PSV Eindhoven vs. Juventus | Champions League | Knockout Round Playoffs | Pre Match

Separated by one goal after last week's first leg, familiar rivals PSV Eindhoven and Juventus will reconvene to decide their Champions League playoff on Wednesday. With a slender 2-1 advantage from the first encounter in Turin, Juventus have already bested PSV twice this season, and another win would cement their place in the last 16, continuing their recent resurgence on the European stage.

Despite their best efforts to secure a draw, PSV ultimately fell short in the first leg, succumbing to Juventus for the second time in five months. Ivan Perisic's equalizer, which saw him become the club's oldest scorer in either the Champions League or European Cup, proved insufficient to salvage a point. Instead, Juve substitute Samuel Mbangula delivered the killer blow in the 82nd minute, ensuring the Dutch champions would head into the return fixture needing to overturn a one-goal deficit.

Recent history offers little encouragement for PSV, as they have not won a knockout tie in UEFA's premier club competition since eliminating Arsenal back in 2007. Their struggles in this phase of the tournament are evident, having progressed from just three of eleven previous instances when losing the first leg. However, their home form in Europe has been formidable. They are currently enjoying a 12-game unbeaten run at Philips Stadion, with their last three home matches yielding victories over Girona, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Liverpool.

Under the stewardship of Peter Bosz, PSV have struggled to maintain the momentum that saw them dominate domestically last season. Their recent Eredivisie form has been concerning, with only two wins from their last eight league fixtures—a decline that has allowed bitter rivals Ajax to reclaim top spot. Their most recent outing saw them requiring a stoppage-time strike from Isaac Babadi just to rescue a point against Utrecht. With their worst start to a calendar year since 1980, the urgency to deliver a positive result against Juventus is paramount.

Nonetheless, their remarkable home record instills belief that they can push Juve all the way. Unbeaten at Philips Stadion since November 2022, PSV have not failed to score in a home match in over two years. That attacking prowess could prove decisive as they aim to defy the odds and turn the tie in their favor.

Juventus, meanwhile, enter the fixture with confidence following Weston McKennie’s stunning strike that set them on course for victory last week. However, their record in Champions League away games suggests caution, with their last three matches ending in draws. Another stalemate would be enough to see them through, but they may seek to put the tie beyond doubt early on.

The Italian giants had started their league-phase campaign in dominant fashion, securing a 3-1 home victory over PSV. However, they subsequently struggled, finishing 20th in the group standings—two points and six places behind their Dutch counterparts. Despite this setback, history strongly favors Juve in such situations. They have successfully progressed from their last 20 European Cup or Champions League knockout stage ties when winning the first leg, a remarkable streak dating back to 1979.

Following a turbulent mid-season spell in which they managed just one victory in eight outings, Juventus have recently rediscovered their winning touch. They have now recorded four consecutive victories, signaling a return to form at a crucial moment in the season. Their only Serie A defeat this term came against league leaders Napoli, although their campaign has been characterized by inconsistency, with Thiago Motta’s side drawing 13 league matches so far—effectively squandering 17 points in the process.

Sunday’s Derby d’Italia saw Juventus claim a crucial win over Scudetto holders Inter Milan, with a late strike from Francisco Conceicao sealing a third straight league victory—the first time they have achieved such a run in a year. Should they progress past PSV, they could potentially meet Inter again in the Champions League’s last 16, with Arsenal also among their possible opponents. However, before looking ahead, they must ensure they complete the job in Eindhoven.

PSV will be hampered by significant injury concerns, with Ricardo Pepi ruled out for the remainder of the campaign due to a serious knee injury. Fellow American internationals Sergino Dest and Malik Tillman also remain long-term absentees, further depleting Bosz’s options. Defensively, the situation is equally concerning. Full-backs Rick Karsdorp and Olivier Boscagli are both unlikely to feature, with the latter having been sidelined since sustaining a muscular injury against Liverpool. As a result, the likes of Mauro Junior, Richard Ledezma, and Manchester United loanee Tyrell Malacia will vie for selection, while captain Luuk de Jong will lead the attack.

Juventus, too, have injury headaches to manage. Dusan Vlahovic, their main attacking threat, has fallen out of favor, meaning Randal Kolo Muani is expected to lead the line. The French forward has been in exceptional form, scoring five goals in as many games since arriving on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. Notably, he is the first player this century to net five times in his first three Serie A appearances.

Thiago Motta, never hesitant to make tactical adjustments, may opt for changes despite his side's recent success. Manuel Locatelli, Kenan Yildiz, Lloyd Kelly, and the fit-again Andrea Cambiaso are all pushing for inclusion in the starting lineup. Meanwhile, defensive absences remain a concern, with Bremer, Juan Cabal, and Arkadiusz Milik ruled out for the long term. Additionally, Pierre Kalulu is still unavailable, and Douglas Luiz continues to struggle with a thigh issue.

With both teams harboring aspirations of advancing to the next round, Wednesday’s clash at Philips Stadion promises to be a tense and compelling encounter. Juventus arrive with a slender lead and an impressive knockout-stage record, while PSV boast an enviable home record and the determination to overturn the deficit. While history may favor the Italian giants, PSV’s ability to rise to the occasion on their own turf could yet make this an unforgettable night in Eindhoven.