Benfica celebrated their first Champions League victory of the season by defeating Ajax 2-0 at Johan Cruijff Arena. Ajax, still searching for their first win in the competition this season, conceded early when Samuel Dahl scored from a rebound. Vitezslav Jaros had initially saved a header from Richard Rios, but Dahl capitalised on the opportunity with a stunning finish.
Ajax captain Davy Klaassen missed two crucial chances as his team sought an equaliser. His first attempt was saved by Anatoliy Trubin, and his second went wide of the left post from close range. These missed opportunities proved costly when Leandro Barreiro sealed Benfica's victory with a decisive strike in the 90th minute.
In another match, Galatasaray faced an unexpected 1-0
defeat at home against Union Saint-Gilloise. The Turkish team created 1.31 expected goals (xG) from 15 attempts, while USG managed 1.63 xG from 16 shots at RAMS Park. Both teams hit the woodwork in the first half; Gabriel Sara's long-range shot struck the upright, and Ross Sykes' header hit the crossbar.
The decisive moment came in the 57th minute when Promise David scored past Ugurcan Cakir after Adem Zorgane set him up with a pass across the box. This victory marked USG as the first Belgian team to defeat Galatasaray away from home, breaking a streak of three previous draws.
Vitória na #UCL!#AFCASLB pic.twitter.com/6Aj9LVH23Q
— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) November 25, 2025
Mourinho's Dominance Over Ajax
Mourinho has secured more victories over Ajax than any other manager in Champions League history, with seven wins to his name. Only Pep Guardiola against Shakhtar Donetsk and Carlo Ancelotti against Liverpool have more wins against a single opponent in this competition.
The opening goal by Benfica was scored just five minutes and thirty-six seconds into the match, making it the second-fastest goal Ajax has conceded at home in Champions League history. The quickest was Freddie Ljungberg's goal for Arsenal in September 2005, which came after just one minute and nineteen seconds.
