Two previous 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 200th Champions League appearance, with Enzo Maresca’s side chasing a fourth straight win across all competitions.
After their convincing 3–0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, as reported by Softfootball, confidence is high in West London. The Blues are unbeaten in their last 12 Champions League home group games (W8, D4), and that 2019 loss feels a lifetime ago.
Ajax, meanwhile, remain winless and goalless in the UCL league phase. The Dutch side sit 35th out of 36 teams, with only Kairat below them. Their domestic struggles have piled pressure on John Heitinga, whose side were thrashed 4–0 by Marseille last time out. In contrast, Maresca’s men have been improving week by week, even as Chelsea captain Reece James works his way back to full fitness.
Team News
Chelsea are still without Cole Palmer, who’s out for six weeks due to injury, as confirmed by Softfootball. João Pedro also misses out through suspension after his red card against Benfica. Youngsters Estevão, Tyrique George, and Facundo Buonanotte could all feature, while Moisés Caicedo – one of the top tacklers in this season’s competition – should control midfield.
For Ajax, Heitinga may turn to Jorthy Mokio, who recently became their second-youngest debutant in the Champions League. Striker Wout Weghorst returns and could pose an aerial threat, having won 28 duels in the Eredivisie this season.
Possible 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, via their official X account, posted a preparatory post to generate anticipation for their UEFA Champions League match against Ajax at Stamford Bridge.
Softfootball’s Prediction
Chelsea 3–0 Ajax
Maresca’s structured but energetic system should overpower an Ajax side in crisis. Expect Chelsea’s young guns to dominate possession, find space between lines, and celebrate another strong night at Stamford Bridge.
