Head coach Pau Quesada’s squad aims to secure a vital advantage in the first leg before hosting the return fixture in Madrid, marking the opening steps of their 2026–2027 continental campaign.
Squad Composition and New Additions for the European Campaign
Real Madrid approaches this opening European fixture integrating five of its six summer signings alongside several youth academy products, as reported by match broadcasts. Manager Pau Quesada named five players from the club’s reserve team to the traveling squad—Águeda, Noe Llamas, Oihane, Pau Rubio, and Zouhir. However, primary attention focuses on the club’s new arrivals.
The traveling roster features summer acquisitions Levels, Andreia Jacinto, Elisa Senss, Beerensteyn, and Schröder, who are all in line for key roles as the club looks to advance past the qualifying phase and into the tournament’s group stage. The club faces a demanding path to secure its place among Europe’s elite, needing a strong result away from home against a disciplined Ajax side.
Tactical Approach and European Stakes
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Pau Quesada outlined the team’s tactical intent for the opening leg in Amsterdam. “We want to see a Real Madrid capable of being very aggressive in the opponent’s half,” the manager stated regarding the squad’s tactical blueprint for the match.
Securing a spot in the group stage remains a primary objective for the Spanish side, which has steadily built its competitive pedigree in European competition. With the return leg scheduled to take place in Madrid, the objective for the opening match is to minimize defensive vulnerabilities while translating attacking pressure into a decisive scoreline.
Match Context and Road Ahead
The encounter at Amsterdam serves as a direct test of squad depth following a busy transfer window. Competing against Ajax in the preliminary rounds presents a traditional European challenge, requiring precise execution from both veteran leaders and newly integrated squad members.
Following the conclusion of this two-legged qualifying tie, the victorious side will advance directly into the main group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, where the continent’s top-seeded clubs await.
Worth a look
