The last round wasn’t the toughest for Ajax, and they would be hoping to continue their push for a place in the group stage by eliminating their Belgian host in this round. Standard Liege are returning to this competition after a four years absence, they would be keen on getting a good first-leg advantage to take to Holland.
Liege do not measure up to the standard of Ajax in terms of European reputation, and they would have to be at their best to eliminate the Dutchmen, however, Ajax have struggled in Europe in recent times. They were eliminated from the Champions League and Europa League in a matter of days last season, they would want to avoid such a shameful scenario here again.
Ajax last met Standard in 2016 on their way to the Europa League final, drawing 1-1 in a trip here during the group stage. Standard have won one of their last eight Champions League games.
