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Match preview
One of these clubs have played over 450 European matches, featuring in 16 major finals, winning 11 continental or intercontinental titles.
The other made their debut in UEFA competition just last season, with this their first-ever knockout phase tie.
That said, despite being up against far more illustrious opponents, Union Berlin might just come into this clash as favourites.
On Saturday, die Eisernen came from behind to beat RB Leipzig, Janik Haberer with a stunning equaliser, leaving them second in the Bundesliga, a point behind Bayern, having won five in a row.
Union Berlin featured in Europe for the first time last season, eliminated in the Europa Conference League group phase.
This time round, in the Europa League, they actually lost their first two matches 1-0, but bounced back with four consecutive victories by the exact same scoreline.
Thus, this’ll be, by far, the biggest European match of Union’s modest history, so will it be a night to remember?
As for Ajax, this season has certainly not gone to plan so far.
The Eredivisie champions finished third in their Champions League group, twice beating Rangers, but losing all four matches against Napoli and Liverpool, conceding ten times against the Italian league-leaders.
Ajax’s problems though have come domestically, failing to win seven consecutive league games for the first time since 1965.
This saw Alfred Schreuder sacked last month but, since John Heitinga’s appointment, they’ve won all three Eredivisie matches.
As a result, they’re now third, three points below Feyenoord, with the next de Klassieker coming up on 19 March.
In Europe, Ajax have enjoyed memorable runs in recent seasons, notably reaching the 2017 Europa League Final and the Champions League semis two years later.
This year though, the Dutch giants will have to be at their best to avoid falling in the first knockout round.
Will there be a winner in this first leg at Johan Cruijff Arena that’s extremely tough to call?
Ajax team news
Captain Dušan Tadić, the sole survivor from their run to the Champions League semi-finals, will lead the line.
The danger man though could be Mohammed Kudus, who scored four times in the group stages, and netted twice for Ghana at the World Cup.
With Steven Bergwijn injured, Francisco Conceição will complete the attack.
January signing Gerónimo Rulli has established himself as the number one goalkeeper, usurping Remko Pasveer.
Union Berlin team news
Janik Haberer and club captain Christopher Trimmel are both suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
So, club-record January signing from Celtic Josip Juranović will keep his place at right-wing-back.
Another new recruit Aïssa Laïdouni will continue to patrol midfield.
Kevin Behrens and Sheraldo Becker are set to lead the line, chosen over USA international Jordan Pefok.
Ajax vs Union Berlin: Head to head statistics
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