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3 things to know about PSV before Champions League duel

By James Cormack

EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 16: Ismael Saibari of PSV, Sergino Dest of PSV, Andre Ramalho of PSV, Luuk de Jong of PSV, Johan Bakayoko of PSV, Ibrahim Sangare of PSV, goalkeeper Walter Benítez of PSV, Jerdy Schouten of PSV, Joey Veerman of PSV, Patrick van Aanholt of PSV, Noa Lang of PSV line up for a minute of silence for the disasters in Morocco and Libya during the Dutch Eredivisie match between PSV and NEC at Philips Stadion on September 16, 2023 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Boer van den Boom/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 16: Ismael Saibari of PSV, Sergino Dest of PSV, Andre Ramalho of PSV, Luuk de Jong of PSV, Johan Bakayoko of PSV, Ibrahim Sangare of PSV, goalkeeper Walter Benítez of PSV, Jerdy Schouten of PSV, Joey Veerman of PSV, Patrick van Aanholt of PSV, Noa Lang of PSV line up for a minute of silence for the disasters in Morocco and Libya during the Dutch Eredivisie match between PSV and NEC at Philips Stadion on September 16, 2023 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Boer van den Boom/BSR Agency/Getty Images) /
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PSV faced Tottenham the last time they were in the Champions League. (Photo by Edwin van Zandvoort/Soccrates/Getty Images)
PSV faced Tottenham the last time they were in the Champions League. (Photo by Edwin van Zandvoort/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

3. They’ve struggled in the Champions League since 1988 triumph

Unlike Arsenal, PSV won this competition when it was dressed up as the European Cup in 1988. However, since then, the Dutch side have struggled to make a name for themselves in Europe’s premier club competition.

While they enjoyed some success in the noughties, reaching the semi-finals in 2004/05, they’ve progressed beyond the group stages on just one occasion in their last five entries. During their last UCL campaign, PSV finished bottom of a tough group that also contained Tottenham in 2018/19.

Thus, PSV are also celebrating their return to the competition following a hiatus and Bosz will be hoping that his dynamic outfit will have some joy in a tame Group B and progress into the knockouts for the first time since 2015/16.

Wednesday’s contest won’t define their campaign, but it could set the tone, one way or another. PSV’s last victory away at an English club came in 2008 against Tottenham in the UEFA Cup. Their last Champions League success in England arrived against Leeds in 2002. They’ve historically struggled against English opposition, winning just ten of their 34 meetings.

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