FOOTBALL

Champions League: Napoli vs. Ajax Prediction

Published

2 years ago

October 12, 2022

admin

Fresh off an emphatic 6-1 victory over Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Napoli will welcome the Dutch powerhouse at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona for a rematch.

Another win for the Neapolitans will assure them of a Champions League knockout stage place.

Apart from avenging the recent humiliation, Ajax need to take points from the game to stay in contention for the knockout stages.

Napoli on fire

Luciano Spaletti’s men affirmed their status as one of the most formidable attacking units in the continent by cruising to a 6-1 win away at Ajax Amsterdam last week.

The Johan Cruyff Arena crowd celebrated an early goal that put the hosts ahead. But, they were soon left in shellshock as the visitors responded by putting half a dozen goals past Ajax custodian Remko Pasveer.

Napoli took their destructive form to Serie A as they demolished Cremonese 4-1 to pick up another dominant away win.

It was Napoli’s 10th win in 12 matches. Giovanni Simeone, who scored the sixth goal at Ajax, found the net once again. Matteo Politano, Hirving Lozano, and Mathías Olivera made up the rest of the scoreline for the away side.

Other than Atalanta, Napoli are the only side in Serie A yet to taste defeat this season.

A 22-goal haul by their attackers has been instrumental to their rise to the Serie A top spot.

Napoli forwards have thrived in Europe as well, having hit the target 13 times in three outings. So, Napoli fans can hope to see their team pass the Champions League Round-of-16 stage for the first time in their history.

However, they still need three more points to book their RO16 tickets.

The horrific experience of their 6-1 thrashing to Napoli last week will haunt Ajax for a long time, but de Godenzonen must start anew on Wednesday night to bring something back from their trip to Naples.

The five-time European champions started their Champions League campaign with a remarkable 4-0 victory at home before suffering a narrow 2-1 loss to Liverpool at Anfield.

The 6-1 loss to Napoli have left them third in the group with three points under their belt.

If Liverpool manages to beat Rangers at home and Ajax lose again, the Reds will go six points clear of the Eredivisie giants. That scenario will all but confirm Ajax’s elimination from the Champions League group stages.

Ajax do have some inspiration to take from their weekend Eredivisie performance ahead of their crunch clash with Napoli.

Alfred Schreuder’s men picked up a 4-2 win at Volendam to stay only one point away from table toppers AZ Alkmaar.

Team news

The Ajax camp will not be thrilled to know that Napoli will get back their prolific striker Victor Osimhen from injury on Wednesday night.

One of Giacomo Raspadori and Giovanni Simeone might have to make way for the Nigeria international.

Amir Rrahmani will take a late fitness test to know whether or not he will be ready to feature in the Napoli backline. Leo Ostigard will be ready to deputise in his absence.

Skipper Dušan Tadić will not be travelling with the Ajax squad as he will serve suspension for getting sent off in the reverse fixture. Lucas Ocampos or Francisco Conceição might replace the Croatian in the starting XI.

Ajax will be desperate for a win since their Champions League survival is on the line.

While the scoreline is likely to be more competitive than their last encounter, we don’t see Ajax stopping the unbeaten run of Spaletti’s high flying Napoli.

It could be a 2-1 win for Napoli.

FC Goa

FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.

Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!

FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.

The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.

FC Goa

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.

FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!

Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.

Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.

The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.

Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.

FC Goa

Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa Face Off in ISL 2024-25 Thriller

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

Mohun Bagan SG faces FC Goa in a thrilling ISL 2024-25 encounter, promising intense action and crucial league implications.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.

Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.

This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.

Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.

Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.