Kick-off: 18:45 CET
Venue: Philips Stadion, Eindhoven
Competition: UEFA Champions League 2025/26, Matchday 1
Match Context
PSV Eindhoven welcome Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise (USG) in what promises to be a fascinating opening night of the Champions League group stage. PSV, dominant in the Eredivisie last season, are looking to assert themselves as a strong European contender. Meanwhile, USG are making history, returning to the Champions League group stage after ending their 90-year Belgian league title drought (Wikipedia).
Both sides enter this clash with good domestic form: PSV sit near the top of the Eredivisie standings, while Union SG remain unbeaten in the Jupiler Pro League.
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Team News & Predicted Lineups
PSV Eindhoven (4-2-3-1)
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GK: Walter Benítez
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RB: Jordan Teze
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CB: André Ramalho
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CB: Olivier Boscagli
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LB: Sergiño Dest
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CM: Ibrahim Sangaré
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CM: Joey Veerman
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RW: Johan Bakayoko
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AM: Malik Tillman
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LW: Noa Lang
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ST: Luuk de Jong (C)
Key Notes:
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Luuk de Jong remains their target man; his aerial presence is crucial.
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Bakayoko and Lang provide width and direct dribbling threat.
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Midfield creativity flows through Joey Veerman.
Union Saint-Gilloise (3-5-2)
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GK: Anthony Moris
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CB: Christian Burgess
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CB: Kevin Mac Allister
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CB: Ross Sykes
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RWB: Alessio Castro-Montes
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LWB: Loïc Lapoussin
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CM: Charles Vanhoutte
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CM: Cameron Puertas
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CM: Lazare Amani
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ST: Mohamed Amoura
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ST: Gustaf Nilsson
Key Notes:
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Amoura offers pace in behind; Nilsson provides hold-up play.
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Burgess leads their defensive line with experience.
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Wide midfielders push high, making transitions dangerous.
Tactical Analysis
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PSV Approach: Expect PSV to dominate possession, pressing high and using full-backs (Dest & Teze) to overload wide areas. Crosses to Luuk de Jong remain a main attacking weapon.
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USG Approach: Compact 3-5-2 block, breaking quickly via Amoura’s pace. Their wing-backs are crucial in transitioning from defence to attack.
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Key Battle: PSV midfield (Sangaré & Veerman) vs USG trio (Puertas, Amani, Vanhoutte). Whoever controls this zone dictates the tempo.
Key Players to Watch
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PSV: Luuk de Jong — captain, aerial threat, and leader in big matches.
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PSV: Johan Bakayoko — creative winger, linked with top European clubs.
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USG: Mohamed Amoura — Algeria international, dangerous with pace and movement.
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USG: Cameron Puertas — midfield engine, key in transitions.
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