Juventus is gearing up for one of the most significant fixtures of their season as they host PSV Eindhoven at the Allianz Stadium on February 11, 2025. This matchup marks the first leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff, with the victors securing advancement to the Round of 16. With the stakes high and tension mounting, both teams are determined to carve their paths forward.
Under the management of Thiago Motta, Juventus has had its fair share of ups and downs this season. Struggling at the bottom of the Serie A table, they finished the last phase with only 12 points, landing them at 20th place. Despite this, there’s newfound optimism surrounding the club, mainly due to the impressive performances of their winter signing, Randal Kolo Muani, who has scored five goals in just three matches. Juventus aims to leverage this home advantage to secure a solid result before heading to Eindhoven for the return leg.
PSV Eindhoven, on the other hand, managed by Peter Bosz, arrives with mixed feelings from recent domestic performances, ending the last phase of Eredivisie at 14th place with 14 points. Nevertheless, their campaign in the Champions League has shown promise, with notable wins against Stella Rossa and Liverpool, pushing them forward to this playoff stage. The match against Juventus serves not only as another chance for European glory but also as redemption for the club’s recent struggles.
Regarding expected formations, Juventus is set to deploy a 4-2-3-1 lineup, featuring Di Gregorio as the goalkeeper, flanked by Weah, Gatti, Veiga, and Savona on the defense. The midfield will see Locatelli and Douglas Luiz partnering up, supporting forwards Nico Gonzalez, Weston McKennie, and Yildiz, with Kolo Muani leading the attack.
PSV is likely to counter with their own 4-2-3-1 setup, including players with prior experience in Serie A, such as Rick Karsdorp, Ivan Perisic, and Jerdy Schouten. The Dutch side will be relying on their capability to execute quick counterattacks, hoping to capitalize on any gaps left by the Juventus defense.
Historical data favors Juventus slightly, as they emerged victorious with a 3-1 win against PSV during their previous meeting earlier this season. Goals from Yildiz, McKennie, and Gonzalez highlighted their attacking strength, and the team’s confidence has seen a marked improvement following two back-to-back wins against Empoli and Como.
Both coaches have stressed the importance of this playoff match. Thiago Motta remarked, "This is a decisive match for our season. We aim to keep our momentum going and secure our place in the next round." Echoing this sentiment, Peter Bosz added, "We know the importance of this game for the club and our fans. We will give everything to achieve the best result possible." Such declarations set the stage for what promises to be a fierce competitive clash.
Kickoff is slated for 21:00 GMT+1, and the match can be viewed on Sky Sport channels, including Sky Sport Uno, Sky Sport 4K, and through streaming services such as Sky Go and NOW. The anticipation builds as fans from both sides ready themselves for what could be a pivotal moment for their respective seasons.
Juventus’s latest improvements suggest they are finally finding rhythm just as international competitions beckon. Yet the pressure is palpable as they confront one of Europe’s renowned teams and seek to reverse their waning fortunes. With Kolo Muani's formidable form and players willing to put their best foot forward, the Bianconeri aim to turn the tide and secure their place among Europe’s elite.