The UEFA Champions League returns to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea host Dutch giants Ajax in a crucial Round 3 fixture. Both teams are fighting to secure key points in Group Stage play, with kickoff set for Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET.
Match Details
- Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
- Capacity: 41,841
- Surface: Grass
- Weather Forecast: 54°F, light rain
- Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany)
- Competition: UEFA Champions League – Group Stage, Round 3
How to Watch Live:
The match will stream live on Paramount+ (US), with additional coverage on ViX Premium Deportes 2 and ViX.
Team Form
Chelsea Recent Form:
- Nottingham Forest 0–3 Chelsea
- Chelsea 2–1 Liverpool
- Chelsea 1–0 Benfica
- Brighton 3–1 Chelsea
Under manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have shown steady improvement, finding consistency in attack and defensive organization. Wins over Liverpool and Benfica demonstrate their European readiness, while their recent dominant performance at Nottingham Forest shows growing chemistry in midfield. Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer have been key contributors, supported by a rejuvenated Nicolas Jackson up front.
Ajax Recent Form:
- Ajax 0–2 AZ Alkmaar
- Sparta Rotterdam 3–3 Ajax
- Ajax 4–0 Marseille
- AIK 1–2 Ajax
Ajax’s season has been turbulent, alternating between explosive attacking displays and lapses in defense. Despite a convincing win against Marseille, recent domestic struggles reveal inconsistency. Kenneth Taylor and Brian Brobbey remain crucial to Ajax’s attacking flow, but defensive discipline will be vital against a fast-paced Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge.
Tactical Analysis
Chelsea’s pressing intensity and quick passing will challenge Ajax’s high-risk possession game. Expect Chelsea to target Ajax’s full-backs through overlapping runs, while Ajax will rely on swift transitions and creative playmaking through the center.
Key matchup: Cole Palmer vs. Jorrel Hato — Palmer’s technical ability and movement between lines could expose Ajax’s young defensive line.
Prediction
Chelsea’s home advantage, combined with their recent momentum in both domestic and European play, should give them the upper hand. Ajax’s attacking spark makes them dangerous, but defensive fragility could prove costly against an in-form Blues side.
Prediction: Chelsea 2–0 Ajax
Match Essentials
- Kickoff: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 — 3:00 PM ET
- Stadium: Stamford Bridge (London, England)
- Broadcast: Paramount+, ViX Premium Deportes 2, ViX
- Weather: 54°F, light rain
- Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany)