfurt, despite their recent struggles, will look to channel their European experience and bounce back from their domestic setbacks. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to take a significant step toward the Europa League quarter-finals.