On Tuesday, the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group stage opens with PSV hosting Union at the Philips Stadion in Eindhoven. There are favorable odds for predicting the outcome of this match.
Match Preview
PSV heads into this opener determined to improve after last year’s heavy loss to Arsenal (1-7). The team aims to favorably impress their home crowd. Their history in the Champions League boosts confidence: they have not lost in 11 of their last 12 home matches. Under coach Peter Bosz, PSV has performed strongly at home, scoring in every European game for over three years.
Finding a balance between offense and defense will be crucial. While PSV is skilled at creating scoring opportunities, they often concede goals—letting in one or two in six of their last eight home games. With Plea and Mauro Júnior unavailable, their options are slightly limited, yet they still boast a strong attacking lineup.
Union returns to the Champions League without going through qualification, a notable achievement for the club. However, their experience at this level is low, and their away performance raises concerns. They have won just three of their last eight away games in European competitions and are yet to win in the Champions League.
Despite this, Karel Geraerts’ team has attacking potential. In six of their seven Europa League matches last season, they scored goals, and their disciplined pressing may create chances. However, their defense is shaky, which could be problematic against a strong opponent like PSV.
Probable Lineups
- PSV: Kovář, Dest, Flamingo, Sildillia, Gasiorowski, Schouten, Veerman, Saibari, van Bommel, Til, Perisic
- Union: Scherpen, Leysen, Burgess, Sykes, Ait El Hadj, Khalaili, Zorgane, Rasmussen, Rodriguez, Niang, Akinpelu
Match Facts and Head-to-Head
- PSV has scored in 12 straight home Champions League matches.
- Union has not drawn in their last eight away games in European competitions (four wins, four losses).
- The teams have never faced each other in official matches.
Prediction
PSV is favored not just by reputation but also by their playing style, which is well-suited for home Champions League matches. The Dutch side typically plays high-scoring football and is likely to capitalize on the weaknesses in Union’s defense. While Union can counter, they may struggle to secure a draw.