After Tuesday evening, Ajax already knows three of the seven potential opponents for the eighth finals of the Champions League. The team from Amsterdam already knew that Paris Saint-Germain is one of the options and Atlético Madrid and Internazionale were added on Tuesday. The last four possible opponents will be announced on Wednesday evening. The draw will take place next Monday at 12:00 in Nyon.
Apart from the profit premium of 2.8 million euros and two coefficient points, there was nothing more at stake for Ajax against Sporting Portugal (4-2 win). As group winner, Erik ten Hag’s team will meet a runner-up from another group after the winter break. Shifts are still possible in four groups, but currently Barcelona, Villarreal, Red Bull Salzburg and Juventus are in second place.
Ronald de Boer knows from which group the opponent of Ajax should come. “If you see the group that will be in action tomorrow, with Red Bull Salzburg, Lille OSC, Sevilla and VfL Wolfsburg,” said the analyst of Ziggo Sports. “Then you could choose from that. I myself would love Barcelona. They are not in great shape. But we say that now; the first game is only in February. It is a bit of coffee grounds to watch, because you are three months further. Maybe is Ajax then in a lesser period. At the moment you would say: come on, Barcelona. But if you see Lille, Salzburg or Wolfsburg, I think: do it.”
Sébastien Haller, who himself scored the opening goal against Sporting from a penalty, has no preference. “For me it is a bonus”, said the center striker of Ajax opposite Ziggo Sports. “We can have anyone, I have no preference. In the knockout phase, every match is difficult. We have to focus on ourselves and do our best.” Ten Hag also kept a low profile. “I don’t even look at draws, because you can’t influence it anyway,” said the coach. “You know you’re going to get a number two. We’ll see what comes our way. We want to challenge the top and annoy the top. You know you’re going to have a very tough opponent. If you want a chance to continue , you have to be very good twice. But whichever opponent comes out, it’s not impossible.”
Teams guaranteed second place:
Paris Saint Germain
Sporting Portugal (cannot draw Ajax)
Atletico Madrid
International
Other teams currently in second place:
Barcelona (could be taken over by Benfica)
Villarreal (can be taken over by Atalanta)
Red Bull Salzburg (can be taken over by Lille/Sevilla/Wolfsburg)
Juventus (still fighting with Chelsea for place one)
Standings in Group E:
1. Bayern Munich – 15 points
2. Barcelona – 7 points (worse mutual result with Benfica)
3. Benfica – 5 points
4. Dynamo Kiev – 1 punt
Standings in Group F:
1. Manchester United – 10 points
2. Villarreal – 7 points
3. Atalanta – 6 points
4. Young Boys – 4 punten
Standings in Group G:
1. Lille OSC – 8 points
2. Red Bull Salzburg – 7 points
3. Seville – 6 points
4. VfL Wolfsburg – 5 points
Standings in Group H:
1. Chelsea – 12 points
2. Juventus – 12 points
3. Zenit Saint Petersburg – 4 points
4. Malmö FF – 1 point
