FC Bayern secured their place in the UEFA Champions League last 16 for the 11th year in a row with a convincing 5-1 win over Benfica on Matchday 5. All that's left to decide in their final group game on Wednesday evening (kick-off 21.00 CET) is who finishes top of Group E: Bayern or hosts Ajax, who have qualified for the knockout phase of Europe's premier club competition for the first time in 13 years. fcbayern.com builds up to the showdown with some more facts and stats.
Two unbeaten records - which will prevail?
The situation is simple: Ajax need a win to claim top spot, while a draw will be enough for Bayern. The Dutch side will take confidence from the fact they've won all five of their European home games this season including qualifiers, scoring 12 goals and conceding just one. On the other hand, the record German champions are unbeaten in seven away games in the Champions League (six wins, one draw). Which run will remain intact on Wednesday night?
Battle of two top defences
Having each conceded just two goals, Ajax and Bayern are among the best defences in this season's Champions League. Only Juventus, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United have let in so few goals after the first five Matchdays. Bayern have one player in particular who'll be looking to breach the Ajax stronghold: Robert Lewandowski is tied with Lionel Messi as the top scorer in the competition with six goals. Apart from the reverse fixture against the Amsterdam outfit, he's scored in every game this season - even netting a brace in the last two.
Bayern on course for record haul
Bayern continue to flourish in Europe! Niko Kovac's men have taken 13 points from a possible 15 in the Champions League this season, more than they have managed during the same period in each of the last four years. Wednesday's match in Amsterdam is the 150th Champions League group fixture in the club's history and a win would see them set a new record, as 16 points would equal the club's best ever showing in the group stage.
Turpin in charge
The referee for this evening's match is Clement Turpin. The Frenchman has had one previous dealing with Bayern in the Champions League, when a free-kick from Robert Lewandowski earned Bayern a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in their final group game of the 2016/17 campaign. The 36-year-old will be assisted by compatriots Nicolas Danos and Cyril Gringore along with Nicolas Rainville and Karim Abed. Bertrand Jouannaud is the fourth official.
Topics of this article