Two previous UEFA Champions League winners lock horns in London as Chelsea host a struggling Ajax at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The fixture marks Chelsea's 200th Champions League appearance, with Enzo Maresca's side chasing a fourth straight win across all competitions.
After their convincing 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, as reported by Softfootball , confidence is high in West London. The Blues are unbeaten in their last 12 Champions League home group games W8, D4, and that 2019 loss feels a lifetime ago.
Ajax, meanwhile, remain winless and goalless in the UCL league phase. The Dutch side sit 35th out of 36 teams, with only Kairat below them. Their domestic struggles have piled pressure on John Heitinga, whose side were thrashed 4-0 by Marseille last time out. In contrast, Maresca's men have been improving week by week, even as Chelsea captain Reece James works his way back to full fitness .