When PSV steps onto the field in Rostov-on-Don on Wednesday night, the players will encounter a very different team than, say, Atlético Madrid or FC Bayern Munich. At the other two participants in the group, each of the 11 players is a world star. At FC Rostov, an eleven are virtually unknowns at the kickoff.
Great unknown
Terentjev, Dhzanaev, Mevlya, Gatcan. They are not exactly the most famous footballers in the world, but they did beat Ajax by large numbers in the final preliminary round of the UEFA Champions League. FC Rostov is a team that builds its attacks on the flanks, among other things. Timofei Kalashev in particular is an important pivot in this. The right-back actually covers the entire right flank and his crosses often fall exactly where they should. Kalashev pumps the ball into the sixteen meters and from there the big strong men have to fight until the ball lands behind the goalkeeper.
5-3-2?
Serdar Azmoun is a headstrong, technically gifted striker who should promote crosses into goals. Last year he became the club's top scorer with nine goals. He is often supported by the very strong and tall midfielder Aleksandar Yerokhin. It is a tactic that matches players' talents and one that fits the 5-3-2 system the Russians used against Ajax and FC Bayern Munich. Moreover, it is a tactic that Ajax did not know how to deal with.
Milestones
It will be the first ever home match in the UEFA Champions League group stage in Rostov-on-Don. FC Rostov's fanatical supporters already see their players as heroes for managing to reach the group stage. After a fantastic 2015-2016 season and successful preliminary rounds, Rostov now wants to shine on the highest stage. The first Rostov goal ever in the Champions League has not yet been scored against FC Bayern Munich, nor has the first point. FC Rostov's players will be eager to achieve those two milestones in front of their own crowd, against PSV.