Ajax vs Atalanta Prediction, H2H Stats & Statistical Bets 22 October 2026
📢 The Conference League is hard to call a prestigious European competition. It features plenty of lesser-known clubs who rarely attract much attention from the wider football public. Even so, there are genuinely big fixtures to be found here. One of the standout matches of the second round of the league phase will be Ajax against Atalanta at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. Both clubs have the potential to challenge for the title. How will the match end?
🔁 This prediction is updated on match day. Keep an eye on the Latest News section.
Two meetings, with Atalanta holding a slight edge
📊 Ajax and Atalanta have met just twice, both in 2020 when the sides were drawn together in the Champions League group stage. The first match, played in Italy, was an eventful one, with both teams scoring twice to finish 2-2. The return fixture in Amsterdam went very differently: Atalanta defended solidly and snatched all three points late on, winning 1-0.
Head-to-head statistics Ajax - Atalanta
Ajax are still far from their former heights
Ajax have been unable to reclaim their status as the strongest team in the Netherlands in recent years. Once the perennial title contenders, they have gradually lost their leading position and even stopped qualifying regularly for the Champions League. The Amsterdam club now find themselves competing in the Conference League, which clearly does not match their rich history or ambitions.
Ajax have made a reasonable start to the new season, though the results can hardly be called ideal. After nine rounds they have 18 points and sit fourth in the table. They continue to slip up at times, but occasionally produce football that is reminiscent of their better years. Last weekend was a particularly bright moment: Ajax travelled to Groningen and put on a goal fest, winning 5-2. The main statistical indicators suggested a fairly even contest, but the visitors were far more clinical with their chances.
Their Conference League start, however, was a real disappointment. In the opening round Ajax lost away to Croatian side Hajduk 1-2, despite being clear favourites going into the match. The difference in class was expected to make it a straightforward three points for the Dutch club, but things turned out very differently. What is more, the defeat is hard to call a fluke: Hajduk looked sharper in attack, created the more dangerous chances and, on the whole, deserved their victory.
Match Results: Ajax Amsterdam
Atalanta are still struggling to find consistency
Atalanta have made a poor start to the new Serie A season. After seven rounds they have collected just nine points and find themselves in an uncharacteristically low 11th place. Last weekend brought another defeat, as they lost 2-3 away to Milan. The situation looked close to catastrophic during that match: by the midpoint of the second half Atalanta were 0-3 down. They did manage to pull themselves together and scored twice to make it interesting late on, but there was not enough time or energy left for a full comeback.
In the Conference League, however, Atalanta have started well. In the opening round they hosted Cypriot side Pafos and won comfortably, 3-1. The level of opposition was clearly lower, but Atalanta backed up their superiority on paper with a convincing performance on the pitch. They took control from the first minutes and outplayed their opponents throughout. The outcome was effectively settled in the first half, when Atalanta established a comfortable lead. Pafos managed to get one back only late in the match.
Match Results: Atalanta
Latest news
Ajax Amsterdam
❌ Ajax have several injury concerns ahead of the match. Anton Gaaei and Kasper Dolberg remain sidelined with knee injuries, while Caio Henrique, Daley Blind and Steven Berghuis are also on the injury list.
Atalanta
❌ Atalanta have a considerably longer list of absentees. Franck Kessié, Thomas Pompei, Giorgio Scalvini, Odilon Kossounou, Giacomo Raspadori and Kamaldeen Sulemana remain sidelined through injury, while Sead Kolašinac and Isak Hien are doubtful.
Predicted Lineups
📋 Predicted starting XI for Ajax: Ter Stegen - Rosa, Bouwman, Janse, Wijndal - Klaassen, Amrabat, Mokio - Brandt, Leonardo, Gloukh.
📋 Predicted starting XI for Atalanta: Carnesecchi - Bellanova, Kristensen, Obrić, Bernasconi - Pašalić, Ederson, Samardžić - Rowe, Krstović, De Ketelaere.
⚽️ Goals Prediction
Ajax like to take control of matches from the first minute. The statistics back this up fully: they have scored before half-time in 8 of their last 9 matches. Given Atalanta's defensive problems and the home advantage, we are backing Ajax to Score in the First Half at 1.78*.
🚩 Corners Prediction
Ajax's Conference League matches have almost always produced corners in abundance. In 6 of their last 7 games in the competition, at least nine corners were recorded. Ajax prefer to play attacking football, and Atalanta are unlikely to sit deep for the entire match. We are therefore backing Total Corners - Over 8.5 at 1.67*.
🟨 Yellow Cards Prediction
Both Ajax and Atalanta have plenty of technically gifted players who can beat opponents one-on-one and draw fouls. The two sides are also fairly evenly matched, so neither will want to give up the initiative. We expect a competitive battle across the pitch, with plenty of duels and tactical fouls, and we are backing Total Yellow Cards - Over 3.5.
*Odds are indicative and may vary across different bookmakers.
⭐ Editor's Prediction
According to the bookmakers, Ajax go into this match as slight favourites. However, the two sides are roughly level in terms of quality, so neither is likely to leave the pitch without something to show for it. Worth noting in particular is Ajax's scoring record: in 11 of their last 12 matches, both Ajax and their opponents found the net, which points to quality in attack but also clear problems at the back. Our main bet is therefore Both Teams to Score - Yes. Predicted score: 2-2.
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Betting Tips: Ajax Amsterdam - Atalanta
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