PSV will reach the group stage of the Champions League tonight. The trauma suffered against Benfica last season will be finally processed tonight. In a swirling Philips Stadium, the people of Eindhoven will again qualify for the highest level and this is why.
1. Things are rumbling at Rangers FC
Putting one of your most important players on the roster just before the most important game of the season. It happens to trainer Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Rangers FC. On Tuesday it was announced that Alfredo Morelos did not travel to Eindhoven.
The attacker, who has scored more than ten league goals each season, has been sidelined from the squad due to a lack of fitness and poor attitude. Last weekend, the striker was shown red after 13 minutes. Rangers also lost points against low flyer Hibernian (2-2). All in all, a very unfavorable preparation.
2. PSV is equipped
Where the Scots had to work hard last week, PSV was just free. Something that Ruud van Nistelrooij and André Ramalho found very pleasant. “In a normal schedule you hardly have time to really train, now we could give players rest and train,” said the trainer.
“I appreciate what the KNVB has done for us. It is definitely an advantage for us,” said the central defender in turn. If you look at the statistics, you will also see that teams with a longer rest period perform better.
3. PSV has Luuk de Jong
Last year, the Eindhoven club also seemed to be on its way to the group stage of the Champions League. In the home game, opponent Benfica came up with ten men early on, but PSV was unable to score. It lacked a strong striker who could head in long balls.
Such a player is now walking around. No matter how badly PSV play, it can always fall back on the tall striker who was also important against Monaco with a goal and assist.
4. PSV have not yet lost at home in the preliminary round of the Champions League
A remarkable statistic. PSV has never lost in the preliminary rounds of the Champions League in home games.
A side note with this statistic is that the Eindhoven team can also be eliminated tonight with a draw after taking penalties. But trainer Ruud van Nistelrooij said: “We have practiced on penalties, we are prepared for that.”
5. Gakpo gives a parting gift
It seems to be his last game in a PSV shirt for the time being. Cody Gakpo is on the eve of a transfer to Manchester United. He will shine one more time and help his club achieve that Champions League dream.
Anyway, he’s ready. “It’s amazing how calm Cody remains,” said Van NIstelrooij. “He is focused on the game against Rangers.”
Also read: Van Nistelrooij: ‘PSV not a favorite against Rangers’