The hallowed turf of Philips Stadion in Eindhoven is set to host a captivating UEFA Champions League encounter on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, as Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven welcome Belgian titleholders Union Saint-Gilloise. This clash marks the beginning of a new European campaign for both sides, laden with ambition and the weight of recent domestic success. PSV, the reigning Eredivisie champions, will be looking to build on last season’s run to the Champions League Round of 16, aiming for an even deeper foray into Europe’s premier club competition. Across the border, Union Saint-Gilloise arrives in the Netherlands making history, embarking on their inaugural Champions League proper journey after a remarkable domestic season that saw them lift the Belgian title for the first time in nearly a century. Can PSV’s attacking verve overcome the spirited Belgian debutants, or will Union SG pull off an early upset on their grand European stage?
Head-to-Head
While this promises to be a fresh chapter in their European aspirations, competitive meetings between PSV Eindhoven and Union Saint-Gilloise are sparse. The upcoming fixture is indeed considered the first-ever competitive clash between the two clubs in the UEFA Champions League.
- Total competitive matches played: 1 (as of a general reference to games played since 2025, though other sources indicate this is the first UCL meeting and a friendly was the only prior encounter)
- PSV Eindhoven wins: 1 (based on the single competitive match reference, or 1 friendly win)
- Union Saint-Gilloise wins: 0
- Draws: 0
Their only other known encounter was a pre-season friendly in July, where PSV Eindhoven secured a narrow 1-0 victory.
Current Form & Team News
PSV Eindhoven
PSV Eindhoven enters this Champions League fixture in formidable domestic form, having commenced their Eredivisie campaign with a strong showing. Their last five matches have seen them register four wins and one loss.
- Last 5 Matches (W-D-L): W-L-W-W-W
- Recent Results:
- September 13, 2025: NEC Nijmegen 3-5 PSV Eindhoven (W)
- August 30, 2025: PSV Eindhoven L vs SC Telstar (L)
- August 23, 2025: PSV Eindhoven 4-2 Groningen (W)
- August 17, 2025: PSV Eindhoven W vs FC Twente Enschede (W – inferred from overall form)
- August 09, 2025: PSV Eindhoven 6-1 Sparta Rotterdam (W)
Team News (PSV Eindhoven):
Manager Peter Bosz will be without a couple of key players. Winger Alassane Plea and left-back Mauro Júnior are both sidelined with knee and ankle injuries, respectively. There’s also a doubt over defender Armando Obispo, who sustained a head injury in their recent league victory against NEC Nijmegen. On a positive note, striker Ricardo Pepi is in excellent scoring form, having bagged two goals in the 5-3 win over NEC Nijmegen. Ivan Perišić and Joey Veerman are also expected to play crucial roles.
Union Saint-Gilloise
Union Saint-Gilloise arrives in Eindhoven in excellent spirits, having started their Belgian Pro League season with an impressive unbeaten run. Their last five league outings show four wins and a single draw.
- Last 5 Matches (W-D-L): W-W-D-W-W
- Recent Results:
- September 13, 2025: FCV Dender EH 0-1 Union Saint-Gilloise (W)
- August 31, 2025: Union Saint-Gilloise 2-0 Anderlecht (W)
- August 24, 2025: RAAL La Louvière 0-0 Union Saint-Gilloise (D)
- August 16, 2025: Union Saint-Gilloise 3-0 Standard Liège (W)
- August 09, 2025: KAA Gent 2-3 Union Saint-Gilloise (W)
Team News (Union Saint-Gilloise):
Union SG will be without forward Raul Florucz, who is suspended. Additionally, Mohammed Fuseini is out with an ankle injury, and former Southampton attacker Sofiane Boufal remains a doubt due to a hamstring injury. Defender Kamiel Van De Perre and Kevin Mac Allister are also on the injury list. Striker Kevin Rodríguez, who scored a late winner in their last league match, will be looked upon for goals. Promise David, the club’s top scorer in the 2024-25 season, is another key attacking threat.
Tactical Preview
PSV Eindhoven, under Peter Bosz, is known for its attacking, high-pressing football, often lining up in a 4-3-3 formation. With players like Ricardo Pepi leading the line, supported by Ivan Perišić and Ruben van Bommel or Dennis Man on the flanks, their offensive threat is significant. The midfield trio, likely featuring Ismael Saibari, Guus Til, and Joey Veerman or Jerdy Schouten, will be crucial in controlling possession and launching attacks. Their recent 5-3 victory highlights their potent attack but also suggests potential vulnerabilities at the back.
Union Saint-Gilloise, while also capable of attacking flair, may adopt a slightly more cautious approach away from home in their Champions League debut. They are predicted to line up in a 4-3-3 or a flexible 4-4-2. The midfield battle, featuring players like Mathias Rasmussen, Adem Zorgane, and Ousseynou Niang, will be key to disrupting PSV’s rhythm and launching quick counters. Upfront, the partnership of Kevin Rodríguez and Promise David, if deployed together, could pose a threat with their pace and finishing ability. Their recent 1-0 victory against Dender showcases their ability to grind out results, even when not at their most free-flowing.
The match at Philips Stadion, with PSV enjoying home advantage and minimal travel fatigue for Union SG, should provide a level playing field in terms of external conditions. The pitch is expected to be in pristine condition, allowing for free-flowing football. Given PSV’s attacking philosophy and Union SG’s defensive solidity combined with their own attacking threats, the midfield will be a crucial battleground, determining who dictates the tempo and creates more scoring opportunities.
