Villarreal vs Ajax

A high-stakes "battle of the basement" takes place at the Estadio de la Cerámica today, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as Villarreal hosts Ajax. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT (15:00 ET).

This fixture features the two lowest-ranked sides still in contention for a play-off spot. Villarreal sits in 35th place with just 1 point, while Ajax is 34th with 3 points. For both clubs, anything less than a victory tonight will mathematically end their hopes of progressing in the Champions League.

Match Information

Villarreal: The Final Stand

After a strong start to the new year in La Liga, Villarreal’s momentum was halted by a 2–0 defeat to Real Betis on Saturday. Manager Marcelino faces the daunting task of ending a four-match losing streak in Europe. Despite creating a high volume of chances—averaging 14 shots per game—the "Yellow Submarine" has failed to score in four of their six Champions League outings this season.

Team News and Selection:

• Major Absences: Pape Gueye is suspended, while central defenders Willy Kambwala and Logan Costa are out with long-term knee injuries.

• Transfer Activity: Villarreal recently sold stars Alex Baena and Thierno Barry, leaving a creative void that January arrival Georges Mikautadze is expected to fill.

• Key Player: Nicolas Pépé has been the primary source of creativity, leading the team in shot assists (14).

• Predicted XI (4-4-2): Luiz Júnior; Mouriño, Rafa Marín, Renato Veiga, Cardona; Pépé, Partey, Comesaña, Moleiro; Pérez, Mikautadze.

Ajax: A Giants' Crisis

The Dutch giants are enduring one of the darkest periods in their European history. Now led by interim boss Fred Grim, Ajax has lost five of their six Champions League matches and has conceded a competition-high 18 goals. Their defensive vulnerabilities were further exposed last week in a record 6–0 cup defeat to AZ Alkmaar.

Team News and Selection:

• The "Prove-it" Deals: Technical director Jordi Cruyff has overseen a busy January, bringing in Takehiro Tomiyasu and most recently Oleksandr Zinchenko (who is undergoing his medical today and is unlikely to feature tonight).

• Injury Report: Steven Berghuis (groin) and Wout Weghorst (ankle) are sidelined. Youri Baas is a major doubt.

• Key Player: Oscar Gloukh has been the lone bright spot, scoring twice in their only UCL win against Qarabağ.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Jaroš; Gaaei, Itakura, Baas, Lucas Rosa; Klaassen, Regeer, Steur; Gloukh, Dolberg, Godts.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• First Meeting: This is the first-ever competitive meeting between Villarreal and Ajax.

• Defensive Woes: Ajax has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 11 Champions League matches.

• Spanish Struggle: Ajax has lost 12 of their last 15 Champions League games against Spanish opposition.

• Villarreal's Shooting: Despite their low point total, Villarreal has produced 85 shots in 6 matches—nearly double that of Ajax.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Villarreal’s high shot volume suggests that their luck in front of goal is due to turn, and there is no better opponent for that than an Ajax defense that has conceded 10 first-half goals in this competition alone. Ajax will likely rely on the counter-attacking threat of Kasper Dolberg and the late runs of Davy Klaassen, but their confidence appears to be at an all-time low.

Given the "Cerámica factor" and Ajax's catastrophic defensive record, the Yellow Submarine should secure their first win of the campaign.

Final Score Prediction: Villarreal 3–1 Ajax