A ‘cruel’ mechanism that of the Champions League preliminary rounds. Yes, because at the end of the day, one between Psv Eindhoven and Monaco will stay out of the cup with big ears and will find themselves directly in the group phase of the Europa League. In the fiery Philips Stadion on Tuesday evening, a big part of the season that has just begun is already at stake: whoever wins will be able to play in the play-offs, the last stage before the group stage. The first leg, in the Principality, ended 1-1: a match in which the two teams essentially cancelled each other out.
The hosts may have produced a little more, but it was the Dutchmen who came close to scoring, Veerman taking the lead at the end of the first half. Disasi’s goal ten minutes from the end then allowed Philippe Clement’s side to level the scoreline, making the return leg even more uncertain, an in-or-out challenge to all intents and purposes now that the away goals rule no longer exists. Both Psv and Monaco made their debuts in their respective leagues last weekend. For Ruud van Nistelrooy’s team, a comfortable 4-1 win over Emmen, in which striker Cody Gakpo, who is sought after by several Premier League teams (Manchester United and Arsenal above all), was literally unleashed. The Monegasques also started off on the right foot, able to take their first three points of the new season (1-2) on the difficult Strasbourg pitch.
Diatta and Diop brought the first smile to Clement’s face, who for the time being has shown that he is not particularly affected by the disposals, including that of Tchouameni, who has moved to Real Madrid. Rather, the Belgian coach will ask his men to be more precise in the finishing phase, given that against both Psv and Strasbourg they were unable to convert the myriad of chances created into goals. Compared to the first leg match, Monaco will finally have two starters Volland and Golovin back.
Ben Yedder ©️Ansafoto
The match between PSV Eindhoven and Monaco, scheduled for Tuesday at 20:30 and valid for the return leg of the third qualifying round of the Champions League, will not be broadcast live on TV or streaming in Italy. No platform, satellite or streaming, has bought the rights to the preliminary round of Europe’s top competition.
The prediction
Psv are slight favourites to qualify because of the home factor, but it will be a hard-fought and balanced match like the one seven days ago. And one in which there should be no shortage of goals, considering the proactive attitude of both teams. It would not be surprising if the challenge is resolved in extra time or on penalties.
PSV Eindhoven-Munich likely line-ups
PSV EINDHOVEN (4-3-3): Benitez; Hoever, Teze, Obispo, Max; Sangaré, Veerman, Til; Bakayoko, De Jong, Gakpo.
MONACO (4-2-3-1): Nubel; Vanderson, Disasi, Maripan, Jakobs; Matazo, Fofana; Diop, Volland, Golovin; Ben Yedder.
