Marseille vs Ajax: Champions League Preview and Prediction: 30/9/2025

Olympique de Marseille’s return to the Champions League began with one of the toughest assignments possible: an away trip to Real Madrid, the competition’s most decorated club. To their credit, Roberto De Zerbi’s side rose to the occasion at the Santiago Bernabéu, taking a surprise lead and even enjoying a numerical advantage late in the match.

Yet, the French side ultimately succumbed to pressure, losing 2-1 after conceding a late penalty to the Spanish giants. Despite the disappointment, the performance offered encouragement ahead of a crucial second matchday that could shape their European ambitions.

On the domestic front, Marseille have shown flashes of promise but also inconsistency. A 4-0 win over a weakened Lorient side demonstrated their attacking potential, but more demanding fixtures against Paris Saint-Germain and Strasbourg are on the horizon. The balance between European and Ligue 1 campaigns will test the squad’s depth in the coming weeks.

Ajax Looking to Rebuild in Europe

Ajax Amsterdam are also returning to the Champions League after a three-year absence, but their comeback was far from ideal. The Dutch club hosted last season’s finalists Inter Milan in their group opener and were beaten 2-0, with Marcus Thuram scoring twice. The result was disappointing, though Ajax can take comfort in a relatively favorable group draw that leaves them with realistic hopes of advancing.

Domestically, Ajax have started the Eredivisie season with steady form. They secured a 3-1 victory over Zwolle and are preparing for matches against PSV Eindhoven and NAC Breda before heading to France. The squad is young and talented, but lacking in European experience, making this trip to the Vélodrome a significant test of character.

Team News and Key Players

For Marseille, injury concerns linger. Hamed Junior Traoré remains doubtful with a thigh problem, while Geoffrey Kondogbia is also uncertain after missing recent fixtures despite impressing in Madrid. Still, the majority of the squad is available. Goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli is expected to retain his place behind a defense that includes summer arrivals Nayef Aguerd—who has already scored twice in Ligue 1—and Benjamin Pavard. In midfield, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Angel Gomes should continue to anchor play. Up front, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mason Greenwood, both with two goals to their names, will lead the attack alongside Amine Gouiri and Peixão, all of whom will be tasked with improving on their display in Spain.

Ajax are not without absentees of their own. Long-term injured midfielder Branco van den Boomen and winger Steven Berghuis, who has contributed one goal and two assists in the league, will both miss out. Backup defender Brouwman, however, could return. Up front, the spotlight falls on Wout Weghorst, who has three goals and one assist in the Eredivisie but was quiet against Inter. In midfield, Davy Klaassen continues to deliver with two goals and an assist, while Kenneth Taylor and Israeli youngster Oscar Gloukh provide creativity and energy. On the wings, young Belgian prospect Mika Godts (two goals, one assist) and returning forward Kasper Dolberg—back at Ajax after his early-career breakthrough there—add depth to the attacking options.

What to Expect

Ajax’s away form in European competition has been a major concern, with 15 defeats in their last 21 continental trips and only two points collected from their most recent eight outings. Marseille, in contrast, have been far stronger at home in Europe, winning 15 of their last 21 matches at the Vélodrome. With a demanding home crowd and renewed confidence from their showing in Madrid, the French side will look to capitalize on Ajax’s travel struggles.

Prediction

Marseille have the momentum, the home advantage, and the quality to make this fixture count. Ajax have attacking threats but remain fragile away from Amsterdam, which could leave them exposed against a motivated Marseille side.

Prediction: Marseille 3 – 1 Ajax