Ajax v Barcelona: Champions League match preview

A look ahead to this week’s Champions League match in Amsterdam

Barcelona players, including Cesc Fabregas, celebrate a goal (GETTY IMAGES)

Barcelona will be looking to extend their 20 match unbeaten record this Tuesday as they face off against Ajax in Amsterdam. The Spanish side will be without key players however, as striker Lionel Messi and goalkeeper Victor Valdes have been ruled out of the remainder of the group stages.

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Having already qualified for the last 16 of the competition, Barcelona, who beat Ajax 4-0 at the Nou Camp back in September, require only a draw to secure first place in group. Having not lost a match since manager Gerardo Martino took over the side in July, Barcelona will have to show their strengths without star striker Messi who has scored 6 of the teams 9 goals in Europe this season.

Ajax, who currently reside in third position, will be out of the competition if they lose to Barcelona and Milan beat Celtic, yet if all results go their way, could replace the Italian side as the second place team in the group.

KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 7.45pm

PAST MEETINGS:

Barcelona 4 (Messi (3), Piqué ) Ajax 0, Champions League, Group Stage, September 2013

STATS:

Barcelona have lost just one of their 13 European games against Dutch sides (W6 D6).

Ajax have lost their last eight Champions League games against Spanish sides.

Lionel Messi, who is currently injured, has scored six of Barcelona's nine goals so far in this season's Champions League.

Barcelona have won just one of their last five Champions League away games (D2 L2).

ODDS:

Ajax to win: 5.1

Barcelona to win: 1.57

Draw: 4.0

TV: Live on Sky Sports Red Button at 7.45pm, highlights on Sky Sports 2 at 10PM and ITV at 10.35PM.