[RF-SPORT] Ajax vs Real Madrid preview: Frenkie de Jong fit to start against Santiago Solari's side

[Cazador]

Frenkie de Jong is confirmed fit to play for Ajax against Real Madrid by head coach Eric ten Hag

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.

 

Erik Ten Hag has led Ajax to the last 16 of the Champions League after last reaching the same stage in 2006

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."

 

Marcelo has made 12 appearances out of a possible 23 in La Liga this season

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."

Source: SKYSPORTS