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Juventus and AFC Ajax, 2 sides who eliminated quite possibly the most powerful city in terms of football to reach the quarterfinals of the UCL 2018-19 are the two names set to face each other.
While Ajax shocked the whole world as they defeated the 13-time winners, Real Madrid, Juventus made a heroic comeback as they ousted Atletico Madrid to book a ticket to the quarterfinals of this season's Champions League.
While both Ajax and Juventus had quite a run in the previous round, it's of no doubt that Juventus will start this tie as heavy favourites to proceed, and Ajax will need quite a miracle to get past this sturdy Juventus side.
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But the history of football suggests that anything is possible and we are not closing the door on Ajax. Here we list down 4 reasons why Ajax might pull off a surprise win in their quarterfinal matchup against Juventus.
#4 The underdog factor
Football is not just a sport, it's more of a religion followed by billions worldwide. The worldwide phenomenon is the most adored sports around the globe and we can't help but agree with the greatness of this scintillating sport.
What makes football so cherished is its ability to give us moments that shall be celebrated and remembered for the rest of our lives.
Talking about football, one cannot simply miss the spectacle that is the Champions League, as top European clubs battle for the top prize.
The Champions League is watched by billions and it's the intensity, the star power, and most importantly the talent on the show that makes us all tune in every year.
We have our quarterfinal clashes lined up for yet another thrilling ride.
One enticing matchup set to take centre stage is that of Juventus and Ajax. While both teams have displayed exciting gameplay up until this point, the favourite going into this one is Juventus.
The Italian giants are tipped to proceed, thus making Ajax the obvious underdogs in this clash.
The reason why the UEFA Champions League is so big is its history of churning out mind-boggling moments that successfully surprise us to the very limit.
Underdogs reaching the pinnacle is no strange phenomenon in the world of football, and Ajax will rely on this to bolster their confidence heading into this clash.
Ajax winning the UCL would add yet another chapter in the book of astonishing UCL tales.
#3 Vibrant squad
The average age of this dynamic Ajax side is 23, which is highly impressive considering how far they've reached in the tournament. The team has been flying high in Europe and in the domestic League as well. The side has displayed entertaining gameplay under their Dutch manager, Erik ten Hag.
The squad is often compared to the historic class of 1995 - Under Louis Van Gaal's management, Ajax won the Champions League in 1995.
Players like Dusan Tadic, Daley Blind, Jan-Klaas Huntelaar, and more have been sensational for the Dutch club, and fans of this magnificent football club will hope that their side continues to portray the high-flowing energetic football that has helped them get this far in the UCL.
Ajax faces Cristiano Ronaldo and company in the quarterfinals and Erik ten Hag faces the toughest task of his career as the manager of AFC Ajax.
But the Dutch manager will be confident in this vibrant unit being able to continue their hot streak and go all the way in this year's edition of the UEFA Champions League.
#2 Confident after knocking out the defending champions
Real Madrid is undoubtedly the most successful side in the history of the Champions League. Los Blancos have won the majestic Champions League title a record 13 occasions, including the previous 3 editions, as Real successfully claimed successive titles.
With that being said, the Spanish giants are no longer in the run for a 4th successive title as they were knocked out in the Round of 16 by a young and potent Ajax side.
Real Madrid had won the previous 3 editions of the UEFA Champions League and not many would've bet against Los Blancos when they were drawn against Ajax in the Round of 16.
But Ajax played out of their skin to register a famous victory which ensured their qualification to the quarterfinals. The Ajax devotees will strongly believe that if they can knock out the defending champions, then they can very well lift the trophy.
The players will feel the same, and this confidence could really hurt Juventus as the Bianconeri gear up to face this season's surprise package in the form of Ajax.
#1 Nothing to lose
There is little to argue about Juventus heading into this one as the favourites. The Bianconeri are set to face a dynamic but inexperienced Ajax Amsterdam side as they look to reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
The odds are heavily stacked up against Ajax Amsterdam, and believe it or not, this might prove beneficial for them! This Ajax unit is capable of achieving great things, but it seems the time might be too soon to call Ajax a European heavyweight.
The Dutch side without the weight of expectations - will play with freedom and flair, as they step out to impress.
The scenes will be crazy if Ajax Amsterdam beats Juventus, and if they carry on with their round of 16 form - expect a tantalising tale to unfold!
