Ajax and Olympiacos meet on the final night of the UEFA Champions League league phase with knockout football on the line. Ajax sit 32nd on six points and need a big result to keep their campaign alive. Olympiacos arrive 24th with eight points, clinging to the last play-off spot and knowing one swing result can end their run. With all Matchday 8 games kicking off together, the drama will unfold in real time at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
Match Preview
This is a high-stakes Round 8 showdown in the new Champions League league-phase format: 36 teams in one table, eight matches each, and only the top 24 survive into the knockouts. Ajax start the night 32nd (6 points, 2W-0D-5L, -12 goal difference). Olympiacos hold 24th (8 points, 2W-2D-3L, -5), the final qualification place for the play-off round.
Ajax’s form has finally shown signs of life. They won their last two league-phase matches, beating Qarabağ 3-2 away and Villarreal 2-1 away, their first back-to-back Champions League wins since 2021-22. The problem is the bigger body of work: Ajax have conceded first in all seven league-phase matches and have shipped 19 goals already, one of the worst defensive records in the competition.
The Johan Cruijff ArenA should be an advantage, but results at home in Europe have been brutal. Ajax have lost their last four home European matches, including all three home league-phase games by 2-0 or 3-0 scorelines. They also arrive with key absences: Steven Berghuis remains injured, and James McConnell will not feature after being recalled from his loan. Wout Weghorst has returned recently and saw minutes in domestic action, but his match sharpness is still a question.
Olympiacos travel with momentum of their own. They won Matchday 6 away at Kairat Almaty (1-0) and followed it by beating Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 at home. Their attack has a clear focal point in Mehdi Taremi (2 goals, 2 assists in the league phase), with Ayoub El Kaabi also on two goals. The Greek side also chase a rare achievement: back-to-back away wins in the Champions League, something they have only done once before (2015-16).
History adds extra bite. These clubs have met six times in Europe, with two wins each. Ajax’s home record in the matchup is strong (two wins and a draw), and Olympiacos have never won in the Netherlands (two draws, four defeats). This is their first meeting since 1999, and with Olympiacos defending the cut line and Ajax fighting from deep in the table, it is a true final-day pressure test.
Where to watch – Global Guide
Kick-off is 21:00 CET on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA (Amsterdam). UK viewers can watch on TNT Sports and stream on discovery+. In the USA, watch on Paramount+ (with TUDN and DAZN also listed). In Australia, Stan Sport carries the match.
| Country | broadcaster | Kick-off Time (Local) |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | Sky Austria, Canal+ | 21:00 |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | DPG Media, RTL Belgium, Proximus | 21:00 |
| 🇩🇰 Denmark | Viaplay | 21:00 |
| 🇫🇷 France | Canal+, M6 | 21:00 |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | DAZN, ZDF | 21:00 |
| 🇮🇱 Israel | The Sports Channel | 22:00 |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | Sky | 21:00 |
| 🇲🇩 Moldova | Setanta, Jurnal TV | 22:00 |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | Ziggo Sport | 21:00 |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | Canal+ | 21:00 |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | Sport TV | 20:00 |
| 🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland | RTE, Saran Media | 20:00 |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | Telefonica, RTVE | 21:00 |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | SRG | 21:00 |
| 🇹🇷 Türkiye | TRT | 23:00 |
| 🇺🇦 Ukraine | Megogo | 22:00 |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | TNT Sports, discovery+, Prime Video | 20:00 |
| 🇲🇦 Middle East/North Africa | beIN | 23:00 |
| 🇿🇦 Sub-Saharan Africa | SuperSport, Canal+ | 22:00 |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | TNT Sports, SBT, Max Brazil | 17:00 |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | DAZN | 15:00 |
| 🇨🇷 Central America | ESPN | 14:00 |
| 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic | Televideo | 15:00 |
| 🇭🇹 Haiti | Canal+ | 15:00 |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | Max, Caliente TV | 14:00 |
| 🇦🇷 South America (excluding Brazil) | ESPN | 17:00 |
| 🇺🇸 United States of America | Paramount+, TUDN, DAZN | ET 15:00 / PT 12:00 |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | Stan Sport | Sydney 06:00 (Thu) |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | Sony, TAPMAD | 01:00 (Thu) |
| 🇨🇳 PR China | iQIYI | 04:00 (Thu) |
| 🇭🇰 Hong Kong SAR | beIN | 04:00 (Thu) |
| 🇮🇳 Indian Sub-Continent | Sony | India 01:30 (Thu) |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | beIN | 03:00 (Thu) |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | WOWOW | Japan 05:00 (Thu) |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | DAZN | 08:00 (Thu) |
| 🇵🇰 Pakistan | Sony, TAPMAD | 00:30 (Thu) |
| 🇵🇭 Philippines | beIN | 04:00 (Thu) |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | beIN | 04:00 (Thu) |
| 🇹🇼 Taiwan/Chinese Tapei | Elta | 04:00 (Thu) |
| 🇹🇭 Thailand | beIN | 03:00 (Thu) |
How to watch anywhere with VPN
A VPN can help you access your usual streaming subscription when you travel, since Champions League coverage is geo-restricted by country. First, install a reputable VPN on your device (mobile, desktop, or Smart TV). Second, connect to a server in the country where your streaming service is available (for example, the UK). Third, open the broadcaster’s app or website and log in as normal. Streaming platforms can block VPN traffic, and using a VPN may breach a service’s terms, so check the rules before you stream.
How to watch at Sportsbooks
Some sportsbooks show live football streams, including Champions League fixtures, for users who meet account requirements. The usual rules are simple: create an account, complete verification, and fund your balance. Open the match page and look for a live stream or “Play” icon near the event. Some operators require an active bet on the match or a minimum balance to unlock video. Availability depends on your country and local betting regulations.
Ajax need a statement win, Olympiacos need to protect their place above the cut line, and every other result in the league phase will move the target. Don’t miss the action at 21:00 CET, and always double-check your local listings for the correct channel.