Villarreal vs Ajax Prediction 20 January 2026
📢 The Champions League group stage is gradually nearing its conclusion. On the horizon is the seventh round of this phase, featuring a clash between Villarreal and Ajax. Both teams find themselves languishing at the bottom of the standings, fighting more for pride than points, as no one anticipated the Spanish and Dutch sides would meet sitting at 35th and 34th positions, respectively. So, how will their battle unfold? Read our prediction below!
Head-to-Head
📊 These teams have not faced each other in any official matches before.
Head-to-head statistics Villarreal - Ajax
Villarreal Team Overview
Villarreal have no chance of advancing to the playoffs. The Spanish side have had a dismal Champions League group stage, earning just one point across six matches. This is certainly surprising, as before the tournament began, few doubted that the 'Yellow Submarine' would be among the top 24 and comfortably advance at least to the Round of 32. However, reality proved otherwise. Notably, in their final Champions League match, the Spaniards managed to lose at home to Copenhagen with a score of 2-3.
In La Liga, however, Marcelino García Toral's squad are faring much better. Villarreal currently sit third in the standings, having accumulated 41 points from 19 matches. In their previous La Liga fixture, the 'Yellow Submarine' faced Real Betis away but suffered a disappointing defeat (0-2).
Match Results: Villarreal
Ajax Amsterdam Team Overview
Ajax have also faltered in the Champions League group stage. This can be confidently stated even before the start of the seventh round, as the Dutch side have managed to secure only three points out of a possible 18. It's worth noting that the Amsterdam club have the worst defense in the tournament: they've conceded 18 goals and have a goal difference of -13, currently the worst among all Champions League participants. Fans are undoubtedly saddened by such a significant decline for the Dutch on the international stage, especially considering they reached the semifinals of the world's premier club competition not too long ago.
In the Eredivisie, Ajax sit in third place. However, the leaders, PSV, are already far ahead, with an 18-point gap after 19 rounds of competition. On the bright side, they are only two points away from second place. In their previous league match, Fred Grim's squad unexpectedly dropped points at home against Go Ahead Eagles, drawing 2-2.
Match Results: Ajax Amsterdam
Latest news
Villarreal
❌ In the upcoming Champions League round, Villarreal's coaching staff are unlikely to count on Ilias Akhomach and Pape Gueye, who only wrapped up their Africa Cup of Nations commitments on Sunday. Additionally, Pau Cabanes and Logan Costa will definitely miss the clash with Ajax due to injuries.
Ajax Amsterdam
❌ The visitors are also facing lineup issues ahead of their clash against the Spanish side. Ajax are expected to be without Takehiro Tomiyasu, Youri Baas, Wout Weghorst, and Steven Berghuis due to injuries for the upcoming Champions League group stage match.
⚽ Goal Prediction
The clash between Villarreal and Ajax promises to be a high-scoring affair, as both teams are known for their open and attacking style of play. The Spanish side traditionally excels at home and aims to control the game, while the Dutch team has found the net in 8 of their last 9 matches. Therefore, our editorial pick is over 2.5 goals.
🚩 Corner Prediction
Villarreal frequently utilizes the width of the pitch and often delivers crosses into the box, leading to defenders regularly clearing the ball out for corners. Ajax also relies on quick transitions from defense to attack and numerous long-range shots that goalkeepers often deflect for corners. Additionally, it's worth noting that Villarreal's last six Champions League matches have seen at least 11 corners, while Ajax have had a similar record in 6 of their last 7 away games across all competitions. Considering these factors, our editorial choice is over 9.5 corners.
Editorial Prediction
Both clubs have been struggling in this Champions League campaign-there's no denying that. However, when you look at their overall performances this season, Villarreal are a step ahead. Under Marcelino, they have a well-organized attack, and both their pressing and high defensive line are effective. We believe the Spanish side can finally break their Champions League winless streak at home and secure their first three points of the season. We're backing a Villarreal victory. A possible scoreline could be 2-1.
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Betting Tips: Villarreal - Ajax Amsterdam
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Comparison of Teams Stats
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