Ajax take on the visitors Royale Union SG in the second leg of UEFA Europa League round of 16. First leg result: 2-0. The match will be played on Thursday, February 20th at Johan Cruijff Arena (Amsterdam).
Ajax side have generally lost ground in recent years, ceasing to win trophies. But last season stands out, as there was a protracted crisis during the season. However, they still managed to reach the final 5th place, which allowed them to go to the Europa League. But now they have managed to catch up with PSV, who were clearly limping in the winter, in the Eredivisie, and, of course, the fight for the title will be a priority. But they have also spent a lot of effort in the Europa League - they started in the summer, having passed 3 qualifying rounds (and Panathinaikos were knocked out only due to an incredibly long and nerve-wracking penalty shootout after exchanging 1-0 away victories with the Greeks). In the main round, they de facto secured a place in the playoffs after the first 4 rounds - they brought 3 wins and a draw with Slavia. But then they relaxed too much, losing three times. So in January, they had to beat the strong Galatasaray for the last time. They started the playoffs in Belgium. There, they managed to secure a comfortable victory.
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Royal Union is trying to get back into shape. Last spring, Union 60 managed to lose the championship title at the finish line, just like in 2022. However, they still managed to win a trophy, their first in a very long time, by winning the Belgian Cup. Moreover, after the summer break, after Pocognoli arrived, they also added the national Super Cup. But in the Jupiler League, they have already noticeably lagged behind a couple of current leaders, Brugge and especially Genk. At the same time, in the Champions League, everything again ended with the very first opponent - the Belgians lost to Slavia Prague in both matches. And in the Europa League, draws and defeats alternated in the first 4 rounds. But, having pulled themselves together, the team successively defeated Twente, Nice and Braga, eventually reaching the playoffs despite a 1-2 draw with Rangers in Glasgow. Starting the playoffs at home, they conceded twice from the Dutch and did not respond with anything.
Representatives of neighboring countries had not played each other even in a friendly format until last week. The club from the Netherlands won away, and at home against an opponent who has clearly lost faith in continuing to play, they will also be able to win.
Prediction for the match: Ajax to win.
