PSV and Granada face each other for the first time in history on Thursday. For the Spanish club, it is the first time they have participated in a European main tournament. PSV regularly fought duels with Spanish teams over the years.
The superpowers
Against both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, PSV competed eight times. Only twice did PSV manage to triumph against the rulers from Spain. Both victories date back to the 1970s. The only win over FC Barcelona is one of stature, though. A 3-0 victory at Philips Stadium in the 1977-1978 season meant PSV reached the final of the UEFA Cup. In this, the club was a size too big for the French SC Bastia, making it the first time in history PSV took a European prize.
Penalty kick drama
The match between PSV and a Spanish team that PSV supporters probably remember is the 2015-2016 Champions League eighth final against Atlético Madrid. After a handsome draw at home, PSV also managed to keep the pot tight in Madrid. Eight penalties were needed for the Spaniards to send PSV home. In total, PSV played six times against Atlético Madrid. Never did PSV win an official game against the Madrilenians.
Besides the aforementioned three Spanish top teams, PSV also performed against Deportivo La Coruña, Sporting Gijón and Valencia CF. The most recent encounter, friendlies aside, was against the club from the orange city. In 2011-2012, PSV and Valencia CF faced each other in the eighth final of the Europa League. Roberto Soldado personally eliminated PSV by scoring twice in the first match. The same Soldado is currently playing for Granada, but will miss Thursday's game due to a positive coronary test.