Ajax are historical regulars among Europe’s elite clubs, but they
have undoubtedly declined since their glory days. They are still
regulars in the group stages of the Champions League though, with them
making it that far in five of their last six seasons. They haven’t made
it past the groups during this period though, with their most successful
outing being a round of 16 appearance in the Europa League in 2014/15.
Their 2nd place finish in the Eredivisie last season saw them fail to dislodge PSV at the top again, although there was just a two point gap between them at the end of the season. With the Eredivisie season kicking off the weekend after this tie is finished, Ajax will be keen to get their competitive season off to a good start as they look to reclaim the Dutch title.
Ajax’ pre-season form has been rather patchy though. They have won two, drawn two, and lost one of their friendlies, although they haven’t lost a competitive match since an away defeat to Utrecht in December 2015. At home their unbeaten streak stretched back to October as well, so they are certainly hard to defeat.
PAOK eventually finished 2nd in their domestic league as well. Olympiakos stormed the regular season as they dropped just five points in 30 matches, winning the title by a huge 30 point margin over 2nd placed Panathinaikos. But during the playoff round PAOK came back from a disappointing regular season to top the table and claim a runners up medal and a Champions League qualification position.
This is the first time they have qualified for the Champions LEague since the 2013/14 season, but they have never made it as far as the group stages in this competition. They have made it to the Europa League group stages in five of their last six seasons though, making it to the knockout stages three times as well.
Their 2nd place finish in the Eredivisie last season saw them fail to dislodge PSV at the top again, although there was just a two point gap between them at the end of the season. With the Eredivisie season kicking off the weekend after this tie is finished, Ajax will be keen to get their competitive season off to a good start as they look to reclaim the Dutch title.
Ajax’ pre-season form has been rather patchy though. They have won two, drawn two, and lost one of their friendlies, although they haven’t lost a competitive match since an away defeat to Utrecht in December 2015. At home their unbeaten streak stretched back to October as well, so they are certainly hard to defeat.
PAOK eventually finished 2nd in their domestic league as well. Olympiakos stormed the regular season as they dropped just five points in 30 matches, winning the title by a huge 30 point margin over 2nd placed Panathinaikos. But during the playoff round PAOK came back from a disappointing regular season to top the table and claim a runners up medal and a Champions League qualification position.
This is the first time they have qualified for the Champions LEague since the 2013/14 season, but they have never made it as far as the group stages in this competition. They have made it to the Europa League group stages in five of their last six seasons though, making it to the knockout stages three times as well.
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