Benfica is the final hurdle for PSV in the road to the UEFA Champions League group stage. An important step can be taken in Lisbon. A brief preview.
Records
PSV is on a winning streak of five European duels in a row. Only one less than the club's 1977 record. With a win, this series can be matched. For Eran Zahavi, a personal record is possible. Harry Lubse is the PSV player who was the fastest to score ten goals in European matches. He needed thirteen duels to do so. Zahavi stands at nine goals in ten games, hot on the heels of Lubse's record. If the Israeli succeeds, he will be the twelfth PSV player with double figures in Europe.
Shared players
A handful of players have worn both PSV and Benfica shirts. The most recent of these is Kosta Mitroglou, who was rented by PSV in the 2019-2020 season. The Greek played several years earlier in Lisbon. Abel Xavier and Alcides have also played for both teams.
1988
Whoever thinks of the Benfica - PSV match, thinks of the 1988 European Cup I final. In that famous game, after extension and penalty kicks, PSV was crowned the winner of the tournament.
Balance
In total, PSV and Benfica have played each other six times. The results of these matches are in total balance. Twice PSV won, twice Benfica won and twice the points were shared.
PAOK FC
This season Benfica reached the playoffs of the qualifying round. This puts the team one round further in the Champions League than was achieved last season. Then the Portuguese lost to PAOK FC 2-1 in the third qualifying round. PSV practiced against the Greeks in the season preparation and won 1-0.
Unbeaten
PSV has played six games since the start of the football season. Every game was won. Benfica is on four games, with a European double against Spartak Moscow and two league games. The Portuguese also won every encounter so far and each time they scored two goals.
