PSV is preparing for its fourth pool match of the UEFA Champions League season. In it, RC Lens will visit the Philips Stadium for the first time in its history. Here you can read all about the duel with the French team.
The last game between the two teams dates back to Oct. 25. Then Johan Bakayoko shot his team into the lead in the 54th minute. Ten minutes later, Elye Wahi brought RC Lens level.
First time
PSV and the northern French club had never played each other in an official game before this season. In 1977 both teams met in the semi-finals of the friendly tournament in Lille, France. Jan Poortvliet and Harry Lubse crowned themselves goal scorers in a 2-1 victory.
Standings
The draw against 'Les Artésiens' puts PSV in fourth place in Group B with two points. As a result, the home game against RC Lens is an important one to keep the prospect of a ticket to the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League. The club has the same number of points as Sevilla FC (third), but a less good goal difference. England's Arsenal FC can call themselves leaders of the group with six points. RC Lens is second with five points.
French hurdles
PSV has played against a French opponent eighteen times in UEFA Champions League history. Especially in the first decade of this century, for example in the UEFA Champions League campaign of the 2004-2005 season, when PSV reached the semifinals. To get there, PSV had to face a French club twice in the knockout phase. In the eighth final, former head coach Guus Hiddink's formation was too strong for AS Monaco and in the quarterfinal final, Olympique Lyon was defeated after penalty kicks. Brazilian Robert scored the winning penalty at the time.
Luuk on target
If Luuk de Jong manages to find the net twice Wednesday night, he will crown himself the club's all-time leading scorer in the UEFA Champions League. That title is now in the name of Ruud van Nistelrooij (8). Luuk scored his first UEFA Champions League goal against VfL Wolfsburg in the 2015-2016 season. This year, the captain scored in the home game with Sevilla FC.
