Ajax are faltering as the calendar year draws to a close. Ahead of UEFA Europa League matchday 6, they have secured just one victory in their last four competitive games (D1, L2). This downturn began with a matchday five loss to Real Sociedad (L 2-0), yet they remain unbeaten in the league phase this season (W3, D1), keeping them on course for the Round of 16.
They have emerged victorious in eight of their last nine competitive home games (D1), averaging 3.11 goals per match. This record boosts their confidence in returning to form against Lazio. The encounter promises to be more subdued than their previous European clash here, a dominant 5-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv, which took place amidst escalating Israeli-Palestinian tensions that caused unrest in Amsterdam.
Interestingly, despite both teams’ extensive European experience, this will mark their first-ever meeting. Lazio’s track record against Dutch clubs in major European tournaments is less than stellar (W5, D2, L6).
They view this as a chance to enhance their performance, considering they topped the league phase standings after the first five matches (four wins, one draw) and recently defeated Napoli twice consecutively in both league and cup competitions.
The most recent of these victories (1-0) was an away game, and the 1997/98 UEFA Cup runners-up have now secured consecutive away wins in the Europa League for the first time since 2017. The initial of those 2017 victories (3-2 against Vitesse Arnhem) and their latest win (2-0 against Twente) were both achieved over Dutch teams, providing additional motivation.
Key players: Mika Godts made a comeback from injury by scoring against AZ on Sunday (2-1 loss), marking his third goal in four games – notably, four of his last five goals in competitive play have come after the 70th minute. Lazio’s Dutch striker Tijjani Noslin contributed to four goals in their wins over Napoli (three goals, one assist), yet he has never triumphed when facing Ajax (one draw, four losses).
Interesting fact: Ajax have not conceded a goal in the first hour of any Europa League league phase match this season.
