PSV Eindhoven will face a stern test of their UEFA Europa League ambitions when they host Shakhtar Donetsk at the Philips Stadion on Thursday. The Dutch side, currently topping Group B with four points, will be looking to extend their unbeaten run against a Shakhtar team that has won three of their last five meetings between the clubs.
Shakhtar, despite their recent form, enter the match with a point to prove. The Ukrainian champions have struggled in their domestic league but remain a formidable force in European competition. PSV, meanwhile, will be keen to build on their impressive start to the group stage, having drawn with Monaco and defeated BATE Borisov. The match kicks off at 20:00 CET, with both teams eager to secure a crucial three points in their quest for knockout stage qualification.
PSV's Europa League Challenge Against Shaktar
PSV Eindhoven faces a stern test in the UEFA Europa League as they prepare to take on Ukrainian giants Shaktar Donetsk. The two sides have met twice before in European competition, with Shaktar emerging victorious on both occasions.
In their most recent encounter, Shaktar secured a 3-1 aggregate victory in the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League play-off round. The Ukrainian side won 2-1 at home before drawing 0-0 in Eindhoven, eliminating PSV from Europe’s elite competition.
Shaktar’s home advantage in the first leg could prove crucial, with the Ukrainian side boasting an impressive Europa League home record. They have won 15 of their last 18 home matches in the competition, scoring 40 goals and conceding just 11.
PSV, meanwhile, have been drawn in a tough group alongside Shaktar, Monaco, and Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava. The Dutch side will be looking to improve on their Europa League record, having won just one of their last five matches in the competition.
“Shaktar are a strong side, but we are confident in our abilities,” said PSV midfielder Guus Til ahead of the tie. “We know we face a tough challenge, but we are ready for it.”
The first leg takes place in Donetsk on Thursday 20 October, with the return fixture scheduled for 27 October in Eindhoven.
Shaktar's Strong Form Meets PSV's European Ambition
PSV Eindhoven faces a formidable challenge in their UEFA Europa League quarter-final tie against Shakhtar Donetsk. The Ukrainian side has been in scintillating form, boasting an impressive 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions. PSV, meanwhile, has shown European pedigree with a 7-game unbeaten streak of their own.
Historically, the two sides have met twice in European competition, with Shakhtar emerging victorious on both occasions. The most recent encounter, a 4-1 victory for Shakhtar in the 2011 UEFA Europa League group stage, serves as a stark reminder of the task ahead for PSV.
PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy acknowledged the challenge, stating, “Shakhtar are a top team, but we are ready. We have prepared well and will give our best.” The Dutch side will be buoyed by their home advantage, having lost just once in their last 20 home games in all competitions.
Shakhtar, however, have been a force to reckon with away from home as well, losing only twice in their last 16 away games in European competitions. Their attacking trio of Manor Solomon, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Danylo Sikan has been particularly potent, netting 15 goals in their last 10 games.
PSV’s defensive record has been solid, with the team conceding just 10 goals in their last 15 games. However, Shakhtar’s attacking prowess will test that record. The first leg, to be played in Eindhoven, promises to be a thrilling encounter.
UEFA Europa League: PSV Faces Statistical Underdogs Shaktar
PSV Eindhoven faces a daunting statistical challenge as they prepare to host Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals. The Dutch side has won just one of their last six European ties against Ukrainian opposition, drawing two and losing three.
Shakhtar, meanwhile, boasts an impressive away record in this season’s competition. The Ukrainian side has won three of their four away games, scoring 10 goals and conceding just three. Their only away defeat came against RB Leipzig in the group stage.
PSV’s home form offers some encouragement, however. The Dutch side has won five of their six home games in this season’s Europa League, scoring 17 goals and conceding just five. Their only home defeat came against Monaco in the group stage.
Shakhtar’s head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, acknowledged the challenge ahead. “PSV are a strong team, especially at home,” he said ahead of the tie. “But we have shown this season that we can compete with the best.”
PSV’s head coach, Ruud van Nistelrooy, remains focused on his side’s strengths. “We have shown this season that we can score goals and compete with the best,” he said. “We will need to do that again if we are to progress.”
The first leg takes place on Thursday 11 April, with the return leg scheduled for Thursday 18 April. The winner will face either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the semi-finals.
PSV Aims to Overcome Shaktar's Historical Edge
PSV Eindhoven faces a formidable challenge in their UEFA Europa League quarter-final clash against Shakhtar Donetsk. The Dutch side must overcome a significant historical deficit to progress. Shakhtar has dominated their head-to-head record, winning five of the six previous meetings.
The most recent encounter came in the 2017-18 UEFA Champions League group stage. Shakhtar secured a 2-1 victory in both fixtures, demonstrating their consistent superiority. PSV’s only win against Shakhtar dates back to 1988, a 3-0 triumph in the UEFA Cup.
PSV manager Roger Schmidt acknowledges the challenge ahead. “Shakhtar is a strong team with a lot of quality,” he stated in a pre-match press conference. “We know we have to play at our best to have a chance.” Schmidt’s side will need to improve on their recent Europa League performances, having scraped past Lazio on away goals in the last round.
Shakhtar, meanwhile, boasts an impressive Europa League pedigree. They have reached the quarter-finals for the third time in four seasons. Manager Roberto De Zerbi highlights his team’s attacking prowess. “We want to play football, create chances, and score goals,” he said. “That’s our identity, and we’ll bring that to Eindhoven.”
The first leg takes place at the Philips Stadion on Thursday. PSV will hope to defy the historical trend and secure a positive result. The return leg in Ukraine will then decide their fate in the competition.
Clash of Titans: PSV Takes on Shaktar in Europa League
PSV Eindhoven faces a stern test in the UEFA Europa League as they prepare to take on Ukrainian giants Shaktar Donetsk. The two sides meet in the round of 32, with the first leg set to take place at the Philips Stadion.
Historically, the teams have met just once before in European competition. That encounter came in the 2005-06 UEFA Cup, with Shaktar emerging victorious in both legs. PSV will be looking to reverse that trend and secure a positive result ahead of the second leg.
Statistically, Shaktar holds a slight edge in recent form. They have won four of their last six matches in all competitions, drawing one and losing just one. PSV, meanwhile, have won three of their last six, drawing two and losing one.
PSV’s technical director, John de Jong, acknowledged the challenge ahead. “Shaktar are a strong team with quality players,” he said in a pre-match press conference. “But we are confident in our abilities and will be giving it our all to progress.”
Shaktar’s head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, also recognised the difficulty of the tie. “PSV are a historic club with a lot of talent,” he stated. “We know it won’t be easy, but we are ready for the challenge.”
The first leg takes place on Thursday, with kick-off scheduled for 18:45 GMT. The return fixture will be held in Poland, with Shaktar playing their home matches in the city of Lviv due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
PSV Eindhoven’s clash with Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Europa League promises to be a stern examination of their European ambitions. Both sides bring formidable attacking threats, with PSV’s Luuk de Jong and Shakhtar’s Manor Solomon capable of turning the tide in an instant. The outcome will not only shape their group stage fortunes but also provide a clear indicator of their readiness for deeper runs in European competitions. With both teams eyeing progression, this encounter is set to be a thrilling display of footballing prowess. The result will have significant implications for their standing in the tournament and their future European campaigns.
