PSV resumes the UEFA Champions League next Wednesday with an away match against Newcastle United. It is only the fifth time in club history that the two teams have met in an official context. The most recent encounter was 22 years ago, when PSV and Newcastle United met in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Cup.
PSV has played four official duels against Newcastle United to date. The first meetings took place in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League in the 1997-1998 season. On Oct. 22, 1997, PSV won 1-0 at the Philips Stadium, followed two weeks later, on Nov. 5, by another win in England (0-2). Despite this double victory, the European adventure that season ended in the group stage. With nine points from six matches, PSV finished second in Group C, behind Dynamo Kiev, which at the time was insufficient to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Several years later, the two teams faced each other again, this time in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Cup, the current Europa League. On April 8, 2004, the game ended 1-1 in Eindhoven. A week later, Newcastle United drew 2-1 at St. James' Park, eliminating PSV. Newcastle then foundered in the semifinals against Olympique Marseille.
Results
Newcastle United currently occupies twelfth place in the UCL rankings with ten points. The team won three matches: against Union Saint-Gilles (0-4), Benfica (3-0) and Athletic Club Bilbao (2-0). It lost to FC Barcelona (1-2) and Olympique Marseille (2-1), while the game with Bayer Leverkusen ended in 2-2.
In the Premier League, Newcastle United is ranked eighth. Of the 22 league games, nine were won, six drawn and seven lost. Eddie Howe's team is especially strong at home: seven of the eleven home games were won, two drawn and two lost. Bruno Guimarães and Nick Woltemade have been important offensive forces this season. Guimarães already accounted for eight goals, Woltemade for seven.
Most Valuable Players
On the PSV side, several players are also decisive in attacking terms. Ivan Perišić notched five goals and eight assists this season. Joey Veerman accounted for eight goals and nine assists, while Guus Til is PSV's most prolific player with 14 goals and four assists. Mauro Júnior scored once, but already delivered nine assists. Ricardo Pepi came to eleven goals and two assists, Ismael Saibari to eleven goals and four assists. Finally, Dennis Man accounted for six goals and six assists.