PSV Eindhoven will host Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk on November 27, 2024, at the iconic Philips Stadion in Eindhoven, Netherlands. This UEFA Champions League fixture promises to be an exciting contest as both sides will look to boost their standings on the league table of the elite European competition.
While PSV has been quite dominant in their domestic league, their European sojourn has been quite different and has faced some challenges. Shakhtar, on the other hand, though they are representing Ukraine with pride, is also struggling in the UEFA Champions League table and is 28th with 4 points. The Ukrainian side is not doing badly in its domestic league and is third with 23 points. Their Dutch counterparts are flying high in the Eredivisie and are top with 30 points.
PSV have enjoyed a fantastic start to their domestic campaign, sitting comfortably at the top of the Eredivisie table with a string of commanding victories. Managed by Peter Bosz, the Dutch side has shown some excellence in attack, particularly through their main forwards Johan Bakayoko, Noa Lang, and Luuk de Jong.
In Europe, however, PSV has had a rough start. As of now, they are 24th on the Champions League standings with 5 points. Their last Champions League match saw them crush Spanish La Liga outfit, Girona in their match day 4 encounter that saw the likes of Flamingo, Tilman, Bakayoko, and an own goal from Krejci all score to give the Dutch outfit their first win in the competition.
Shakhtar is currently walking on thin ice in the UEFA Champions League, though they won their last encounter 2-1 against Young boys keeping their qualification hopes alive. They have shown quite some resilience despite dealing with the challenges of playing away from their home ground due to ongoing geopolitical issues, the match against Young Boys was played in the Veltins Arena in Germany.
Domestically, Shakhtar is battling fiercely in the Ukrainian Premier League, even as they are currently placed in third position with 23 points and are six points off the pace of leaders, Dynamo Kyiv. They defeated Young Boys last time out through goals from Zubkov and Sudakov.
This season, PSV has excelled at the Philips Stadion, turning it into a fortress. With a passionate fanbase behind them, they will look to leverage their home advantage. Key players like Noa Lang, known for his electric pace, and Luuk de Jong, a former Barcelona striker and a proven goalscorer, will be pivotal in breaking down Shakhtar’s defence.
Their head coach Peter Bosz attacking philosophy has often exposed PSV’s backline, especially against counter-attacking teams. This vulnerability will also be a concern as Shakhtar boast quick wingers capable of exploiting spaces.
Regardless of their vulnerability, PSV tickets will be among the most demanded in the Europa League, as fans always want to watch good attacking football.
He made comments that hinted at his side’s backline being occasionally exposed due to their attacking style of play.
Speaking in a press conference, he said:
“In the first half, we mixed up too much. That was because they were pulling players out of position. But after some adjustments at halftime, we actually played a very good game.”
“Beforehand I said that I want to see a team that shows guts. A team that dares to press, no matter how well they can play football. That is exactly what they did.”
For Shakhtar, every Champions League game is an opportunity to showcase their strength and resilience. Despite their numerous challenges at home, they have managed to put in brave performances but unfortunately for them, this has not translated into a good position for them on the Champions League table.
Their head coach, Marino Pusic has managed to get the best out of his team, but they have been a mess in terms of results. Shakhtar have struggled to finish chances in crucial games, something they will need to improve to be able to defeat PSV. Their manager knows that there is still room for improvement even with their last win.
Here are his last comments after the Young boys game:
“Yes, we never change our style. Of course, there are always certain details during the game when we adapt to certain circumstances or situations, but that’s how we play. As I said, this is our problem – we make the game interesting until the very end without realising our good moments, but we create them and that is important.
“In many moments we come out and show quality football. I also enjoyed the game from the side, except for the last five minutes, but it was very interesting because the opponent has a lot of physical power, plays very vertically and tries to catch us with chaotic goals.”
This will be the first ever meeting between PSV and Shakhtar in any European competition or even in any competition for that matter.
Match Tickets
The match kicks off at 21:00 GMT on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the Philips Stadion in Eindhoven. The stadium boasts a capacity of 35,000 and is expected to be filled with vocal home supporters.
Getting PSV vs Shakhtar Donetsk tickets could be quite difficult given the standard of this game. Hence, you are advised to search ticket reselling sites should they be expectedly sold out on each club’s channels.
Team news
Line-ups
PSV Eindhoven
PSV has a robust squad with quality options to choose from. Here is their expected line up.
PSV XI: Benítez; Ramalho, Karsdrop, Flamingo, Boscangli; Dams, Junior, Bakayoko; Lang, De Jong, Tilman
Shakhtar Donetsk
Shakhtar also has a fairly balanced squad, with a blend of youth and experience.
Shakhtar Donetsk XI: Rizynk; Konoplya, Bondar, Matyviyenko, Pedrinho; Kryskiv, Bondarenko, Sudakov; Zubkov, Kevin, Eguinaldo.
Prediction
PSV’s home form and attacking prowess and quality of players make them slight favourites in this encounter. Shakhtar may need to be more solid defensively and be more counter-attacking in their approach in order to cause problems for their hosts, but the Dutch side’s experience and quality in front of goal may prove decisive.
Expect a closely fought contest, but PSV’s firepower should give them the edge.
PSV Eindhoven 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk