Ajax vs Real Madrid. UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
Amsterdam ArenAAttendance52,286.
Wednesday 13 February 2019 10:07, UK
Frenkie de Jong is fit to play for Ajax against Real Madrid in the Champions League last-16 first leg on Wednesday (kick-off 8pm), boss Erik ten Hag confirmed.
Ajax enter the last-16 clash for the first time since the 2005/06 season and have never progressed to a further stage.
However, last season's Eredivisie runners-up are unbeaten in the competition this season and finished just two points behind Bayern Munich in Group E on 12 points.
They will face Madrid with De Jong, who will join Barcelona for an initial £65m fee in July, confirmed as fit enough to play at least some part in the game after exacerbating an adductor injury at the weekend.
Ten Hag said: "Frenkie [de Jong] is fit; he is looking forward to the game, just like we all are.
"Top teams can play very offensively, but also shut up tight and then break at pace. Real Madrid have a very experienced team, with guys like (Sergio) Ramos, (Toni) Kroos, (Luka) Modric and (Karim) Benzema, but also a good mix.
"It is going to be a great challenge for us to achieve something positive. We know we can be strong on this stage, and certainly in Amsterdam."
Madrid are looking to win their fourth straight Champions League trophy this season and Santiago Solari says his side will be fully focused on the match amid reports Marcelo could be on his way out of the club.
He said: "Marcelo is a great player. He's our vice-captain and he always puts Madrid first. He's training very well.
"When you lose everything's bad and when you win everything's good. Tomorrow is an important game and that's what our focus is on."
"We have great memories of this stadium. Let's hope that continues tomorrow. They're a side who link up well, build the play well and have good players. You have to respect every opponent. I hope we produce a performance as serious as we did three days ago."
De Jong is set to feature in Wednesday's Champions League last-16 first leg against Madrid.
The 21-year-old was forced off the pitch 10 minutes from time as Ajax lost to Heracles Almelo in the Eredivisie on Saturday. He had been struggling before the game with injury but was passed fit to play.
Ajax also have concerns over the fitness of Nicolas Tagliafico, who completed Saturday's match but has been battling with a knee complaint, local media reported.
Solari could name an unchanged side to the one that beat rivals Atletico Madrid 3-1 at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday.
Jesus Vallejo and Luca Zidane are both ruled out (hamstring). Isco was not included in Real's 23-man squad as he has a back and neck injury.
Ajax have found their mojo and are a decent force again, but there is a combination of old and young. Tadic has the creative spark. Hakim Ziyech and Klaas Jan Huntelaar are scoring. They have never changed their philosophy on how they wanted to master the art of entertaining football.
Young players are probably not as good as they should be, but they are covering it with Daley Blind, who is back now. It is about understanding the club and integrating young players into the football club that they know. I have always had a lot of respect for them. They have a lovely stadium in the centre of the city, and one of the most iconic kits.
They have the history behind them and I would love to see them back among the best. They are capable of upsetting Real Madrid but it's great to see them here. This is the game to watch.
CHARLIE SAYS: 2-3 (18/1 with Sky Bet)
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