Benfica heads to Ajax a massive underdog. The Protueguese Liga squad held their own in the first leg, pushing for a 2-2 draw. But the first leg match happened in Lisbon. On Tuesday, Benfica battles Ajax on the road in the Netherlands. Will Benfica prove they belong in the Champions League quarterfinals? Or will Ajax get it done as the big home chalk? Check out the latest Champions League odds, analysis, and a free pick for Ajax versus Benfica.

Ajax vs. Benfica 2022 Champions League Round of 16 Info

? Player of the season so far for Benfica is ______#UCL pic.twitter.com/q4VrwRTMFJ

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 14, 2022

• When: Tuesday, March 15 at 4:00 pm ET
• Where: Johan Cruijff Arena, Amsterdam Netherlands
• TV: CBS
• Live Stream: Paramount+
• Soccer Odds: Manchester United (+125) / Atletico Madrid (+258) / Draw (+217)

READ MORE: Manchester United vs. Atletico Madrid 2022 Champions League Odds & Preview (Mar. 15)

Why is Ajax a safe bet to win?

Benfica forced a 2-2 draw in the first leg. But Ajax dominated the match. The Eredivisie’s top team not only held possession 60% of the time, but they also took 8 shots on goal, compared to Benfica’s 4. If Ajax plays a similar match on their pitch, the favored team should have no trouble securing a regulation victory.

Possible Line-Up

• Onana
• Tagliafico
• Timber
• Schuurs
• Blind
• Alvarez
• Klaassen
• Antony
• Berghuis
• Tadic
• Haller

Ajax’s Last 5

• Win – 2-3 vs. SC Cambuur
• Win – 3-2 vs. RKC Waalwijk
• Win – 0-2 vs. AZ Alkmaar
• Loss – 2-1 vs. Go Ahead Eagles
• Draw – 2-2 vs. Benfica

Why is Benfica a safe bet to win?

Benfica played great in the first match. Although Ajax held possession 60% to 40%, Benfica scored 2 goals to force the 2-2 tie. The Portuguese League team managed to show they can play defense, not hold possession, and still force a draw. Also, Benfica shows 3 draws and a couple of victories in their last 5. They, no doubt, will play a similar defense first game on Tuesday. If things break their way, they can pull off the upset win in regulation.

Possible Line-Up

• Vlachodimos
• Lazaro
• Otamendi
• Vertonghen
• Grimaldo
• Silva
• Taarabt
• Weigl
• Everton
• Yaremchuk
• Nunez

Benfica’s Last 5

• Draw – 1-1 vs. Vizela
• Win – 1-2 vs. Portimonense
• Win – 3-0 vs. Guimaraes
• Draw – 2-2 vs. Ajax Amsterdam
• Draw – 2-2 vs. Boavista

Ajax vs. Benfica Betting Prediction

Ajax followed up the draw to Benfica with a loss to the Go Ahead Eagles. It was Ajax’s first loss since Dec. 12 when AZ Alkmaar beat them 2-1. The string of victories and draws had impressed so much that Ajax entered the Round of 16 one of the top underdog plays on the board. Although Ajax hasn’t played as well since the draw as they were before drawing with Benfica, they remain the better squad.

Don’t be surprised if the favorite wins this by at least 2 goals. Ajax dominated the first leg. They were as efficient as it gets. Ajax took just 11 shot to Benfica’s 17 but like we wrote above, 8-of-11 were on goal.

Expect a similar performance except this time some of the goals will fall. Ajax should win this by 2, so the handicap is a legit play. Benfica should score at least 1. So also consider going over.

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