PSV Eindhoven will host Benfica at the Philips Stadion for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League playoffs on Wednesday, 25 August 2021 at 02.00 CEST.
As is well known, Benfica won 2-1 in the 1st leg in Portugal. They will clearly be determined to continue the momentum while ensuring a place in the group stages of the Champions League.
Despite losing, PSV Eindhoven's chance to qualify for the Champions League group stage has not been completely closed. Because of that, they must win in order to catch up or even outperform the aggregate goals.
Head coach Roger Schmidt will be hoping his side can build on that performance as they face a tough test to overturn a one-goal deficit against a solid Benfica side on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Benfica head into this match with a 2-0 win over Gil Vicente in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
After a smooth first half, Benfica upped the ante in the second half and were rewarded with goals from Lucas Veríssimo and Alejandro Grimaldo.
Benfica have now won each of their last six matches in all competitions and are unbeaten in their last 10.
They will now aim to keep hope in the air as they aim for a place in the Champions League group stages.
Head-To-Head
This will be the fifth meeting between the two sides. Benfica have a slight advantage, claiming two wins from their previous four encounters. PSV has won one, while the draw was once.
PSV Performance (all competitions): W-W-W-L-W
Benfica Performance (all competitions): W-W-W-W-W
Team News
PSV Eindhoven as host will not be strengthened by the services of Richard Ledezma, who must be absent due to knee problems.
Injury: Richard Ledezma
Ban on play: None
On the visitors side, the Eagles will be without Darwin Nunez, Haris Seferovic, Ferro and Jan Vertonghen, who have been ruled out through injury.
Injuries: Darwin Nunez, Haris Seferovic, Ferro, Jan Vertonghen
Ban on play: None
Predicted line-up
PSV Eindhoven (4-3-3): Yvon Mvogo; Philipp Max, Olivier Boscagli, Andre Ramalho, Jordan Teze; Davy Propper, Mario Gotze, Ibrahim Sangare; Cody Gakpo, Eran Zahavi, Nony Madueke
Benfica (3-4-3): Odisseas Vlachodimos; Nicolas Otamendi, Morato, Lucas Verissimo; Gil Dias, Soualiho Meite, Pizzi, Gilberto; Roman YaremchukEverton Gian-Luca Waldschmidt
Score prediction
Benfica will head into the game full of confidence after securing an impressive 2-1 win in the first leg. While PSV Eindhoven as the host is expected to give fierce resistance.
However, a draw is predicted to happen. Prediction: PSV 1-1 Benfica.