Two earlier UEFA Champions League winners lock horns in London as Chelsea host a struggling Ajax at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The fixture marks Chelsea’s 2 hundredth Champions League look, with Enzo Maresca’s aspect chasing a fourth straight win throughout all competitions.
After their convincing 3–0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, as reported by Softfootball, confidence is excessive in West London. The Blues are unbeaten of their final 12 Champions League house group video games (W8, D4), and that 2019 loss feels a lifetime in the past.
Ajax, in the meantime, stay winless and goalless within the UCL league part. The Dutch aspect sit thirty fifth out of 36 groups, with solely Kairat under them. Their home struggles have piled stress on John Heitinga, whose aspect have been thrashed 4–0 by Marseille final day out. In distinction, Maresca’s males have been bettering week by week, at the same time as Chelsea captain Reece James works his method again to full health.
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Chelsea are nonetheless with out Cole Palmer, who’s out for six weeks on account of damage, as confirmed by Softfootball. João Pedro additionally misses out by means of suspension after his purple card towards Benfica. Children Estevão, Tyrique George, and Facundo Buonanotte might all function, whereas Moisés Caicedo – one of many high tacklers on this season’s competitors – ought to management midfield.
For Ajax, Heitinga could flip to Jorthy Mokio, who not too long ago grew to become their second-youngest debutant within the Champions League. Striker Wout Weghorst returns and will pose an aerial risk, having gained 28 duels within the Eredivisie this season.
Doable Lineups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Fofana, Cucurella; Gusto, Caicedo; Estevão, Buonanotte, Neto; George.
Ajax (4-2-3-1): Jaros; Gaaei, Sutalo, Baas, Rosa; Klaassen, Taylor; Edvardsen, Gloukh, Godts; Weghorst.
Chelsea, through their official X account, posted a preparatory publish to generate anticipation for his or her UEFA Champions League match towards Ajax at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea 3–0 Ajax
Maresca’s structured however energetic system ought to overpower an Ajax aspect in disaster. Count on Chelsea’s younger weapons to dominate possession, discover house between strains, and have a good time one other robust evening at Stamford Bridge.
