Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong says Champions League opponents Juventus are superior to Real Madrid.

Ajax knocked out Real at the round of 16 stage.

"I rate Juventus a little higher than Real Madrid," De Jong told De Telegraaf.

"Don't get me wrong, Madrid are a top club, but this season their form is somewhat less [than when they won three consecutive Champions Leagues].

"Juventus are one of the favourites for the trophy. I am curious how we will deal with them. It is a great challenge.

"If we reach our normal level, we can also make it difficult for Juventus.

"I hope that Cristiano Ronaldo has recovered from his injury and plays. He's a top player and although the chances of us winning are greater [if Juventus] are without him, I want to play against and beat the best players."