TWO of Europe’s most historically successful clubs face off as Benfica host Ajax in the Champions League last 16.
Hosts Benfica have won this competition twice, way back in 1961 and 1962 when the great Eusebio was in his prime.
Ajax meanwhile have lifted the trophy a whopping four times.
In 1971, 1972 and 1973 when Johan Cruyff was at his best, and again in 1995, when Patrick Kluivert scored the winner against AC Milan.
And both sides showed shades of their former glory in the group stage.
Benfica’s defining moment came when they hammered Barcelona 3-0 in Lisbon, which ultimately led to them clinching second spot behind Bayern Munich.
Ajax meanwhile won all six of their matches to top a group containing, Sporting, Borussia Dortmund and Besiktas.
What time does Benfica vs Ajax kick off?
- Benfica take on Ajax on Wednesday February 23.
- The match kicks off at 8pm in the UK and Portugal – 9pm in the Netherlands.
- It takes place at the Estadio da Luz, Lisbon.
- The teams last met in 2018, when they played out a 1-1 draw in the Champions League group stage in Lisbon.
What TV channel is Benfica vs Ajax on and can I live stream it?
- Benfica vs Ajax is live on BT Sport 3.
- Coverage commences at 7.30pm.
- To stream the game live, head to the BT Sport website or app.
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Team news
Rodrigo Pinho and Lucas Verissimo are all out injured for Benfica, with Haris Seferovic also a doubt.
Julian Weigl, Nicolas Otamendi, Rafa Silva, Joao Mario and Alex Grimaldo are all on yellow cards and will miss the return leg if they get booked.
Jurrien Timber could miss out on this game after hitting his calf on a goal post at the weekend.
Brian Brobbey is definitely out, along with goalkeeper Martin Stekelenburg. That means Ajax will have to play either Andre Onana or Remko Pasveer in goal.
Latest odds
Benfica 16/5
Draw 29/10
Ajax 5/6
*Odds from Betfair correct as of Monday, February 21.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk