Match Today: Liverpool vs Ajax Amsterdam 26-10-2022 UEFA Champions League

Ajax must beat Liverpool to stay in the Champions League when the two teams meet at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Wednesday.

One point would be good enough to see the Reds advance to the knockout stages with one match remaining, although Jurgen Klopp's side could require a win if they have a chance to oust Napoli at the top of Group A.

After beating Rangers 4-0 in their opening game of the competition, Ajax appeared to have a good chance of reaching the knockout stages of this season.

However, three successive defeats have left Alfred Schroeder's side six points behind next-door rivals Liverpool with two games remaining, meaning they must beat the 2018-2019 champions and hope Napoli do the same in the final round if they want to. Progress to the next round.

The Dutch champions are back on the domestic track at least after losing five points in two games on either side of the international break, having crushed 15 goals against their opponents in the last three games, to open a four-point lead over PSV Eindhoven. table top.

However, Wednesday's match looks to be a major test for Schroeder as he continues to prove he is a worthy replacement for Erik ten Hag, after stints with FC Twente, Hoffenheim and FC Brugge as coach.

The victory over Liverpool will undoubtedly be the club's most important result since it was seconds away from facing Klopp's side in the 2019 final before Lucas Moura's last-gasp victory over Tottenham Hotspur at his expense, and there is no reason in the current situation.

The Dutch side should have no fear before the confrontation.

Indeed, Liverpool looked to have crossed the corner after beating Manchester City and West Ham 1-0 last week, but they lost by reverse at the resurgent Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday.

Steve Cooper's side sat deep and tight, constantly forcing their most famous opponents into wide areas, with Liverpool's attacking threat greatly reduced by the injury absences of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.

Perhaps most troubling for Klopp is his side's continually allowing high-quality chances to their opponents.

While Alisson Becker is far from being one of the Premier League's busiest goalkeepers, any outside hopes of narrowing the big points difference to Arsenal and Manchester City at the top of the table have now certainly fizzled, adding to the focus on the Reds' advance in Europe.

As such, Wednesday's trip to Amsterdam is a huge one for Liverpool as well, as they won't want to face Serie A leaders Napoli in the final round as they continue to advance to the playoffs in that match.

Klopp's side were arguably in worse shape before beating Ajax 2-1 last month, so the 55-year-old will feel confident to avoid defeat at least midweek despite suffering a major domestic setback.